Not Just A Motha

The Return of the Empress: Reclaiming My Space, My Voice, and My Wellness.**

What’s up, queens, Empresses, and goddesses? It’s your girl, Empress Iman, and don’t hate me, but I know it’s been the longest minute since you heard my voice. But I’m good, I’m back, and I’m ready to jump back in. I’ve been off for quite a while now. I don’t even want to compute how many months it’s been. But I feel the energy, and I realize it’s time to re-engage with my space.

When I first started this journey, I think I set the bar exponentially higher than I should have as a newcomer to the realm of vlogging and content creation. As an educator, I naturally lean towards super-structured approaches. However, I was warned that at the beginning, I really needed to be more free-flowing. So, I’m returning to what was easiest for me: these Empress Monologues. This is where you simply listen to me, if you please, chitchat about what’s on my mind, heart, and soul.

The Seasonal Shift and Personal Cycles

We’ve just jumped into spring, and after all the fluctuations, she’s finally here. As a Cancer, I’m deeply affected by the seasons, in both the best and worst ways. I thrive in spring and summer, maybe even early fall. But the minute that chill sets in, you can count me out. I need to retreat into my shell, hibernate, and that’s just my reality. I don’t know if you’ve ever recognized this about yourself. The cycles of life and how they work for you and against you. But it’s something I’ve only just started to understand. And I took some time to ensure my understanding was rooted in truth, not just in my head. This is why it’s been such a long while.

It’s been since about December of 2025 that I haven’t posted. That’s a long time! Now it’s May, and we’re fully in the swing of spring. The calendar for events has been dropping left and right out here in Brooklyn and the whole Tri-State area. When I say Tri-State, I literally mean New York City, Jersey, and Philly, because I don’t really venture to Connecticut much. But hey, I hear it’s nice. I might try it out if something interesting is happening.

What’s Been Happening: The Good, The Bad, and The Meh

I’m just excited to feel ready to be back and speak. A lot has happened: a lot of good, a lot of absolutely terrible, and a lot of just meh. But today, I wanted to jump on because something has been heavy on my mind: fitness. This is something I really want to transition my focus on for my platform. It’s about fitness, physical, and mental health, and how they’re all connected. Not as an expert, but as a person who’s experiencing it and wants to share my journey, as well as the experiences of other women, other mothers, who have sought strength as their sanctuary.

A New Year, New Habits: My Experiment with Sobriety

When it comes to cannabis, I decided not to partake. I already had a ritual of abstaining in winter because if you experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), as I’ve spoken about before, and you’re also smoking, that’s a double whammy to drag you down into the pits of Hades. I recognized that pattern and decided to disengage.

Now, fast forward to the beginning of spring. Normally, this is when I’d consider picking it up again. But I’m not feeling motivated to do so. I’ve noticed many others in my age bracket are doing the same, saying, “Yeah, I don’t feel like engaging with weed anymore.” There’s talk about “spray weed,” about dispensary products not being what they used to be. Honestly, the dispensary experience just wasn’t the same as, no lie, getting it from the YN’s on the corner. It’s not the same. So, I haven’t really engaged at all. That’s not to say I won’t test the waters, which I have last month, it definitely won’t be dispensary stuff. So, while not a commitment, I’m not really smoking.

Then I realized I hadn’t consumed alcohol at all this whole year, 2026. March, I was in Philly for the DiversiTech conference by Tribaja. I had two drinks. They weren’t strong, but they definitely left me feeling weak. I didn’t get a hangover, but my body felt like, “What did you do to us?” The next day, I was in a trance; I just didn’t feel like myself.

From Realization to Innovation: The Birth of BodTea

And now, I know you’re all wondering, “Where is she going with this?” With that, I ended up creating an app. Yes, you heard that right! An app! Make it make sense, right?

I made this app called BodTea. Heavy on the TEA.

This app was born from a long-standing idea. I’ve been thinking about creating a fitness app for a while. This isn’t my original grand vision, which I’ll still get to eventually, but this is my first one, and it’s built with *you* all in mind: my mamas.

The 90-Day BodTea Challenge: Your Sanctuary in Strength

I started a 90-day challenge. It’s already started, and I feel bad that I’m late in bringing it to you, but here I am! The challenge is designed around two standard workouts: push-ups and marching obliques. It’s a “build your own” challenge, allowing you to customize it to your fitness level.

The two core workouts are:

1. Push-ups: A fundamental strength exercise.

2. Marching Obliques:March, then turn. March, turn. This activates your obliques, helping to sculpt those nice V-lines and hip dips for the summer. It engages your legs and abs, especially when you maintain that mind-muscle connection.

Now, about the alcohol part. That was the other component: no drinking and no smoking at all for the duration of the challenge. Take me as a testament: I did it one time, and my body did not respond well. I didn’t respond well. I feel it’s imperative to remind women that, while this is *your* challenge, and if a glass of wine or your favorite Prosecco is truly your cup of tea, I’m not here to hate on you for it. The challenge is for you, a space to help you hold yourself accountable and build community.

However, I truly feel we should take a break from these habits and explore more natural alternatives. There are fantastic mocktails out there using herbs and fruits that offer medicinal and experiential benefits without the damaging effects. I’ll be doing some research on these and sharing them within the BodTea group.

Personalizing Your Wellness Journey

The challenge also provides a space for you to set your *own* three personal commitments. For example, my commitments are to:

* Make BodTea feel like a true community.

* Dance every day.

* Drink more water.

So, you might be thinking, “Alcohol got you to make an app, girl?” If you know me, you know I love being in tech spaces. It brings me joy, it brings me life. Lately, it’s been so much fun teaching people how to make apps, and how to create automations for their jobs. Learn more over at Iman the Polymath

Looking Ahead: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

There’s so much more I want to share with y’all. But this was one of those car rides from going home to picking up the baby, and I’ve got to go love on her now. I will be back, and I’m really excited.

Again, I’m going to be taking it slow. For now, it will be these voice notes, with articles to follow as a recap. I don’t want to put too much on you all; we all have a lot on our plates.

Join the Community: Let’s Grow Together!

Share, engage! Tell me what you’re up to. I truly want this to be a two-way street, not just a dumping ground. I want this to be a space for growth, bonding, and connection for us women, especially those in our 30s, especially us 90s babies. 35 and up, where you at?

Ready to reclaim your power and join a supportive community focused on wellness? Download the BodTea app today and start your 90-day challenge! Find your strength, find your sanctuary.

I hope you all have a blessed day, and I’ll see you next time. Love you all.

Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.

Wishing you the best day ever! Day Happy Mother’s Day to all!

For moms like me!

I felt like sharing my day. I read an amazing article on Substack.

Cried on the train ands walk to work.

Taught the youth of NYC Math through VR.

Gym for a dope hit!!

Poem On my way Home

Road rage to drop off.

Second job.

3D print for my son

Shower time with mini, so sweet 🥹

Kackle on the phone with bestie till now…

And now it’s bed time.

If you were looking for more… idk what to say. I’m happy I survived to this moment. I’m happy I can feel the sun and see my baby smile. I hope you had a moment to fill your soul.

You deserve it! Share your day with me I’d love to hear. The good and the bad. I’m happy you’re here Empress.

Your blessed beyond measure

Good Friday Empresses, Queens and Goddesses! Oh Happy Day! We made it. Idk about you but to make it to today is truly a blessing because this week almost took me out, but you know how the saying goes.

Almost doesn’t count!

For one, the idea of rest and recovery is really lost in this capitalistic joke of a society. I got home after celebrating Easter with family at 1030pm. For my millennial ass it might as well be 2 in the morning because I still had to lesson plan!!! So I spent the start of the week attempting to chase last week’s version of myself, who didn’t have kids at thee time 🙂‍↕️, but she was taking a nap.

I haven’t shared this yet with you all but I’m doing a 100 day countdown to my birthday with daily exercise habits as well as intentional journaling and Duolingo! Just to make it even more official and real I made an app to record my progress! (If you want the detail just let me know!)

Needless to say… I haven’t made it to the gym this week YET or completed my home exercise habits since Tuesday. I’ve been saying this for a year, and this week proves it, gym is my therapy. Exercise has really become a place to release and reset. Unfortunately I since I didn’t make it yah girl was on the struggle bus.

My goal is always 3 times a week, but between work, afterschool, second job, parenting while single, AND NOW multiple nightmares of martial law and attempted rape brought on by the onslaught of stupid actions by the orange idiot and his trolls… I could only employ basic survival skills. I mean, if we’re gonna be transparent in this sacred space here’s the honest truth. I cried three days this week at work between classes. It took my mom, babies, goddess elixirs/teas, bestie and crying out to spirit to get me to today cause baby!!! The white towel was in hand and my newly toned arms were fully cocked back to toss at any given moment.

Needless to say get your rest and don’t be afraid to demand it. I’m taking tomorrow off but yah know kids are still around, track meets + chores must be done. I will reclaim my time one way or another and I hope your be able to take even an hour this weekend to unplug and get some self care that feels rejuvenating and relaxing. Pray for all so we don’t have to suffer like Gary 🤣

Join in the empress chat and feel free to vent about your week and’s plan your downtime. I highly encourage you to take care of your inner child. Through play or the release of rage it’s all beautiful. I’m always here as an ear for you empress!!! The act of listening is an act of love.

💜💜

Connect with me on IG or Threads!

(Unedited)

Hey Empresses,

Its been so long since I’ve penned you and I just want to say Hey! Im back and better than ever. I also want to say welcome to all to new Goddesses who have joind the community even as I have been in a bit of a hiatus. As we all know 2025 has been one for the books but with all thats happening why should I stop living my best life.

I’ve been sitting with so much gratitude lately, reflecting on where I’ve been and where I’m headed. And as this community grows, it feels right to reintroduce myself and share more of what makes this space so sacred to me—and to you.

I’m Empress Iman: a Black woman from Brooklyn who is also a single mom, a dreamer, a creative, a teacher, a survivor, and a damn Goddess. I say that because, after everything I’ve been through, I’ve realized something important—there’s no blueprint for the life I’m building. And there doesn’t need to be.

I am a healing perfectionist and for a long time, I lost myself in the roles life handed me—mother, wife, teacher, nurturer. Each title came with expectations, some I embraced, and others I let suffocate me. I gave so much of myself that I didn’t even realize I was disappearing. Then life forced me to stop.

Divorce. Motherhood. A pandemic. Anxiety. Depression. All at once, it felt like the ground beneath me had disappeared. In those hardest moments, I realized the truth that brought me here: I am not just a mother—I am everything. And here’s the thing about falling apart—it gives you the chance to rebuild. And rebuild. And rebuild. As many times as I choose to!

Young me thought that when we become adults your identity is established and set in stone. Iman, that is so far from the truth! The math teacher in me knows that there are so many ways to solve an equation and just because you face a challenge or didn’t carry the tens, you can double back look at the bigger picture and course correct as many times as you like.

I’m the laughter and love my kids need. I’m the tears and strength I need to heal. I’m the creative energy that fuels my ideas. I’m the bold moves and quiet reflections that have carried me through. And I am here to remind you that you are all of these things too, and more!

This space, Not Just a Motha, was born from the idea that rediscovery is a life long journey. It’s for all of us Queens—those of us who love our kids, our families, and our dreams but know deep down that we are so much more.

I show up here to share the realness—no filters, no perfection, just me. Whether it’s a moment of joy from the gym, an Empress mantra to keep our crowns straight, or reflections on the hard-earned lessons of life, I’m here to hold space for growth, healing, and thriving.

This journey isn’t just about me, though—it’s about us. Every time I hear from you in the Empress Chat, see you using the mantras, or get a message saying, “You helped me see myself again,” I know this community is magic.

We are not just women. We are not just mothers. We are a complete Empress. And we deserve to live lives that reflect our worth.

So, as we move through seasons of surrender and reflection, I want to leave you with one question:

What are you ready to let go of so you can create space for the magic within you?

Let’s grow together, Empresses. Thank you for being here, for being you, and for reminding me every day that this work matters.

With love, strength, and a little sparkle,

Empress Iman

👑✨

P.S. Empresses unite! Drop me a line in the Empress Chat and tell me what part of yourself you’re rediscovering this season. 💜