Read about the notable entrepreneurial and educational journey of Master of Science in Aromatherapy student Shamoneak Gibson-Thomas. Find out about her business, Krazy Essentials, and how she gives back to her community as a Certified Mindfulness Coach. Learn why she decided to get her master's at ACHS to help further her wellness education.
Path to Aromatherapy at ACHS
Shamoneak is a current student with ACHS and is enrolled in the Master of Science in Aromatherapy program. She also holds a master's degree in Finance. She did not have plans to pursue additional education, especially since she has had successful careers in the higher education and government tech industry. However, her spouse, who was already a student at ACHS, continually encouraged her to pursue her passion by enrolling in an ACHS program. Shamoneak has been thrilled with her decision to enroll. She says ACHS was fuel for her fire and feels if she hadn’t taken the first step at this institution, her goals would not have come to fruition.
The Holistic Health Student Experience
Shamoeak is impressed with ACHS's diverse offerings in complementary and alternative medicine. She shares, “As someone who is passionate about aromas, I am excited to delve deeper into the therapeutic uses of aromatherapy, such as helping those experiencing stress or minor ailments like muscle soreness.” She appreciates the clinical components of essential oils and the focus on the science of plants within her classes.
Her experience at ACHS has been rewarding. Shamoeak advises others who might be interested in pursuing a degree in holistic health that it’s never too late to rediscover yourself. She says, "ACHS is a great choice for those interested in exploring complementary and alternative medicine. With a wide range of programs and courses, students can gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills in various areas of holistic health."
An Entrepreneurial Journey in Wellness
Shamoneak started her entrepreneurial adventure by making lip care products she shared with family and friends. Her products were so well-loved that she was encouraged to transform them into a business. She took this advice and launched “Lip Krazy,” which evolved and grew over time. Shamoneak is now the owner and operator of her self-made business Krazy Essentials. She opened her business in 2017 and has since added many more products. In addition to lip care, she also provides body oils, home fragrances, hair products, and candles. Shamoeak says, “Krazy Essentials aims to provide a holistic experience of self-care and relaxation for all. Through Krazy Essentials' wellness, beauty, and home fragrance products, we aim to promote self-love, self-care, and self-expression.”
Sharing Her Talents Through Community Involvement
Shamoneak loves helping people, and in addition to the education she receives at ACHS, she is also a Certified Mindfulness Coach. She has created mindfulness-related workbooks that are downloadable free of charge. The two workbooks she authored are “Understanding Boundaries” and “Journey to Wellness: A Stress Management Workbook”. You can find her free downloadable workbook at https://ko-fi.com/shamtheecreator. She is passionate about mindfulness and created these resources to support her community.
Shamoneak facilitates the wellness channel within her workplace, which brings mindfulness activities and resources to her colleagues. Her company's director and staff recognized the selfless work that Shamoneak brings to her community and workplace and nominated her for a wellness award for Leader of the Year through the company Headspace.
Aspirations for the Future
Shamoneak is in the process of becoming a Certified Pilates Instructor. She is certified to teach Basic Mat training and is now pursuing her Full Mat Certification, which will include Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced Mat as well using equipment like the Spine Corrector and Magic Circle. As a Pilates enthusiast, Shamoneak notes, “there’s not enough Black Women Pilates Instructors, and we are needed! Representation matters. When people see instructors who look like them, they are more likely to feel welcome and comfortable in the space. By increasing the number of Black instructors, we can create a more inclusive and diverse community of Pilates practitioners.”
Although Shamoeak has already impacted the wellness community before completing her Master of Science in Aromatherapy, she now plans to open wellness spaces that incorporate aromatherapy and flowers. She has many lofty goals, and we cannot wait to see what her future holds! Shamoneak has set up a donation page to help pay for start-up fees for her Pilates and wellness businesses. Donations can be made at https://ko-fi.com/shamtheecreator.
This article is for informational purposes only. Please contact ACHS Admissions at admissions@achs.edu or 800-487-8839 for additional information and to apply for admission. Graduation from any ACHS program does not confer a license to practice medicine. ACHS graduates do not claim to treat, diagnose, cure, or prescribe. Please note that professional success is achieved by a number of factors beyond education and experience, including soft skills, work ethic, integrity, and other skills that may not be developed through education and training alone. Not all graduates will achieve the career outcomes provided as examples in this article and other ACHS marketing materials.
