Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Nishaun T. Battle.
Hi Dr. Nishaun T., can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Inglewood, California and also lived in Orange County areas. I attended California State University Fullerton, majoring in Communications and Ethnic Studies. In 2005, I decided to leave Los Angeles for the East Coast, but the Los Angeles will always remain in my heart. Living on the East Coast, I would attend two Historically Black Colleges and Universities; North Carolina Central University and Howard University, for my Masters and Doctorate degrees respectively. During this time, my understanding of injustice, community activism, and self-care began to develop. I began to learn more about how structural injustices harm Black women and other women of color disproportionately. While continuing with my academic research, through several scholarly articles and my most recent published book “Black Girlhood, Punishment, and Resistance: Reimagining Justice for Black Girls in Virginia, I began to notice of pattern of wellness practices by Black women as a means of shaping community justice. I decided to pursue herbalism and began a three years clinical herbalist program to advance my understanding of the ways in which herbs can be used in our daily lives to promote healing and holistic wellness. I then decided to begin my small business, “Lady Rose Specialty Teas” the summer of 2019. With the help of the House of 334, a local, Los Angeles based marketing firm, my vision became a reality. I offer a variety of herbal tea products to empower both women and men in taking charge of their wellness journey. Lady Rose Specialty Teas offers herbal teas for drinking, herbal hair care, yoni steams, and herbal bath teas.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
In the beginning, I started doing local vending shows. I would pay $25-$100 for a table and would sit for 3-4 hours educating potential customers. Most of those days were slow but in fact, I was able to use the data gathered from people who would walk up to my table. But sales were slow and inconsistent in the very beginning.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Full-time, I am Professor, which includes teaching undergraduate and graduate students, service, and research. I own an herbal tea company. My professional career, business, and personal views support social justice. A portion of proceeds from sales go towards non-profit justice-centered organizations that center Black girls and girls of color. Education is promoted by the names of my products reflect characteristics of HBCU culture.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I have tried and continue to use all of my products. I enjoy teaching others about my products, so if you have any questions, please feel free to email me at service@ladyroseteas.com and follow me @ladyrosespecialtyteas on Instagram and Facebook.
Contact Info:
- Email: service@ladyroseteas.com
- Website: www.ladyroseteas.com
- Instagram: www.ladyroseteas.com/ladyrosespecialtyteas
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ladyrosespecialtyteas
Image Credits:
Janae Harrington
