In this episode, I am joined by Yasmeen Jabri, founder of Amfi Botanicals. Yasmeen shares her deeply personal journey, from navigating an identity crisis rooted in her Palestinian-Syrian heritage and upbringing in Lebanon, to her experiences with activism during the Lebanese revolution. She discusses the intergenerational impact of the Nakba on her family, her path to creating a wellness brand that bridges science and holistic practices, and her powerful perspective on why true wellness must be collective, especially in the face of global and personal traumas.
Our conversation explores the complexities of identity, the inherent nature of activism for those from impacted regions, the challenges of witnessing suffering from afar, and the vital importance of community and aligning one's work with deeply held values.
Key Takeaways:
My existence and the existence of many from regions of conflict is inherently political; activism is often a born-into reality rather than a choice.
Living in the diaspora can lead to a profound identity crisis, but also to a powerful journey of reconnecting with one's heritage and roots.
Community and collective action are essential, especially in times of crisis, offering profound humanity and resilience.
Western wellness culture often promotes hyper-individualism, which can feel detached and exclusive; a more authentic wellness is collective, encompassing community care and social justice.
Episode Highlights:
02:00: Yasmeen introduces herself, sharing her Palestinian-Syrian background, growing up in Lebanon, and the feeling of an ongoing identity crisis.
08:00: Yasmeen discusses the initial shame tied to her roots while attending an American school and the subsequent journey of reconnecting with and feeling proud of her Palestinian heritage.
12:00: Yasmeen explains how activism became an integral part of her life in Lebanon, particularly during the revolution, describing it as a role she and others were almost born into.
26:00: Yasmeen speaks about the immense difficulty of witnessing the ongoing genocide in Palestine, the dehumanising responses from some, and the struggle to cope with the apathy of others.
38:00: Yasmeen critiques the individualistic nature of Western wellness, advocating for a collective approach, and details how she is embedding social impact initiatives into her wellness brand, Amfi Botanicals.
About the guest
Yasmeen is the founder of Amphi Botanicals, a wellness brand rooted in the belief that wellness is collective. Drawing on her background in Nutrition (BSc) and a master's in Entrepreneurship from UCL, she created Amphi to offer functional blends that support everyday wellbeing through nature and science. Raised in Lebanon by a Palestinian mother and Syrian father, Yasmeen carries a deep appreciation for community and collective healing, values that shape both her business and her everyday life. Amphi began in Beirut and now operates from Brighton, UK.
Episode Links:
Amfi Botanicals Instagram: @AmfiBotanicals
Yasmeen's Personal Instagram: @n0t.yasmeen
Amfi Botanicals
Yasmeen's Nakba Day Run Fundraiser for Medical Aid for Palestine: Yasmeen is running 107km to raise funds. (Link available via @AmfiBotanicals on Instagram)
Cafe Palestina
Medical Aid for Palestine
Revolt Brighton
Empowering Voices Panel
Instagram: @HigherLove_withMegan
Website: www.higher-love.com
This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk)
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