Hello, my name is Anänka Shony, Artisan, Mother, Entrepreneur, Activist, Builder, Community Educator & Herbalist.
In all that I do, my aim is always to contribute creative, life infused products and services -in support of the collective Rising Consciousness of the people and the planet.
Health, family, community, humanity, our planet and all the things that work to either build or degrade those systems have always been at the forefront of my thoughts and are woven throughout the fabric of everything I do. Being in touch with the health of things, and the lack thereof -are of great importance to me. Knowing what types of business practices, minds, and hearts I am supporting with my time, efforts, and money are also of deep importance to me. This is one of the many reasons why I will always remain connected to Community and Activism. Combined, they have served as a solid source of real world Higher Education. They have made me accountable to my thoughts and actions. They have forced me to expand myself and grow in ways I never dreamed possible. They have continued to play a major role in grounding me and keeping me current with the real life issues often times tucked away from the eye of the general public.
In crafting my personal business style, my aim has been to be intentional and strategic around building out healthy practices that support the overall well-being of the people and the planet. Now this has not always been easy, profitable, or even attainable. I have not always been successful in my attempts to roll out equitable practices in business, community, and in life in general. I will continue to go back to the drawing board as many times as needed in my efforts to build out green, health oriented business structures. Being that I am a Grassroots Level Entrepreneur with minimal resources and limited capacity, I know that becoming 100% green and equitable will be a process -financially, mentally, and spiritually. I meet that challenge with both mind and heart.
My background
Bodywork
I began my professional journey in Health and Well Being via Clinical Massage Therapy, Acupressure, and Herbalism. I have been doing bodywork for the past 22 years (Studied at the Soma Institute School of Clinical Massage Therapy, completed in 1999). Herbalism was initially introduced to me by grandmother as child which has groomed a life long love natures healing properties. I have also studied with a hand full of West African, South East Asian, and Ayurvedic practitioners from which I have learned a wealth of knowledge and wisdom over the years. I have since began the study and practice of Bio Field (Aura) Tuning through sound vibration as means of healing by way of working with Tuning forks set to the specific harmonics of the human cellular structure. While I do not proclaim myself to be a healer, I am a devout student of the healing arts.
Herbal Teas
In 2017, I founded a small Herbal Tea company called GAIAMAMATRY which later transitioned into ISHONGO EARTHWORK (2020) in my efforts to provide herbal infusions and teas crafted around the many of the aliments plaguing low income communities, and New Afrikan people such as: Asthma, Anxiety, Melancholy, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Energy, Focus, Immune Support, and so forth. In addition to providing teas, my greater aim has been to slowly interrupt the poor diet choices/options and lack of self care often times found in low income and New Afrikan communities (for a myriad of reasons) through providing something simple affordable teas backed with education around health. I have also had the honour of attending the School of Evolutionary Herbalism which has allowed me to expand my knowledge and connect with my inner wisdom around plant brilliance.
Artisan work, Fashion & Design
Creativity has been a beautiful blessing instilled in me by both my mother and my father through different Mediums. I would say they my greatest course of study has been provided by my parents. In that I have been working around, and with various art mediums such as wood carving, illustration, fashion, painting, and general crafts. Through my love of creativity, I have founded a small company by the name of Kre8style in 2008, in my efforts to build a small platform tell sell my creative contributions as well as that of other local artist. In Late 2019, I decided to phase out Kre8style and birth a new company I S H O N G O, a more refined and intentional artisan collective selling hand made products infused with rich cultural history and beauty.
Activism & Education
Activism is a notion that has been deeply instilled in me by grandmother. Her example of care and community has been matched by none, she still continues this example at the age of 92. I have had the privilege to worked with various groups and organizations around Chicago and across the nation, local organizations include: The Chicago Anti-Eviction Campaign, Hood For Humanity, Hemp for Hoods, South and West Coalition for Commerce, Revolutionary Motherhood, Blocks Together, The People’s Education Movement Chicago, Kuumba Lynx, The Chicago Grassroots Curriculum Taskforce, Jericho Movement for Prisoners, Fighting for Our Children (Jeanna Carter). It is important that I work with individuals and efforts that are truly working around the needs of the people and the planet from the ground up and with a solid heart and sound mind. I have found that space in the work of the Chicago Anti-Eviction Campaign (CAEC). I currently work in the capacity of Co-Director where we work to educate and activate awareness around the Human Right to Housing as to how a people can continued to be subjugated by their access (or lack thereof) to land -and therefore a means to stabilize themselves. Many of the issues plaguing our current human condition are based around ones inability to stabilize themselves. Many find themselves in an endless struggle of trying to secure the basic necessity of consistent access to shelter /housing/ home. The work of the Chicago Anti-Eviction Campaign is multifaceted as we are working tirelessly around Education, Policy, Developing Programming and Resources around Family Services, and Economic Development. For more information or to donate resources or funding please visit our site at chicagoantievicition.org or contact me directly.
Entrepreneuralism has been amazing source of education, adventure, and financial sustainability for me. In all its highs and lows, twists and turns, I am grateful for the life it has allowed me. It has enabled me to be an active and present parent. It has also provided me the flexibility and time to work in community with various groups and individuals around matters and concerns I care very deeply about. Currently, my two main business ventures: I S H O N GO, focusing on conscious clothing and hand crafted items, which is currently 80% Green (according to the B Corp Assessment) and my second company Ishongo Earthwork, Teas and Herbal Infusions, is currently 88% green. I am working diligently to be 100% green in business and in life. I hope to one day become a resource to other grassroots level entrepreneurs looking to contribute value both in product and process.
Anänka Shony 