This Florida girl from Ft. Lauderdale is studying Exercise Science with a minor in Health Sciences at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Ymani is a licensed and certified nursing assistant. She is passionate about the youth and aiding them to be the best versions of themselves inside and out as she aspires to become a Pediatric Physical Therapist. In the meantime, Ymani is the owner of, The Wavy Baby, which consists of natural, whole body beauty products. She is a creative who also delves into poetry and custom clothing.
1. What do you think it means to be an It Gal?
Being It Gal means being an inspiration to others, not exactly being who everyone wants to be, but being someone that inspires others to tap into themselves to be the best they can be. Being an It Gal embodies a woman doing whatever she does best while helping others do the same.
2. Tell us about The Wavy Shea Baby and how it began?
The Wavy Shea Baby began about three years ago. When I big chopped, I was confused by all the products that were available to me. I decided to make my own products when my mom sent me a pound of Shea butter as a gift. I started researching ingredients good for kinky coil hair to make my own hair products. My friends admired my curls and asked me to make products for hair and skin as well so that’s how I branched out into whole body beauty and not just hair. A friend of mine gave me the nickname The Wavy Baby so it was simple to re-brand myself and start a business.
3. The main ingredient in many of your products is Shea butter, how does it benefit the hair and beards?
Shea butter is a wonderful moisturizer and has a natural SPF (of 4 but still an SPF nonetheless lol). It plays well with other ingredients. The butter can be melted and whipped to make it soft and airy. It is wonderful for dry skin, hair, and beards.
4. Describe yourself in three words.
Adaptable, determined, and unstoppable (like a wave lol)
5. What do you feel are the advantages of using natural, hand made products over store-bought alternatives?
I feel like society is moving toward eco friendly, natural products recently. It’s always good to know what’s in your products soI feel like that is definitely an advantage of these products. Store bought alternatives can also be good, you just may not know everything that’s in them or some of the ingredients like the preservatives may be harmful.
6. What are your aspirations for The Wavy Shea Baby as a business and brand?
As of now, I want to get an LLC for my company and grow as a business to one day be in stores. I really was inspired by Miele Organics, Frank Body Scrubs, and Beauty Bakerie.
7. Enough about The Wavy Shea Baby, tell us about Ymani the creator and the student? What are her personal dreams and goals?
My personal dream is to become a Pediatric Physical Therapist. I believe kids are our future and I want to have a part in their growth. Whether it be rehabilitating a child who broke an arm or helping a child learn how to live with prosthetics, I really want to help children who are different be able to succeed despite their difference whether it’s big or small.
8. Tell us three things (fun facts) we don't know about you.
I used to live in Jamaica.
I love geology and rock formations.
I thoroughly enjoy spoken word and would like to perform one day.
9. Any message you want to leave for the It Gals out there?
Always take a calculated risk to get what you want in life. Every decision has pros and cons, you just have to decipher the best one for you and go for it.
ok, fire ball round.
Favorite App?
Celebrity Crush?
Kofi Siriboe
Who's someone that inspires you?
My mother most definitely
Something you can't leave home without?
My chapstick
Current Fav Song?
Navajo by Masego
Current Fav beauty brand?
Besides The Wavy Shea Baby, Formula 10.0.06
Your Fav It Gal?
My fav It Gal is Kayla Philips, the owner of Foxie Cosmetics.
Follow Ymani:
Instagram: y_latte & thewavysheababy
Twitter: thewavysheababy
Website: Thewavysheababy.com
Photographer Credits:
@shaylaxshayla
@sunni_kp
@geraldinejeannphoto