Meet Challotine Cius-Bonds | Doctor | Philanthropist | Artist | Author | Selfcare Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Challotine Cius-Bonds and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Challotine, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Freedom! Being an entrepreneur meant that I’m my own boss and can connect with my clients personally, while living my life on my own terms. It allowed me to be my most authentic and productive self. What I do isn’t work, it’s my passion and calling. I wanted to bridge the wellness gap for women of color and culture. The goal is to catch them where the healthcare system failed to give them a lifeline and feed them when knowledge was plenty, but out of reach. It’s my responsibility as a woman of color and culture to look out for my sisters. Too many women are unheard and wounded by simple and preventable issues during and after pregnancy and general care. I wanted to build a business that helped advocate and care for this misrepresented group in a natural, spiritual and caring way. Providing resources, products, books, courses, articles, trinkets and services that give them hope, optimal care and guide to wholeness. I also founded our nonprofit that provides the same services as my company and more, with an emphasis on free all-inclusive postpartum care for women of color.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When I became a doctor, I sought out a new way of thinking about healthcare. Through that journey, I realized that I didn’t need a new way. I needed the traditional, culturally driven, uncomplicated, healthy and spiritual way. Like many other women around the world, I didn’t need to go outside of myself or my traditions to get better healthcare. The things that always worked, were simple, easy and convenient. Culture matters even more, when people are trying to live a more fulfilling and optimal lifestyle. My cultural experiences lead me to create Janou. I represent the women that I want to help. I am a Janou women!

The Janou women is cultured, grounded, curious, smart, open minded, aware, spiritual and conscious. Janou is the brand of the future. The brand of culture and wellness.

Black women are underrepresented and treated unfairly in the modern health system and have a higher mortality rate after childbirth than their counterparts. It’s time to make a change and take care of ourselves. Janou will help women and mothers to advocate and take care of themselves using the traditional, non-invasive preventative regimens and products backed by generational rand inherited ways of living.

At Janou, we do wellness differently. It’s more then just a race, but about the cultures behind the women.

This lifestyle brand will revolutionize the way women of color and culture receive their wellness. Janou is dedicated to connecting individuals, especially women of color and culture, to authentic wellness and self-care. As a black-owned lifestyle brand, we embed love, culture, and purity in every product, offering a gateway to holistic health and well-being. Through curated wellness kits, books, blog content, and handmade apparel, we don’t just provide products – we create a movement. A movement that celebrates diverse backgrounds, values spiritual consciousness, and champions socio-economic upliftment in the community. At Janou, we envision a future where wellness is not just a practice, but a culturally-rich legacy passed down through generations.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I love eating. It’s my favorite pass time and great way to socialize and enjoy my friends and family. My family and I love Eight Sushi on the east side of town, Best sushi ever! The atmosphere is very chill and warm. My favorite dish is the seared scallops and the dynasty roll is legendary. Friends Neighborhood Bar is my go to spot for a quick lunch. Their pimento cheese Fried chicken sandwich is so delectable. I love a good movie, so I would differently hit up a great matinee on the weekend.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My story is nothing without the many women in my family that paved the way for my education and successes in life. I salute the many gardens that shaped me. I am proud of my Haitian roots! The kitchen table was my outlet, the garden was my school and church was my home. Lecol, Legliz, Lakay!(School, Church, Home). These women had wisdom beyond understanding, love like no other. Loyalty was worn like a protective garment, and they had the strength of thousands. Their words echoed in my head when I made tough decisions. I have true reverence and respect for them, their uniforms, their titles and their gifts. No one can replace the love I have for the many matriarchs in my bloodline. I am, because of them. Since they gave me life physically, spiritually and mentally, I give to others with the same passion and kindness. I have been given what money can’t buy, and understand to whom much is given, much is required. So, I give in my way, but with their ideals in mind. They all still pour into me every time I speak to one of them. Thank you to the women I love, cherish and blessed to call family!

Website: www.janounatural.com

Instagram: @janounatural

Youtube: youtube.com/@janounatural

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Image Credits
Blacktie photography