Last year, I was in front of a wall with a large variety of nuts at a downtown Brooklyn Whole Foods with my sister on the verge of a panic attack. The reason for this should-be mundane moment that turned into a spectacle? Ma’a sent us out to get her some cashew nuts, so she can make cashew milk later that day. She sent us out on this mission after sitting with her for hours. What were we doing? Getting a motherly scolding about our bad eating habits and lack of discipline in avoiding yummy decadent cocktails, of course. Life lesson, drink more cashew milk. Who is Ma’a? A cool, alternative, vegan woman who defines #blackgirlmagic. The first wife of the renowned health crusader, Dr. Sebi. The woman who gave Dr. Sebi his name. The woman who formulated the original supplements that are still in circulation today even after Dr. Sebi’s passing in 2016. The one who gave Nick Cannon insight on the life of Dr. Sebi for the new documentary “Strong Enemies”. Why haven’t she’s gotten her own Lifetime Movie? I don’t know! I was blessed to spend time with her and really grasp the moment to soak in every bit of wisdom she had to offer. The most valuable lesson I learned from this woman is preservation and patience. She is uncompromising, intelligent and determined to fulfill her mission of teaching self healing through eating habits and alkaline consumption. This is a woman who’ve been steady for decades. A Haitian American girl living in New York City, fell for a charismatic Honduran boy who she built a legacy with and then took ownership of her own destiny. A woman who was able to stand on her own and prosper. The lesson, know how to stand on your own, always. She now owns “The Fig Tree” in Brooklyn. She maintained her dietary discipline and herbal practices. She consults with numerous individuals who desire her counseling across the country. She don’t seem concerned about competition, but fixed on sustainability. She paces herself knowing when she needs to take time to relax, never rushing when she’s with someone and very attentive. The Fig Tree isn’t just a business to her, but a creed and she is an apostle teaching truths. Passionate with her teachings and dedicated to her lifestyle, Ma’a is a woman who holds her own and is unapologetically assured of herself and her methods. One of the original pioneers dedicated to the wellbeing of the black community during a time when many didn’t care. She expects excellence around her for the sake of longevity and dedicates time to individuals like myself, giving continuous reminders that we need to truly preserve our bodies, minds and spirits. Many don’t know who Ma’a is and if they do she is usually referred to as Dr. Sebi’s first wife, but she is truly mesmerizing and works as if she knows her message is going to live way beyond her lifespan. Shifting the universe at her pace. Plus she looks damn good for her age.