Behind the Name…

“Being both soft and strong is a combination very few have mastered.”

Honey is a sweet, thick substance made by bees and is so tasty that it is considered the “Nectar of the Gods”. Honey is life-sustaining, never expires, and has antimicrobial properties that can heal wounds and cure disease. Honey medicine teaches us to appreciate the sweetness of life, all while serving as a muse to help us attract and manifest more sweetness into our own lives. Honey has been a staple in both medicine and culinary arts since time began.   

Machetes are broad heavy knives that are considered “The General of All Weapons”. Machetes serve as the ultimate outdoor tool and can aid in survival, as the blade can be used for a myriad of tasks. The machete is so versatile it can be used for both farming and warfare. The machete is undisputedly a deadly weapon and has been the weapon of choice for people the world over. The machete is also known as “A Weapon of the People”, as it has been notoriously used in many uprisings where oppressed people freed themselves from the hands of colonizers. One such significant uprising is the Haitian Revolution, which changed modern history. As such, the machete is revered for its symbolism as much as its multifaceted use.  

Our Universe is made up of dichotomies, dualities, and polarities. When looking to nature, it is apparent that both ends of any spectrum are necessary to sustain life. Much like nature, we as humans thrive when we embrace our fullness without residing too much on one end of the spectrum and avoiding the other. Balance is key. Honey represents the sweet, sensual, life-sustaining end of the spectrum. On the other hand, machetes represent the tough, rugged, life-taking end of the spectrum. Both are sacred. Both are vital. Both are noble.  

We chose Honey and Machetes as the name of our company because of its multifaceted symbolism and deep meaning. Additionally, it directly represents us individually and as a dynamic duo! Jasmyn is omo (a child of) Osun and Shaila is omo Orunmila. Osun is the Mother of all sweetness, and her sweet and powerful waters sustain life. Orunmila aids humanity in achieving balance and harmony in life. So as we honor the duality in nature, we honor the Orisa who represent the forces of nature. The powerful spiritual science of our ancestors is woven throughout our brand. We hope that as you journey to wellness with us, you find rituals, recipes, and plant regimen that resonate with you and lead you to the balance that allows you to flow effortlessly between the Honey and Machetes of life!