By: Lyssanoel Frater
Picture a bustling Somali market, fragrant with herbs and alive with stories of ancient remedies. This is where Eleye Abdi’s journey began, a thread of wisdom that would travel through continents and careers to inspire a book and a wellness brand. In a recent interview, the British-Somali tech professional turned author shared their path from Hargeisa’s vibrant streets to becoming a voice for mental health and holistic healing, now based in the US.
A Global Path Began in Somalia
Born in Hargeisa, Somalia, Eleye grew up with modest means. “We had the bare minimum and we were pretty happy with that,” they recall. When job scarcity and security concerns prompted their mother to move to the US, Eleye stayed with their father before joining her in the US. There, they earned degrees in business information systems and business systems integration, launching a tech career that spanned project management and a role at a major tech and retail company, which recently relocated them to the US.
Despite professional success, Eleye’s story took a personal turn, inspiring their latest book and a venture into holistic wellness.
From Burnout to Herbal Healing
Writing has long been Eleye’s outlet, from childhood poetry to professional works on tech and AI. His newest book, however, is his most personal. “This one has my actual me and my name on it,” they say. About a year and a half ago, burnout and severe anxiety led to a diagnosis and prescriptions for medications like Zolpidem and Acetylopram. “At the time, it felt like a challenging experience,” Eleye shares, describing their struggles with these drugs.
Seeking an alternative, Eleye reconnected with their grandmother’s teachings, a Somali market herbalist. “That encouraged me to rediscover herbs, holistic healing, and ancient stories,” they explain. Herbs like ashwagandha and chamomile were helpful in providing some relief, inspiring a book that combines personal anecdotes, scientific research, and practical advice for managing stress, anxiety, and neurodiversity.
A Wellness Brand for Modern Lives
Eleye’s vision extends beyond the page. They’re launching a company offering organic, vegan supplements, powders, infused coffees, and more, designed for busy professionals, parents, and neurodivergent individuals. “Some people don’t have time to create tinctures or teas,” Eleye notes. Unlike mainstream supplements, their products aim to focus on mental clarity and calm, drawing from Ayurvedic and global herbal traditions.
In a world where stress is common, Eleye’s mission is timely, offering tools that may assist with mental health challenges using natural remedies.
Crafting a Story with Care
Eleye’s creative process begins with daily journaling, their thoughts evolving into outlines through research. Stepping outside their tech expertise was a challenge. “I had to consult with doctors, herbalists, and people from cultures in India, China, and Native American communities,” they share. This ensured their book is well-informed and credible, blending personal stories with evidence-based insights.
A Message of Hope
Eleye’s core message is clear: “Everyone could benefit from having a herb in their homes.” From ginger to chamomile, these remedies may offer potential benefits to daily life. For those feeling overwhelmed, Eleye advises starting with a therapist, prioritizing nutrition, exercise, and sleep, and exploring herbal support. Their advice for aspiring writers or entrepreneurs is simple: “Find something you’re passionate about… something that doesn’t feel like a job.”
Building a Community of Wellness
As Eleye prepares to launch their book: “Ancient Herbal Remedies for Stress, Anxiety, and Neurodivergent Balance” and supplement line, early feedback from reviewers has been very positive. Their goal is to foster a community around mental wellness, encouraging open conversations about mental health. To those feeling lost, Eleye offers hope: “Today may have been difficult, but tomorrow could be a much brighter day.”
Eleye Abdi’s work is a call to reconnect with nature and explore ways to embrace mental health. Their book and brand invite us to seek balance and well-being: one herb at a time.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Before starting any wellness program or using any herbal products, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are currently taking medication. The claims made in the article regarding herbs and supplements are based on Eleye Abdi’s personal experiences and research and should not be construed as guaranteed results for all individuals.
