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: [email protected] 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