Folami Cary, also known as Mama Folami in her community, found ACHS after searching for a way to pursue formal education to support her ancestral lineage of working with herbal remedies. She was thrilled to find a comprehensive program that provided the well-rounded curriculum she sought.
Once immersed in her studies, she appreciated the support, diversity, and tools she learned within her program. She says, “The instruction ACHS provided was a true asset.” She feels that ACHS has been instrumental in her success in bringing herbal education to her community.
Discovering ACHS: A Fulfilling Educational Experience
Folami began her studies at ACHS with Certificate in Natural Products Manufacturing program and anticipated the Certificate program would focus on how to manufacture products but says that it went beyond that. She learned more about biology and the mechanisms behind herbal studies. She states,“ ACHS expanded my mind and provided resources to support my business.” In addition to her formal education and hands-on learning experience at ACHS, she also enjoyed interacting with the students and teachers. She says that “every teacher I had was a powerhouse. They were knowledgeable and had experience in their craft.” She feels that ACHS addresses the whole person and supports students in improving themselves through education. Folami says her repertoire has advanced on many levels, increasing her knowledge of herbs and aromatherapy. Another positive aspect of her experience at ACHS was that she learned to incorporate holistic daily life changes for herself as well.
Folami encourages prospective students to follow their passion and pursue their education with ACHS. Her advice to someone feeling trepidation about taking their first step is, "Your health is your wealth. Love what you do, and the money will come.”
Empowering the Community: Mentoring and Herbal Education
Folami is the founder of The Precious Jewels Prevention Program, a mentoring program developed to promote self-awareness and empowerment in young ladies residing in inner-city Philadelphia. This impactful work creates solutions to addressing health disparities, educational barriers, and social injustice among African Americans. In addition to Folami's work with Precious Jewels, she also manages an herbal store in her neighborhood’s Container Village, bringing herbal education to her community. She also offers a free “herbal hour” class once a month and a five-week Herbalism 101 class for children. Within her store, she sells herbal products and teaches herbalism classes. She attributes the Certificate in Natural Products Manufacturing program as contributing to her success in making natural products and building a business.
Fostering Healing and Community Support
Driven by her dedication to community well-being, in 2022 and 2023 Folami collaborated on the creation of the Circle Keepers Deck—a conversation deck highlighting the healing plants, people, and places of Philadelphia. This multifaceted project aims to unite individuals, foster support networks, and educate children and young adults about the scientific and healing contributions of their ancestors. The Circle Keepers card deck serves as a practical tool, sparking conversations and inspiring future healing circles, sisterhood, and spiritual growth.
In addition, Folami facilitates sister and healing circles, coming-of-age ceremonies, spiritual baths, and herb walks all through a grant from the PEW Foundation. Her goal is to teach children and young adults about the culture and traditions of their ancestors, who were scientists, healers, and other important community figures.
As Folami continues to blaze a trail of herbal education and community enrichment, we eagerly await the chapters yet to be written, confident that her influence will continue to touch lives and inspire others to embrace the power of herbs.
About ACHS Alumni Folami Cary
Program Complete at ACHS by Folami Cary
Folami Cary’s Areas of Focus
- Founder of The Precious Jewels Prevention Program, a mentoring program developed to promote self-awareness and empowerment in young ladies residing in inner-city Philadelphia.
- Creation of the Circle Keepers Deck—a conversation deck highlighting the healing plants, people, and places of Philadelphia.
- Manages an herbal store bringing herbal education to her community. Offering a free “herbal hour” class once a month and a five-week Herbalism 101 class for children. Also offering additional herbal classes and herbal products
