We had the good fortune of connecting with Camille Gordon-Fanfair and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Camille, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The brand was created five years ago. Being diagnosed with lupus — I experienced one of the most extreme flare ups in 13 year battle with the autoimmune disease In the midst of that flare-up I recognized the beneficial effects of particular scents in my immediate environment. This inspired the thought: why not create a product in which these scents can be intentionally infused. That initial product was a scented candle which gave me a heightened positive mood, enhanced relaxation and wellness. Subsequently other people, enticed by the aroma of the candles started submitting requests. With the word-of-mouth popularity of the candles gaining lightening momentum, I put more focused attention on developing products for sale. Stepping out of my comfort zone thus giving birth to Essence of ASE! ASE, is a concept of manifesting through intention and voice derived from the Yoruba culture.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Essence of Ase, a brand of therapeutic hand-crafted candles, apothecary items, and other personal upliftment products. Inspired by the Yoruba concept of ASE – the ability to manifest desires through clear intentions and voice – I created the product line as an extension of my work as a healing facilitator. The Essence of ASE brand has over 70 products. As a spiritual teacher, lightworker, Crystal reiki therapist, I have helped hundreds of people heal and transform. But this public mission began as a purposeful journey of one when I sought to control the debilitating flare-ups I has experienced from lupus. I created and self-tested my products and rituals. When I reclaimed my health, I began to teach women how to use crystals, oils, candles, aroma, rituals, and other therapeutics to heal themselves. My crystal reiki practice, located in Brooklyn Commons, offers one-on-one treatments and group services. I hosts reiki healing circles as well as monthly new moon and full moon gatherings. I also hosts ritual parties with crystals, “Do It Yourself” spiritual bath classes, and other workshops designed to teach, share, heal, motivate, and create community.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you are visiting Brooklyn, you definitely need to visit the heart of Brooklyn , BED-STUY (WHERE BIGGIE IS FROM). Bed-Stuy has a vibe of its own. The restaurants, boutiques, the food street everything is different in Bed-stuy. First, I will take you to my safe haven, where I go to relax, unwind , get a massage, just be still. Life wellness center, than we will walk down the block to look a the amazing boutiques, Make Manifest, Botanical life. After some shopping around the corner Rodo a delicious west African grille and cafe. After across to street to Bed Vyne brew, for some Music and Cocktails. The best thing about all the locations they are all Black owned businesses.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Definitely shout out to my husband. He has been my rock through it all.

Website: www.essenceofase.com

Instagram: essenceofase

Twitter: essencease

Facebook: essence of ase candles

Image Credits
Lawrence miner Jr: photographer

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