MY WORK IS SWEET.

NKECHI ANI NNENNA IGWE, FOUNDER AND CEO MAMMITA OF HEALING GROUNDS LLC

But of course, before you hear of my story, you must hear the story of my ancestors. In the Bende community of Southeastern Nigeria, my people have always worked the land, and traded in community. A deep respect for the natural world is embedded in the bones of the igbomen and women. My people say “Onye kwe, chi ya ekwe” or “When a person says yes, God also says yes”. The power of this yes is supported by the land, for we tend to it. Healing Grounds are the fruits of what those who came before me planted. Igbo Kwenu!

WHAT IS HEALING GROUNDS?

HEALING GROUNDS IS AN ACT OF RESISTANCE. I was 18. Healing Grounds began in a dormroom bathtub. After becoming aware of some massive trauma I had experienced, I felt a light go out within me. For months, the only place that felt safe was the bath. Cradled in the warmth of this water, I found rest from the reality I could not acknowledge, and could not speak of. In the candlelight of the bathroom, water spoke to me. She spoke of love that did not cause harm, did not abuse, overtake or belittle. She spoke of love for myself. And a love that would heal not only my own hurts, but the hurts of the women who came before me, and surely the ones who would come after me.

Since then, I have listened to her call. Healing Grounds has become my way of life. It is not a destination, a person, or a distinct end goal, and definitely not just a skincare line— but rather a frame of mind for how I approach life and relationship with others. I welcome you to experience my medicine, and this humble water I have to bring. Allow Ala, Mother Earth to help you heal your relationship with yourself.

Happy healing,

Nkechi

WHY WATER?

Water is the ultimate healer. Water is defined as “a substance composed of the chemical elements hydrogen and oxygen and existing in gaseous, liquid, and solid states. It is one of the most plentiful and essential of compounds. A tasteless and odourless liquid at room temperature, it has the important ability to dissolve many other substances” (Britannica).

Most importantly, we know water is essential to all known forms of life. The seed will not germinate without water, the plant will not grow without water. You may go without food for up to three weeks, but after three days without water, you will perish.

From my journey, I have discovered that true healing is like water. It will flow into your life, it will seep into the tiniest of nooks and crannies to do its work, and dissolve what stands in its way.

If you listen closely, you will hear that water speaks, that water has a consciousness. What does she say to you?