Today we’d like to introduce you to Yashnika Leveille.
Hi Yashnika, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi there! I’m Yashnika, the founder of Madame Doula. I grew up in Boston as a first-generation American with Haitian descent, where I learned about herbal remedies and holistic health from my mom and grandma. Their knowledge inspired me to focus on women’s health and wellness. I studied Exercise and Health Science in college, trained as a massage therapist and birth doula, and even got certified as a reiki master. Wanting to help women even more, I decided to train as a midwife.
Madame Doula is my business where we offer massage, doula support, reiki, fertility counseling, and more. It’s all about providing a warm, supportive community for women during some of the most important times of their lives. Moving to Texas was a big change after my midwifery school closed, but it led me to an amazing birthing community that embraced me. Now, as I continue my midwifery studies, I’m excited to bring even more expertise and care to the women we support at Madame Doula. Our goal is to blend traditional wisdom with modern health practices to create a place of empowerment and healing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting Madame Doula wasn’t easy, and honestly, there were days I doubted myself a lot. You might have heard of something called imposter syndrome—it’s when you feel like you’re not good enough, even when you know a lot and have plenty of experience. That was a big hurdle for me, constantly wondering if I was ready or what I’d do if something unexpected happened. Pushing past those doubts was tough but super important for growing my confidence.
Then there was the challenge of moving to Texas right when the midwifery school I planned to attend suddenly closed. I was expecting to easily blend into this new place, but it was a huge culture shock compared to the bustling, tight-knit community I grew up in. It took a lot of patience and resilience to adjust and build a new foundation for myself and my business.
Getting back into birth work after a break felt like starting over, but it reignited my passion for holistic health and midwifery. Through all of this—fighting self-doubt, connecting with clients who value a holistic approach, adjusting to a new life in Texas, and diving back into my work—I’ve learned the power of sticking to your roots, being true to yourself, and the incredible support a community can provide. It’s been a journey of hard lessons and big wins, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Absolutely, I’d love to share more about what I do! I run a business called Madame Doula, where I focus on helping women in a very personal and supportive way. My work includes massage therapy, birth and postpartum doula support, reiki healing, and fertility guidance & support. What really makes my approach special is how I blend traditional healing methods from my Haitian heritage with modern health practices. This mix not only honors where I come from but also meets today’s health needs for women.
I’m proud of the strong support system I’ve built for women, guiding them from pregnancy all the way through to postpartum. Working closely with my clients allows us to build a trusting relationship, which makes them feel comfortable and supported, unlike in more traditional healthcare settings. This personal touch ensures that each woman feels valued and cared for on her unique journey.
My dedication to learning and integrating both old and new ways of midwifery and women’s healthcare really sets Madame Doula apart. It’s not just about offering services; it’s about creating a healing experience that respects each woman’s needs and beliefs, helping them actively participate in their health and birthing experiences. I’m always learning and growing in my field to make sure I provide the best care possible, which shows my commitment to the well-being of the women I work with. At Madame Doula, it’s all about the experience and the positive impact it has on women’s lives.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
When I think about who has helped me on my journey with Madame Doula, my husband definitely comes to mind. He’s always believed in me and my dreams, standing by my side through all the ups and downs of growing the business. His support has been crucial, especially when I’ve doubted myself or faced tough times. He’s more than just my cheerleader; he’s been hands-on, helping out in so many ways.
My clients, who have stuck with me since the beginning. Even as I moved back into birth work, I kept offering massage therapy to keep things afloat, and their loyalty has meant the world to me. Their trust and positive feedback keep me going, reminding me every day why this work is so important. Their support not only helps keep us stable financially but also motivates me to keep improving and expanding our services to help more women.
Also, I can’t forget the women in my family who have passed down so much knowledge and have kept me in tune with my culture, my grandma and mom. Although my grandma is no longer with us, her influence and traditions live through me.
Pricing:
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Prenatal Massage: $125 (packages available)
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Distant & in-person Reiki session: $75/$85 (packages available)
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Virtual & in-person Birth Doula Support (ranges $1250-$1850 depending on tier selection)
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Birth Doula Consultation: $25
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Virtual & in-person Birth Plan Writing Only: $50-$75
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yashnika.com
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Instagram: @_yashnika & @madame.doula
