A special Coffee and Conversation to celebrate International Women’s Day Melissia Hill, Founder of Ooshie

So, what are you drinking?

Mimosa. And you can tell people it’s noon, I’m ok with that.  

What is your vision of equality?

Every single person having access to healthy food. Every single person having access to proper healthcare and access to quality education without money being a determinant of who has access to what. In my vision of equality community is most important and all people feel empowered to take action to uplift their own communities. And we have to have systems that support communities so that they can be empowered and that means access the things we all need to live well.

How do you contribute to your vision of equality in your everyday life?

As a Mom, I am teaching my son to be the change I want to see in the world. We take the subway to school and one morning the subway door slammed on my foot, and an older lady helped me pry the doors open. We finally got the doors to release my foot and they shut again super quickly. So quick that I didn’t even realize my son was still on the platform. Again, the lady helped me pry the doors open so my son could get on the train and not be left behind. My son did in fact get on the train and we thanked the lady for her help. We sat down to catch our breath and after about 5 minutes I looked up and realized there were a row of men who had been sitting on the train and watching the incident without offering to assist in any way. I used that moment to teach my son the importance of helping those around you. If you are in a position to help to those around you who are in need, that is what you do. Just sitting back and watching is not an option.

As a designer I use my brand, Ooshie, to tell a story of a woman. As women we are magical, beautiful, smart beings without exception and I use my brand to tell that story through fashion so that anyone wearing one of my dresses feels empowered to be their best.

Even with my family and friends I share the best information I can so they too feel empowered. Everything from good skin care products to healthy recipes, I share it with those around me because I want every single person to win.

Ok so what’s your go-to recipe? Because I want to win in the kitchen.

Raw Tacos. It’s super simple.

Take some almonds or walnuts and soak them in water overnight. Blend them with your spices - I use cumin, coriander and soy sauce. This will be your “taco meat.” Take some avocados to make your guacamole and use a collard green leaf as your shell. That’s it.

Sounds yummy. What should we call these tacos?

I like one minute momma tacos. That works.

Thank you for taking the time.