The Meditation Coach & Mindfulness Advocate from Houston
A note for Barbara: Girl, you are a really beautiful person you know that? I mean, we met on Instagram after the KRIT concert and I remember you saying you remember me because of my hair LOL. If I ever wanted to be remembered by something, that would be it. We hit it off from that point. You have been nothing but supportive of me and everything I'm doing, you were there for me when I had a mental break down, you have been genuine, and not to mention you are funny as hell. Always making me laugh. You're a gem and one that we need in this crazy world we are living in. I hope you know that I believe in you and everything you are doing and I wish nothing but the absolute best for someone that has a beautiful heart like you. Thank you so much for being apart of this! Let's get into this interview!!
Where are you from and where did you grow up?
I'm born and raised in Houston. I say Alief, haters say it's not Alief if you didn't go to Alief schools. So I guess it's up to perspective. Lol I will forever claim South West Alief Texas though. I went to 3 different high schools in order to get what my parents deemed the best high school education I could in public school so I graduated from Lamar High School in Houston ISD.
What is your favorite childhood memory that involves art? It could be in the sense of arts & crafts, or one of the other forms of art.
My mom actually used to make different little wooden crafts and sell them. I loved when she would make her wooden angels and have small gatherings at our house with her friends to display and sell them. We would have little finger sandwiches and other refreshments for the women to snack on. These little gatherings would happen in the morning up until lunch time and it always seemed so bright. I honestly wish our generation still did things like that. It was a happy time in my life and seeing my mom light up when someone bought one of her crafts just made me feel good now that I look back on it.
What is the one art that you feel the most connected to and why?
I'd say resin art is the one I feel most connected to. I'm a huge fan of marble designs as well as the fluid look. You know when you look at an art piece whose colors are blending perfectly into one another, and the paint still looks wet but you know that it's forever frozen with the colors in perfect harmony? Yea, that's what I love about resin art. The fact that you have the opportunity to create such beautifully abstract pieces that always appear to shine is intriguing to me.
What inspired you to become a self love and healing enthusiast? Was there something that happened dramatically in your life that sparked a change or do you feel as though you’ve always had a passion for self love and healing?
I have been experiencing anxiety and depression since at least middle school. I didn't know what to call it until I was 24 or 25 years old which I feel is sad because it isn't just me. There are a lot of people in the Black community who still don't know that they are actually suffering from depression and not just laziness or bitterness of some sort. The turning point for me happened over the course of 2019 and into 2020. 2019 started with a physical altercation between my ex and I, and ended with me being pregnant by somebody who had a "family member" lie and tell me he had "passed" when he was in fact alive and well living within 30 minutes from me. The final straw for me was in 2020. I was about 6 1/2 months pregnant and severely depressed so a psychiatrist put me on Prozac. I started having passive suicidal ideations and long story short, telling my doctor about that landed me in a behavioral center (aka the crazy house) for 5 days. It was at that point I vowed to get better and be better for myself and my kids. That was the start of my self care journey. Along the way I decided to share it with others in case they needed to know they can make it through the rough times too.
What does it mean to you, to be someone that people can count on when they’re feeling their lowest and needing help with self love and healing?
Being the person people feel they can turn to means a whole lot to me. Everything, if I'm honest. In my eyes it means that people see me as someone who is not only relatable, but safe. I want people to feel like they can at least share how they're feeling or what they're going through without judgement. If I happen to slide some good advice in there that ends up helping them, that's a bonus. I'm in school for psychology now for that very reason. I want to be part of the change or community needs in mental health.
When you are feeling your lowest, what are a few ways that you raise your vibrations?
One of my favorite ways to raise my vibrations is grounding. There's several ways to ground but being in nature is a personal best for me. I love to go walk around a nice park or go to an area with a lot of trees and just be. I let my mind wander while I smell and feel and observe all that was created by the Most High. Sometimes I take my shoes off and allow myself to fully connect with the Earth. If I can't get outside, my other two ways are music and movies. I will listen to an R&B album that makes me feel good or I will resort to healing frequency music. If nothing else, I watch romantic comedies or holiday movies to produce dopamine and help me perk up.
I see that you’re a mother of 4 beautiful children! You still manage to work full time, have a social media presence and side business as well! Tell me how you do it! Lol, I am sure other moms out there are wanting to know what you do to relax, relieve stress and do it all with only 24 hours in a day.
I'd be lying if I said anything other than SUPPORT. I have a village that kicks in every single day to help me. I live with my parents who are extremely helpful. My brother and sister kick in on certain weekends as well. But also I include my kids in a lot of stuff. I've been a mom since I was 19 so although it isn't my entire identity, it is one of my favorite things to be.
My day to day relaxation comes from my showers and tea. I take a shower every morning before I wake up my kids and each night before I go to bed. I take that time to set the tone for the day or reflect on how my day went. Body butter is my favorite body care product and I take my time applying it to my body after each shower. Also, no matter what the kids are doing outside the bathroom door at night, I'm selfish about that time. Mom guilt, parent guilt, can be a bitch but I try to always tell other parents that your kids can't be good if you're not good. It is EXTREMELY important to take time for self in order to stay mentally healthy.
What does your creative process look like when you’re working on your art, sugar scrubs, etc and what keeps you focused during this time?
Once I decide what I want to create, I typically sit and reflect on how I want my project to come out. I find inspiration on Pinterest or Instagram, put my own twist on it and create. I will put on a movie or music in the background to help me focus but I also take breaks often while working so I don't get too tired or burnt out working on a project.
What influences your creativity and what keeps you going even when you’re feeling burned out?
My ADHD influences my creativity. Lol don't get me wrong, I love the things I do. However the first interest usually comes from seeing something I want to try. If I enjoy doing that particular thing, I will usually hyperfixate on it for a while. If that hyperfixation doesn't fade, I know I'm doing something I truly enjoy or see potential in. I have never lost interest in helping others realize self love so I know that it's a real passion of mine and not some passing phase. I still have the desire to create art often but time hasn't really allowed it so much lately. When I get burnt out, I honor that. I take a break. I recharge. However long that takes. I've learned that the people that truly love and support you will be there. If not, there are billions of people in this world. Your target audience will always be up for grabs.
Do you listen to a playlist when working on specific pieces? If so, who is your favorite musician to listen to while in your creative flow?
I am too lazy to create playlists and the ones I do create only get heard for a few times after they're made before I'm on to my next musical obsession. I also don't have a favorite creative flow musician. It's a mood thing for me. Whoever I'm feeling in that moment gets played. So it could be H.E.R or Arin Ray or 112 or Young Dolph or Big KRIT. I just go with the flow. Lol
What is something that you’ve done being a meditation coach and mindfulness advocate to date that you are extremely proud of?
I have hosted 3 meditation events that I am ecstatic about because I proved to myself I could pull it off. One of them was called Flow Under the Full Moon in which I collaborated with a yoga teacher for an evening of yoga, meditation, and light shopping provided by health and wellness vendors. That night was invigorating! I plan to get back to hosting such events in a new space very soon.
I know when I was going through a mental breakdown you helped me so much in that moment. Literally virtually sat me down, gave me some tough love with that soft mama touch! I needed it and it really helped me. Thank you again. 🥰What is the best advice you can give someone going through hardships in their life right now and struggling with internal issues?
You have every tool you need to be who you want to be within you right now. Oftentimes we are just afraid to act on the solutions at our fingertips. If you're going through a tough time, here are three things to remember. 1. You are worthy of doing what it takes to make yourself healthy, happy and comfortable. 2. You know what you NEED to do and you know what you WANT to do. Do both. Start with your needs and follow up with your wants. 3. Other people's opinions and beliefs are formed by their own experiences. Do NOT base your next option off of anyone but YOU.
Are you currently working on any new art that you will be putting up for purchase? Or any new plans to grow your brand?
I am not currently working on art, however I do have a plan to create and grow a new brand. I am moving away from products I have to hand make myself because between a full time job, kids and school, I don't have much time. But once my new business is established, everyone will know. I also plan to bring my podcast back very soon so go subscribe to Mama B Speaks and brace for the comeback.
Do you plan on one day working solely for yourself? And if so, what would be your first choice of mainstream income for yourself?
This is something I've been reflecting on lately and I'm not sure of the answer just yet. I was solely an entrepreneur for four years before I got the office job I have now. I think the idea of being an entrepreneur WITH a job until I have several businesses that all pretty much run themselves is the direction I'm headed in. My first choice of mainstream income would be real estate. I absolutely love houses and I love the idea of creating generational wealth by owning property.
What are you most thankful for in your life right now?
I'm most thankful for therapy right now. My life has changed drastically in the past year by seeing a therapist and unlocking the next level of my mental health journey. My family relationships, friendships, mental stability, boundaries and even financial stability have all gotten so much better from spending 2 hours a month speaking to someone who provides judgement free guidance.
Do you have any other passions/hobbies? If so what are they?
Yoga is a hobby I've picked up for self care over the past few months and I love how it makes my body feel.
What is the end all goal for your life personally and professionally? What will be the catalyst in your life that will make you say, damn, I have finally made it?
Man...I've only ever wanted 3 things out of this life. Love, a big house, and financial stability. The staple moment for me will be when I purchase the house of my dreams and don't have to worry about when the bills are coming out of my account. Personally, the most important thing I want to accomplish is to own a big, beautiful, 5-6 bedroom house that my kids can always come back to and use as a landing pad. Professionally the goal is to have businesses owned by my kids and I that will take care of us for the rest of our lives and set my grandchildren up for their lifetimes as well. I want to work because I want to, not because I have to. I want my kids to have the choice to run their own business or nurture a career without living paycheck to paycheck. Generational wealth is the ultimate goal to sum it up.
Are there any special people you’d like to recognize or give thanks to?
My village. My parents, Warren and Denise especially. They are my backbone. A lot of folks don't have a support system they can run to for help or even live with. My parents have helped me in more ways than I'll be able to repay in this lifetime or the next and I appreciate them more than words can express.
I want to thank my kids as well. When they chose me as their mother, they gave me life just like I gave them. They are my motivation to keep pushing for a better life every single day. They have saved me from myself more than once and for that I'll always be grateful to them.
I'm born and raised in Houston. I say Alief, haters say it's not Alief if you didn't go to Alief schools. So I guess it's up to perspective. Lol I will forever claim South West Alief Texas though. I went to 3 different high schools in order to get what my parents deemed the best high school education I could in public school so I graduated from Lamar High School in Houston ISD.
What is your favorite childhood memory that involves art? It could be in the sense of arts & crafts, or one of the other forms of art.
My mom actually used to make different little wooden crafts and sell them. I loved when she would make her wooden angels and have small gatherings at our house with her friends to display and sell them. We would have little finger sandwiches and other refreshments for the women to snack on. These little gatherings would happen in the morning up until lunch time and it always seemed so bright. I honestly wish our generation still did things like that. It was a happy time in my life and seeing my mom light up when someone bought one of her crafts just made me feel good now that I look back on it.
What is the one art that you feel the most connected to and why?
I'd say resin art is the one I feel most connected to. I'm a huge fan of marble designs as well as the fluid look. You know when you look at an art piece whose colors are blending perfectly into one another, and the paint still looks wet but you know that it's forever frozen with the colors in perfect harmony? Yea, that's what I love about resin art. The fact that you have the opportunity to create such beautifully abstract pieces that always appear to shine is intriguing to me.
What inspired you to become a self love and healing enthusiast? Was there something that happened dramatically in your life that sparked a change or do you feel as though you’ve always had a passion for self love and healing?
I have been experiencing anxiety and depression since at least middle school. I didn't know what to call it until I was 24 or 25 years old which I feel is sad because it isn't just me. There are a lot of people in the Black community who still don't know that they are actually suffering from depression and not just laziness or bitterness of some sort. The turning point for me happened over the course of 2019 and into 2020. 2019 started with a physical altercation between my ex and I, and ended with me being pregnant by somebody who had a "family member" lie and tell me he had "passed" when he was in fact alive and well living within 30 minutes from me. The final straw for me was in 2020. I was about 6 1/2 months pregnant and severely depressed so a psychiatrist put me on Prozac. I started having passive suicidal ideations and long story short, telling my doctor about that landed me in a behavioral center (aka the crazy house) for 5 days. It was at that point I vowed to get better and be better for myself and my kids. That was the start of my self care journey. Along the way I decided to share it with others in case they needed to know they can make it through the rough times too.
What does it mean to you, to be someone that people can count on when they’re feeling their lowest and needing help with self love and healing?
Being the person people feel they can turn to means a whole lot to me. Everything, if I'm honest. In my eyes it means that people see me as someone who is not only relatable, but safe. I want people to feel like they can at least share how they're feeling or what they're going through without judgement. If I happen to slide some good advice in there that ends up helping them, that's a bonus. I'm in school for psychology now for that very reason. I want to be part of the change or community needs in mental health.
When you are feeling your lowest, what are a few ways that you raise your vibrations?
One of my favorite ways to raise my vibrations is grounding. There's several ways to ground but being in nature is a personal best for me. I love to go walk around a nice park or go to an area with a lot of trees and just be. I let my mind wander while I smell and feel and observe all that was created by the Most High. Sometimes I take my shoes off and allow myself to fully connect with the Earth. If I can't get outside, my other two ways are music and movies. I will listen to an R&B album that makes me feel good or I will resort to healing frequency music. If nothing else, I watch romantic comedies or holiday movies to produce dopamine and help me perk up.
I see that you’re a mother of 4 beautiful children! You still manage to work full time, have a social media presence and side business as well! Tell me how you do it! Lol, I am sure other moms out there are wanting to know what you do to relax, relieve stress and do it all with only 24 hours in a day.
I'd be lying if I said anything other than SUPPORT. I have a village that kicks in every single day to help me. I live with my parents who are extremely helpful. My brother and sister kick in on certain weekends as well. But also I include my kids in a lot of stuff. I've been a mom since I was 19 so although it isn't my entire identity, it is one of my favorite things to be.
My day to day relaxation comes from my showers and tea. I take a shower every morning before I wake up my kids and each night before I go to bed. I take that time to set the tone for the day or reflect on how my day went. Body butter is my favorite body care product and I take my time applying it to my body after each shower. Also, no matter what the kids are doing outside the bathroom door at night, I'm selfish about that time. Mom guilt, parent guilt, can be a bitch but I try to always tell other parents that your kids can't be good if you're not good. It is EXTREMELY important to take time for self in order to stay mentally healthy.
What does your creative process look like when you’re working on your art, sugar scrubs, etc and what keeps you focused during this time?
Once I decide what I want to create, I typically sit and reflect on how I want my project to come out. I find inspiration on Pinterest or Instagram, put my own twist on it and create. I will put on a movie or music in the background to help me focus but I also take breaks often while working so I don't get too tired or burnt out working on a project.
What influences your creativity and what keeps you going even when you’re feeling burned out?
My ADHD influences my creativity. Lol don't get me wrong, I love the things I do. However the first interest usually comes from seeing something I want to try. If I enjoy doing that particular thing, I will usually hyperfixate on it for a while. If that hyperfixation doesn't fade, I know I'm doing something I truly enjoy or see potential in. I have never lost interest in helping others realize self love so I know that it's a real passion of mine and not some passing phase. I still have the desire to create art often but time hasn't really allowed it so much lately. When I get burnt out, I honor that. I take a break. I recharge. However long that takes. I've learned that the people that truly love and support you will be there. If not, there are billions of people in this world. Your target audience will always be up for grabs.
Do you listen to a playlist when working on specific pieces? If so, who is your favorite musician to listen to while in your creative flow?
I am too lazy to create playlists and the ones I do create only get heard for a few times after they're made before I'm on to my next musical obsession. I also don't have a favorite creative flow musician. It's a mood thing for me. Whoever I'm feeling in that moment gets played. So it could be H.E.R or Arin Ray or 112 or Young Dolph or Big KRIT. I just go with the flow. Lol
What is something that you’ve done being a meditation coach and mindfulness advocate to date that you are extremely proud of?
I have hosted 3 meditation events that I am ecstatic about because I proved to myself I could pull it off. One of them was called Flow Under the Full Moon in which I collaborated with a yoga teacher for an evening of yoga, meditation, and light shopping provided by health and wellness vendors. That night was invigorating! I plan to get back to hosting such events in a new space very soon.
I know when I was going through a mental breakdown you helped me so much in that moment. Literally virtually sat me down, gave me some tough love with that soft mama touch! I needed it and it really helped me. Thank you again. 🥰What is the best advice you can give someone going through hardships in their life right now and struggling with internal issues?
You have every tool you need to be who you want to be within you right now. Oftentimes we are just afraid to act on the solutions at our fingertips. If you're going through a tough time, here are three things to remember. 1. You are worthy of doing what it takes to make yourself healthy, happy and comfortable. 2. You know what you NEED to do and you know what you WANT to do. Do both. Start with your needs and follow up with your wants. 3. Other people's opinions and beliefs are formed by their own experiences. Do NOT base your next option off of anyone but YOU.
Are you currently working on any new art that you will be putting up for purchase? Or any new plans to grow your brand?
I am not currently working on art, however I do have a plan to create and grow a new brand. I am moving away from products I have to hand make myself because between a full time job, kids and school, I don't have much time. But once my new business is established, everyone will know. I also plan to bring my podcast back very soon so go subscribe to Mama B Speaks and brace for the comeback.
Do you plan on one day working solely for yourself? And if so, what would be your first choice of mainstream income for yourself?
This is something I've been reflecting on lately and I'm not sure of the answer just yet. I was solely an entrepreneur for four years before I got the office job I have now. I think the idea of being an entrepreneur WITH a job until I have several businesses that all pretty much run themselves is the direction I'm headed in. My first choice of mainstream income would be real estate. I absolutely love houses and I love the idea of creating generational wealth by owning property.
What are you most thankful for in your life right now?
I'm most thankful for therapy right now. My life has changed drastically in the past year by seeing a therapist and unlocking the next level of my mental health journey. My family relationships, friendships, mental stability, boundaries and even financial stability have all gotten so much better from spending 2 hours a month speaking to someone who provides judgement free guidance.
Do you have any other passions/hobbies? If so what are they?
Yoga is a hobby I've picked up for self care over the past few months and I love how it makes my body feel.
What is the end all goal for your life personally and professionally? What will be the catalyst in your life that will make you say, damn, I have finally made it?
Man...I've only ever wanted 3 things out of this life. Love, a big house, and financial stability. The staple moment for me will be when I purchase the house of my dreams and don't have to worry about when the bills are coming out of my account. Personally, the most important thing I want to accomplish is to own a big, beautiful, 5-6 bedroom house that my kids can always come back to and use as a landing pad. Professionally the goal is to have businesses owned by my kids and I that will take care of us for the rest of our lives and set my grandchildren up for their lifetimes as well. I want to work because I want to, not because I have to. I want my kids to have the choice to run their own business or nurture a career without living paycheck to paycheck. Generational wealth is the ultimate goal to sum it up.
Are there any special people you’d like to recognize or give thanks to?
My village. My parents, Warren and Denise especially. They are my backbone. A lot of folks don't have a support system they can run to for help or even live with. My parents have helped me in more ways than I'll be able to repay in this lifetime or the next and I appreciate them more than words can express.
I want to thank my kids as well. When they chose me as their mother, they gave me life just like I gave them. They are my motivation to keep pushing for a better life every single day. They have saved me from myself more than once and for that I'll always be grateful to them.