Meet Jasmin-Ayana Moy | Social Entrepreneur & Founder of Moy Bien

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmin-Ayana Moy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmin-Ayana, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Initially, I was struggling with skin and hormonal issues. At first, I was taking prescribed medication to “treat” my conditions but eventually realized that my issues were being exacerbated by the chemical components in the medications I was using. The side effects of the medication led to depression, skin rashes, and irritation, lack of appetite, and more. I wanted to find a way to heal, but I knew it needed to be natural and provide lasting benefits. I started to do more research on holistic healing and found my way to herbal blends. I started to create blends that catered to the specific issues I wanted to target. I began to heal from the inside which later showed on the outside. This experience propelled my thought process to start Moy Bien, a business that focused on being good to yourself through herbal healing and also doing good to others by giving back.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I went to college in hopes of becoming a diplomat or doing something focused on foreign service. I majored in International Relations, Entrepreneurship, and Japanese Language. After college, I wasn’t able to land a job in government or foreign service and ended up applying for jobs in operations and/or program management. I worked for various non-profits as an executive assistant, operations associate, and department coordinator. My experience with working in nonprofit organizations differed from place to place. More often than not, I came across microaggressions and glass ceilings that kept individuals of color from growing and obtaining specific levels of seniorship within the organization. Through my lived experiences, I faced challenges of inequity in the workplace and saw the disadvantages that were placed upon communities of color. I learned that the majority of these inequities were caused by rooted racism and prejudices that had been established in the foundation of the organization’s creation. After 5 years of working in non-profits, I decided to seek out grassroots organizations that were black-owned/founded where I could offer my services.

As a social entrepreneur, I knew that any professional work I did had to be centered around the development of communities of color. With my background in operations, I was able to utilize the skills and experiences I developed to create Moy Bien, a company that focuses on wellness and self-care while also giving back to communities of color through education, resources, and opportunity.

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.
Week In Philly Trip Details

We would start Monday off with an early brunch at Cafe La Maude. After brunch, we’d grab a coffee to go from Honey’s next door and take a drive to the Art Museum to take a walk along the trails behind the museum along Kelly Drive and the Schuylkill River. We’d connect again during that evening for dinner at Jean-Georges Philadelphia to enjoy the skyline views and a great meal.
The following day we’d visit Unbutu Art Gallery in Germantown and enjoy a vegan meal at All the Way Live (only open Tuesday – Saturday). After lunch, we’d head to Manayunk for an evening stroll around the area enjoy some vegan desserts from Crust Vegan Bakery.
Wednesday would be spent on a day trip to Cape May to step out of the city and enjoy the beach.
Thursday we’d have a spa day at Remedy, a black-owned day spa on Girard Ave in North Philly. After the spa, we’d have a late lunch/early dinner at Radiccios, a small locally owned Italian restaurant in Old City.
Friday would be a relaxed day walking around the gallery (center city) and visiting Reading Terminal and other landmarks in downtown Philadelphia.
Saturday would start early with stopping at Bold, a local black-owned coffee shop, and then spending the morning and afternoon volunteering with Urban Creators, a local farm in North Philadelphia that provides fresh produce and resources to communities of color in North Philly. We’d stop at Nourish after volunteering for a late lunch.
Sunday will be spent on Kelly drive for Outside with Friends enjoying live music, food, and good company under the sun.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My community. As a small business owner, my community plays a vital role in the challenges and success of my entrepreneurial journey.

Website: moybien.com

Instagram: moybientea