“There’s no soldiering on in my vocabulary!”

Happy New Year! It’s 2024 and our FIFTIETH guest *runs
around screaming excitedly* is the delightful Vanessa Afful of
Made By Pure Hands Aromatherapy @mbpharomatherapy


Vanessa Afful has had many former lives but found her calling as
an aromatherapist and massage therapist after developing eczema
in her twenties. A lack of natural skincare available to suit her
specific needs led to her starting her own business Made By Pure
Hands Aromatherapy.


Vanessas Ghanaian mother was, unusually, open around her own
menopause, entering this stage of her life surgically after her
hysterectomy at 40 years old, when Vanessa was in her first year
of secondary school. Vanessa speaks frankly about why her
boundaries around self-care is important to her, shares great
advice including a detailed sleep hygiene routine and urges
fellow Black women to learn to put ourselves first in the queue
before offering our care to others. 


Heads up - We had a few gremlin issues so although our audio chat
is as clear as usual, some of the video on YouTube is a tad
sticky. This in no way takes away from Vanessas message or story.
We move!


This episode is now available to watch on YouTube and listen on
iTunes, Spotify, Amazon or wherever you get your listening
pleasure.

If Pauline’s story resonates with you do share this episode with
others who may benefit from her words and advice.


FIFTY EPISODES BABYYYY! Can you believe it?! *grins widely*



Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen or hop over to
Spotify for your audio fix, and recommend to a friend (or three)
who you think would enjoy this episode.


 


CONNECT


Vanessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbpharomatherapy/


Vanessa’s Website: https://www.madebypurehands.com


Karen on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/menopausewhilstblack/


 


Notes:


Yoga Nidra Paula Hines at U Can Yoga.

Paula Hines book Rest + Calm 

Michelle Hart, Hart hypnotherapy. 

Made By Pure Hands - Sweet Dreams roller ball.

Earrings by https://theasmartthenry.co.uk/

N.I.C.E guidelines. Menopause: Diagnosis and
Management  Consultation process ends 5th Jan '24.



Please note:


These episodes are conversations between humans discussing their
own menopause experiences. They are no substitute for advice and
consultation with a qualified health professional. No two
menopause experiences are the same so do remember to do your own
research.


Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen or hop over to
YouTube for your visual fix and recommend to a friend (or three)
you think would enjoy this episode. 


Jiggle your bits to our Spotify Playlist


Email the show: thekarenarthur@mail.com


Like, subscribe, follow and rate Menopause whilst Black
on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.



Karen Arthur is a menopause activist and campaigner and host of
this podcast plus a new bi-weekly weekend radio show
on Golddust radio'Can We Talk'. Listen to the latest episode
on Soundcloud



*We recognise that inclusive language is important in ensuring
that ALL who experience menopause are seen and heard. The term
‘women’ is used whilst mindful of this.


Join our mailing list. 


Team MWB: Producer and Editor: Beyongolia
Productions   Digital design and
communications: Yaa Studio Space