When it comes to walking in your purpose, few people do it with the grace and grounding that Aesha Egbuna does—and it all begins with her roots. As a Ladysmith, crystal curator, homesteader, homeschooler, and event planner, Aesha embodies a holistic lifestyle that’s rich in culture, creativity, and community care. With a deep love for ethically sourced crystals and handmade fine jewelry, she channels ancestral wisdom and personal passion into every piece she crafts. But beyond the gems and metals, Aesha is also sowing seeds of sustainability, education, and empowerment—circulating the Black dollar and inspiring others to bloom where they’re planted.
Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes Aesha unique?
Aesha: What makes me unique is that all roads lead back to my roots. My jewelry and crystals lead back to my childhood. My event planning leads back to my community. My gardening and preserving lead back to my ancestors. These are all of the things that make me who I am.
Fancy: I see that your journey is deeply rooted in culture, love, and artistry. What first inspired you to work with metals and gemstones, and how did you develop your craft as a Ladysmith?
Aesha: I actually started making jewelry because I wanted unique gifts for my wedding party. The lady in the bead store showed me a few things, and I was hooked! After my wedding, I continued to create jewelry with no real plan of what to do with it. A family member helped me realize that other people would be interested, but I still had a busy 9-5, so it was a hobby. Once my husband joined the Navy, I started taking my jewelry seriously. I wanted to have work that I could travel with, and I wanted to be 100% present for my family. From that point forward, I would get a few new tools and learn a few more skills every year, mostly through videos, books, and practice. I absolutely love my work!
Fancy: Since childhood, you’ve been drawn to crystals and have become a trusted source for ethically sourced, high-energy pieces. How do you go about selecting and curating your crystals?
Aesha: I love a good gem show and a mining trip! Over the years, I have met many suppliers, some of whom send me videos and information about the mines. The closer I can get to the community that produces the crystals, the better. I don’t purchase crystals from areas with conflict. My family also enjoys mining. We all know how to cut and polish stones, so we are able to work with the raw gemstones that we find.
Fancy: The pandemic led you to homeschooling and homesteading—two major lifestyle shifts. What was that discovery process like for you, and how has it shaped your perspective on sustainability and community?
Aesha: The pandemic brings such scary and sad memories for many people and some for me as well, but mostly I realized how dependent I was, which led me to learn how capable I am. I literally took my power back. I stopped assigning limitations on myself that had absolutely no validity. I didn’t even know where they came from. I learned that I could find the resources needed to homeschool my children. I teach them, I learn beside them, and I find them places to go and learn more. I also learned that if you just start gardening, you will get better every year. I don’t strive for perfection right away. I just want to start learning. This has shaped my perspective on sustainability and community because the more I learned, the more I wanted to share with my community. All things lead back to my roots, and I love my community deeply. I started a YouTube channel to learn in front of anyone who will take the time to watch. I am also hosting a farmers’ market on April 5, 2025, where I invited amazing Black businesses to come and share their knowledge, healthy habits, handmade goods, and positive energy. I will be selling plants to encourage others to grow food this season!
Fancy: As someone dedicated to circulating the Black dollar and promoting collective sustainability, what advice would you give to Black entrepreneurs looking to build businesses that uplift the community?
Aesha: Always remember your why and be prepared to believe alone at times. Nobody can see your vision like you can. Don’t expect people to shop with you just because you’re Black. Use every opportunity to provide excellent service and products. Learn to take feedback; it helps you grow. Ask for it often and give it thoughtfully.
Fancy: Balancing multiple roles—jewelry designer, homeschooler, homesteader, and event planner—takes passion and organization. How do you stay grounded and aligned with your purpose while managing it all?
Aesha: It all is my purpose! It seems like many things, but for me, they are all connected—like many little roots stabilizing my center. As for organization, I am still working on that, lol! I take a lot of notes, have multiple calendars, and take time for myself when I need it. I make a little progress daily with faith that I am building strong!
Fancy: Where can readers connect with you?
Aesha: You can shop my handmade jewelry on my website: www.Aesha scharmjewelry.com
You can watch me work on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Aesha scharm4596
You can follow my jewelry page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Aesha scharm
You can follow my jewelry page on Instagram: www.instagram.com/theofficialaeshaegbuna
You can follow my gardening page on Instagram: www.instagram.com/peaceplantsandcrystals
You can follow my gardening page on TikTok: @peaceplantsandcrystals
You can grow food with me on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@emekasearthgems3376
You can follow my events on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kulturerichevents
You can follow my events on Instagram: www.instagram.com/kulturrichevents
You can follow my events on TikTok: @kulturerichevents
