We had the good fortune of connecting with Syeeda Gee and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Syeeda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process behind starting my own business is due to many factors. I’ve never had an issue with working for anyone. But I did notice a pattern of me overly indulging in my role without feeling much appreciation. Long story short, one day I decided why build someone else’s when I can build my own while fulfilling my life’s purpose. Because not only was I feeling underappreciated, I felt the need to have more of an impact on everyone I came across with the intention to spread love and be a part of the movement that uplifts and shifts the culture and mindset into a habitually positive manner, so that we can heal ourselves and ultimately heal the world. I also have my own personal morals that I felt as a consumer didn’t connect with many selfcare and wellness brands. Some were not eco-friendly, maybe I didn’t agree with their ingredient choices, or simply just not being satisfied with a product. With all that in mind, I decided to bring Naked SOL Solutions into fruition.
Now the purpose for what Naked SOL Solutions is here to do all plays into my personal life goals and mission, for I am thankful to understand and recognize mine. I’m here in this current time, to connect with people, spread love and knowledge on plants, their medicines, and gifts they provide to this world as well as their impact and importance to us as an earth, world, our home. I feel as though the more we connect with Mother Nature, the more we learn, connect, and accept our true selves and other beings. I was raised by a grandmother of a Gypsy who was very much into plant medicine and healing, completely molding me who I am today. Having such an honor to be raised in such a manner has taught me to not view plants as plants but as beings. Interacting and connecting with them is the true way to unlock their gifts. If we can spread knowledge on integral healing with respect to all, the world can heal and flourish at its greatest potential. I also went to school and got my B.S. in Biology so not only did I get to understand and connect with plants on a spiritual level but also gain knowledge on a scientific aspect. With all that being said and understanding that every single thing that is, is energy, I felt the need to be very intimate and intentional on a brand that represents me and my core values. Closing the gap and expanding the African American Women owned company is also something I choose to be a part of so not only was starting a business a way to expand generational gifts but a way to change societal standards as well as utilize such as a pillar to represent myself as an advocate for all things positive for the entirety because it’s not about me but about the collective.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Naked SOL Solutions is an Intentional Selfcare and Wellness brand that is completely handmade & botanical based. We keep hypoallergenic skin and eco-sustainability within our hearts & minds with much consideration. What makes us unique is that our products are infused with not only love, but crystals, botanical extractions, as well as reiki which ensures the highest of vibrations transferred from us to you. (Reiki, in its simplest form is a healing technique transferring energy to restore physical, spiritual, and emotional balance.) We view plants as sacred, so to show appreciation we use ceremonial practices such as full Moon Rituals to fully connect not only with self but with all that is connected, which is everything, everyone, and all that is in between.
Starting a business was and still is a learning process for me. Not having the knowledge or experience on how to start and run a business is a learning experience but also reveals spots of vulnerability to become the best version of yourself along the process. One observation I noticed was that when things got tuff to uphold a business, many people may have lost faith too soon. Working on tired days, pushing through, and ridding self-doubt was a daily affirmation I had to work on day by day. Recognizing that settings goals and deadlines with a clear vision also motivated and allowed me to move accordingly. Some lessons this journey has taught me were to be more organized, transparent, and honest with myself and the relations I build. I also learned how to be more vocal on what message I want to deliver, while staying true to self. If there’s only one thing I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I’m simply here to spread love and be a vessel of healing, while healing as well, simple as that. Because what else is more powerful and healing then love?
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?
So I was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa, a city obviously known for love, but we also are a city filled with quirkiness and full of hidden gems all throughout. Having a friend in town, I’m definitely taking them out to eat. Being a lover of Food, the spots to come to mind are Oyster House, Positano Coast, Mei Mei, & Charlie was a Sinner. All these restaurants have a great vibe, amazing food, and interesting cocktails. One place everyone must visit when coming to Philly is Graffiti Pier, a hidden pier where only someone that knows someone who knows how to get to it. I love it because you have to walk past a gate, into the woods full of vegetation, then into a path of an old pier that is completely covered in artistic graffiti by local artist. It provides a place for them to express their creative mind but also is a safe haven to watch the sunset along the edge of the pier facing the river. It accumulates all types of energies that people can’t seem to get enough of due to its grounding feeling that it brings. Sitting on a swing while having a Philadelphia’s water ice is a perfect way to chill on a sunny day at the pier. I love being outdoors and taking my friends to Rittenhouse Park downtown, an epic spot to people watch and have stimulating conversation. Another hidden gem is Pennypack Park. I love it because it’s one of the hidden woods where there is a vegetative view 360, without seeing houses and highways and emerses you with solitude and connectivity with nature. I feel as though sacred places like this are necessary to have a place to disconnect from city life and recenter one’s own energy.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I am asked who deserves recognition on the influence of me as well as Naked SOL Solutions, my Grandmother Shirley Ann Diggs always comes to mind. She left this dimension of earth when I was only 13 but her spirit runs all through me. Watching her and her magical ways with plant medicine was something I recognized that wasn’t accepted in the world but also seemed to be this hidden gem of a remedy for many influences. Seeing people come to her and ask for some type of healing and her being of assistance to heal gave me such a feeling of humbleness and gratitude that no other can compare. Always being intrigued by herbal remedies, I found myself innately following her footsteps. She not only represents herself but represented for Mother Nature and all that she creates, therefore this shoutout is not only to her but the universe at its entirety.
Website: www.ShopNakedsol.com
Instagram: @Nakedsol_solutions
Image Credits
Thomas Gee Lakisha Bullock