Life & Work with Tawana Jackson of Durham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tawana Jackson.

Hi Tawana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Ahava means Love in Hebrew, Pronounced Ah-Ha-Vah. Greetings! My name is Tawana Jackson. I’m a native New Yorker originally from Staten Island, NY. I moved to North Carolina almost 23 years ago at 21. I am a wife, mother of four, & active in my community. In my late twenties and early thirties, I started having heavy/irregular menstrual cycles and suffering from bacterial vaginosis. After many trips back and forth to the gym, they discovered that I had uterine fibroids. Since they were small, they didn’t do anything for me; they gave me my BV pills and sent me on my way. This went on for almost 5 years. I was miserable, and if you’ve ever had BV, then you know it smells horrible and can be humiliating in sexual situations. I started reading and researching how to get rid of it for good! I was tired of doctors treating it and not curing it. My V-Steam journey was expensive but so worth it. I decided that I wanted to help others who might be going through the same thing but were too embarrassed to mention it to anyone. I found a Peri-Steam facilitator certification online through Steamy Chick Institute during the Pandemic, and Ahava Steams was born. I am a membership engagement Director for the Durham YMCA. Throughout the pandemic, I used a traditional sauna more but could not stay in for over 10 minutes. I always understood the benefits of sauna usage but couldn’t take advantage of it because it would make me feel like I couldn’t breathe. I started researching infrared saunas in 2020 and made my first purchase in November 2023. Ahava Steams Sauna Studio was created. We offer two services at Ahava Steams: Infrared Sauna Sessions & Peri-Steams, aka Yoni/Vaginal Steams using organic herbs.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I started facilitating vaginal steams, I was extremely nervous and doubted myself initially. I wanted everything to be perfect and to ensure I had all the answers to all the questions and concerns. Hahaha, I’m still learning new things every day about steaming. I knew it worked for me, but how do I convince others that I could also work for them? then I realized I didn’t have to convince anyone., I just needed to be able to provide a virtual consultation for those who were interested but had doubts.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Membership Engagement Director for the Durham YMCA. I specialize in people. I created a program called Welcome Wednesdays. Every Wednesday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Any houseless individual can come to the Downtown location and take a shower. I’ve been told that I have a unique way of meeting people right where they are. I have an inviting spirit. I offer you love and a good laugh with no strings attached and without judgment.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes! Invest in your health! Try creating multiple streams of income in what you love doing! Tell people you love and appreciate them daily.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ahavasteams.com/
• Instagram: Infrared_sauna1111
• Facebook: AhavaSteamsNC