Friend and sometimes helping hand at Osei-Duro, Myisha Battle has alot to teach. We cover some basics here - sex, business and wine.
What is your relationship to Osei-Duro?
I have worked for Osei-Duro as a San Francisco-based assistant during craft fairs and markets here.
What do you do? How did you get started?
I am a certified sex coach! I launched my business, Sex for Life, earlier this year and I am super proud to be a woman of color small business owner in San Francisco. I also have a podcast called Down for Whatever where I talk to folks about their sex lives. My interviews focus on the intersection of sex, gender and race and it’s a project that I love immensely.
What do you love most about your work?
I love helping individuals and couples find ways to be more themselves and be more fulfilled with their sexual relationships. While I work with both male, female and non-binary identified clients, I love working with women because I can identify with the struggle that a lot of women face to be perfect, compliant and receptive. Those expectations can have negative repercussions in our sex lives.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find a lot of inspiration from the bold women in my life. My community is far-flung since I’ve moved around a bit, but the women I have in my life are strong as hell, risk-takers and each has their own unique style. We all support each other and take care of one another when we need that.
What advice do you have to offer someone who is just starting out as a solo business owner?
Go easy on yourself. Things take time to build, especially when you’re doing it all on your own or with minimal support. Try to bite off a little at a time and take moments to be still and watch your work work FOR you. It will happen. This is something I have struggled with as an impatient person, but I can say now that I am sane because I took time to stop and wait. You can’t be busy all the time. It’s not healthy!
What’s your favorite Osei-Duro piece in your wardrobe and why?
My favorite piece (or pieces) of Osei Duro will be whatever is becoming of the miles of silk I helped pack and ship to Ghana. It has been so cool to see the fabric being dyed in Africa via Instagram. I cannot wait to see the finished products!
What are the top 3 places we should check out in your city?
I love doing hikes in San Francisco. The hike up Mount Sutro has spectacular views, is filled with beautifully fragrant eucalyptus trees and when the fog rolls in it’s like walking through the clouds. When I can afford to splurge, my special place for clothes and jewelry in SF is Reliquary in Hayes Valley. They have a great mix of new and vintage and their collection of jewelry is just sick. Finally, my home away from home is a wine bar called Fig & Thistle. Also located in Hayes Valley, they offer an amazing selection of California wines. The owner, Angel, has become a friend of mine and is one of those bold women I mentioned earlier.
Recommend something to us!
I recommend Emily Nagoski’s book, Come As You Are. It is the smartest, most comprehensive book about female sexuality written to date. ∆
Photos: Lauren Crew