Thank you for your interest in the Best of Both Worlds Doula Services Mentorship Program! I would love to guide you on your doula/birthworker journey.

The BOBWDS Mentorship Program is unique in that it is a 'mentee-led' program focused on business development specific to birthworkers. I will provide simple, yet effective guidance that will assist others in determining what type of doula or birthworker they want to be and how they want to market and run their business. This rigourous 6 week program will consist of

▫️Weekly birthwork & business classes held on Zoom/Facebook Room
▫️Weekly homework assignments to develop each part of your business plan
▫️Researching your local community, health care system and ideal clientele
▫️A summary/overview of what you learned during the course, an outline of your business plan, a community referral list and a business resource list for networking

BOBWDS Mentorship Options:
▫️Business consultations are available to those interested in a career in birthwork (recent college graduates, newly trained doulas or doulas new to the area) who may be seeking general advice or guidance. One-time 30 minute consultations are $35. One-time 90 minute consultations are $75.

▫️The BOBWDS 6 week program will explore birthwork and business and help each program participant develop a unique business plan based on their interests, personalities and passions. Modules will include:

• Birthwork business concentration or pathway (type of doula, lactation consultant, midwife)
• Business development, branding and the factors to consider when starting a business
• Clientele/Target Market
• Legalities of business and birthwork
• Trainings and certification
• Reproductive justice/reproductive rights
• Diversity & cultural competency
• Networking and community partnerships
• Self care & burnout prevention

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Cost for the 6 week program is $175.

▫️Ongoing mentorship is provided to mentees who have completed the 6 week program. You will receive monthly business development check ins via phone or Zoom and access to additional educational tools and business opportunities in my private Facebook group. Ongoing mentorship is $60/month.

How to apply:
▫️Fill out the application here.
▫️Application deadline for the Winter 2021 session is December 31, 2020.
▫️Applicants chosen for interviews will be notified in early January.

Each program participant will receive a syllabus & program guide as well as a certificate of completion once the program requirements are fulfilled.
​
Limited spaces are available for my 6 week Winter 2021 session. Interviews will take place in January. Classes begin in February. Please email me at [email protected] with any questions.

Personal Note: I became a mentor to fill a need. I have learned that while fulfilling, birthwork isn't for the faint of heart and I want to guide those who have a true interest in supporting families during pregnancy, birth and postpartum and how to best serve each one. I will provide the foundation to build a sustainable business, your way, while supporting families with purpose & passion.

Happy Small Business Saturday!

It's that wonderful time of year when we reflect on all that we have accomplished (and survived) throughout the year. This is also normally the time that we gather together with loved ones to celebrate life & all that is good and officially kick off the holiday season. But clearly this year has been much different. No matter how you are gathering and celebrating, I also hope you carved out some down time for yourself too (remember, it's soul care season).

Thanksgiving (Pre-Black Friday) kicked off the biggest shopping weekend of the year and while I know your bank accounts may look and feel different this year, I am here again to help you start and finish your holiday shopping locally!

Why shop local?

Small businesses account for almost half of America's workforce and two-thirds of new jobs. Shopping local supports your community by

• Keeping money inside your city, county and state
• Helping business owners support their families while living their dreams
• Highlighting unique products, services and local talent

​Today I'm featuring some local businesses and entrepreneurs who are sure to provide just the right gift, product or service you are looking for. Most of these businesses are black and/or female owned and each featured business is complete with details & deals for added convenience (click business name to view website). Whether you're shopping for a loved one, the entrepreneur in your life or yourself, you wont be disappointed! You can view my Small Business Saturday/Year End Special here.

DeAntony Collins, Designer/Creator/Owner of Collins Unlimited
Social Media: Instagram
Mission/Purpose: Creating unique custom designs and crafts; Bring me your ideas, let's create something special!
Location/Areas Served: Triangle area of North Carolina; nationwide
Holiday Specials: Custom Baby Nursery Lamp giveaway in December
Contact Info: [email protected]

Preston Collins, Creator/Artist/YouTuber
Social Media: Instagram
Mission/Purpose: Expressing myself through my art makes me happy
Location/Areas Served: Triangle area; nationwide
Holiday Specials: A portion of the proceeds from all my commissions will go to Note in the Pocket
Contact Info: [email protected]

Valarie S. Thomas, Social Media Consulting
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook Group
Mission/Purpose: My mission is to help African Americans in the health and wellness space reach the clients that need them through social media.
Location/Service Area: Nationwide
Holiday Specials: Black Friday Upkeep Package
-Social media strategy and Management
-5 templates for your posts
-1 platform
-content creation
-caption research & creation
-Hashtag research
-Follower growth
-scheduled posts 2 -3 days a week
Yes, an extra day of posting at no extra cost!
*For your first 3 months
Contact Info: [email protected]

Krisna Guyton, My Parenting Partners LLC
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Mission/Purpose: My mission is to help Mompreneurs find the time they need to build the business they want. So they will have a more flexible schedule to create financial freedom and never miss a precious moment with their loved ones.
Location/Service Area: Serving Mompreneurs Across The Globe
Holiday Specials: Black Friday: Complimentary 30 minute consultations 11/27-11/29 Cyber Monday: 50% off Mommy Balance Bundle and E-book CROSS INTO BALANCE USE CODE: CYBERMONDAY
Contact Info: [email protected] Text 22828 to join mailing list to receive time management and organizational tips for mompreneurs

Martha Smith Photography, Annette Tillery
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Mission/Purpose: Martha Smith Tillery Photography is about printing memories and capturing unforgettable life moments.
Location/Service Area: North Carolina, Virginia
Contact Info: (919) 332-8607

Clean by Queen LLC, Shadona David
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Mission/Purpose: Our mission is to provide affordable luxury cleaning assistance to the hardworking professional.
Location/Service Area: We currently service the Maryland, Virginia, DC and North Carolina Areas
Holiday Specials: Black Friday Special- New customers can enjoy 1 free carpet cleaning in a room of their choice with the booking of any cleaning service. This special is offered for the entire month of December.
Contact Info: 919-819-4671, [email protected]

The Boy Mom Project, Tiffany Haynes
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Mission/Purpose: The Boymom Project, provides a safe space for BOYMOMS raising boys of color in today’s society. To discuss our journeys, share quick mom tips and topics affecting our boys from a BOYMOMS perspective
Location/Service Area: Serving Boymoms everything but focusing on New York and the RDU Raleigh, NC area.
Contact Info: (347)626-9967, [email protected]

Boujee Bellies, Janay Edwards
Social Media: Instagram
Mission/Purpose: Luxury Body Casting & Keepsakes
Location/Service Area: Raleigh, NC
Holiday Specials: 10% off services
Upcoming Events: Black Power Pop Up Shop 11.27 at The Loc Lounge (located in Triangle Town Center next to Dillards)
Contact Info: 919-271-0401, Email: [email protected]

Brooke Snell, Beaded by Brooke
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Mission/Purpose: Beaded by Brooke isn’t just a handmade jewelry boutique. Each waist bead is dedicated to empowering you, healing you and paying homage to women you came from.
Location/Service Area: Based is Raleigh, NC, but can ship worldwide.
Contact Info: [email protected]

Batch Childcare, Krystal Underdue
Social Media Pages: Instagram
Mission/Purpose: Group chilcare for large events
Location/Service Area: Triangle area of NC; will travel outside of NC
Contact Info: [email protected]

POD Creative, Lesley Loren
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Mission/Purpose: Making custom masks, handkerchiefs, and other handmade items as a way to support my family during this covid crisis.
Location/Service Area: Garner, NC but can ship anywhere
Holiday Specials: Holiday print masks are 2/$15; Small Business Saturday Specials TBA; Anyone that mentions seeing this article will receive a free mask lanyard with order.
Contact Info: Lesley Loren 919.590.2491, [email protected]

Carolina Garden Coaching
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Mission/Purpose: It is our mission to share gardening knowledge and inspire others to take control of growing food that nourishes the mind, body, and soul.
Location/Service Area: The Triangle Area - Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, Chapel Hill
Holiday Specials: Discount on coaching sessions when you book your consultations during the dates 11/25/20 - 12/25/20. Buy 3 coaching sessions get one free. Other deals to come.
Contact Info: [email protected]

Carolina Noir Photography, Sarah Faye Ward
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok @boudoir_in_nc
Mission/Purpose: My mission is create an environment where women are free to unleash their fire.
Location/Service Area: Durham, NC & surrounding areas
Holiday Specials: Join my VIP group on FB for Black Friday flash sales including a $99 retainer fee special
Contact Info: 919-606-1341, Email: [email protected]

2020 has been hard for everyone. Facts. And while I know that the above statement is not everyone's testimony, it is mine and I want to share all that I am thankful for, especially now.

​Lord knows several things could have been different for me and my family this year. But through all the uncertainty, sickness and death, injustice and political turmoil, we are not only surviving but thriving. God has truly shown up for me and my family in so many ways.

This year, I am especially grateful for:

​My best friend, husband, soul mate and business partner who has nurtured my soul tremendously throughtout 2020's highs & lows. I absolutely love having him home!

My sweet little boy who is becoming such a strong and thoughful young man

Old friends that I have been able to reconnect with

New friends and business connections that have enriched and challenged my business processes

Allies that continue to show up for me in more ways than one

​My prayer warriors who have checked in consistently and interceded on my behalf

My "besties" or internet cousins who hype me up and encourage me to show up and keep going

My endo warriors who have endured so much with me this year as we continued to fight a battle many don't believe is real

The political season is over and we can start to breathe again as Americans with confidence in the coming administration

My clients who trusted me during such a difficult time to support them and give them quality care while making safety a top priority for everyone

The things yet to come... this year was a huge transitional year both personally and professionally. I am still waiting to see the fruits of my labor on a few things, but I am excited about the possibilities alone!

God's love, beauty, mercy, grace, protection, timing and favor

​1 Chronicles 16:24 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

Have you ever wondered about the meaning behind the name of my doula business? It has taken me a long time to verbalize and express the full meaning and I thought I would share it with you today.

In early 2015, I attended my very first doula training after two years of researching and planning my transition into entrepreneurship. Working as a professional nanny for 10 years had been an amazing experience, but I wanted more. I wanted to offer more to the families I was working with. And I also wanted more for my own family. I wanted to build a long lasting legacy rooted in community and support.

Over the last 5 ½ years, Best of Both Worlds Doula Services has become so much more than I ever dreamed. My early years of both motherhood and business proved to be more than a challenge, but as I navigated my way through milestones & memories, I grew more confident in my abilities as a natural caregiver. I have seen the good, the bad and everything in between serving various family dynamics. If I haven't experienced it firsthand, I know someone who has and I have assisted them through the learning process.

Best of Both Worlds Doula Services is where
Passion meets purpose...
Faith meets fulfillment...
Knowledge meets experience...
Tradition meets modern...
Empowerment meets advocacy...
Commitment meets community...

With 20 years of experience in me, you can guarantee top notch support & care from a family expert. I understand how unique each family dynamic is and I will meet you where you are and provide quality service to ensure that your family will thrive.

Contact me today to schedule your complimentary phone consultation.

Just as the first presidential debate was ending, I asked myself how I felt. With one day left in #SelfCareSeptember (now officially Soul Care Season because the month most definitely went by too fast), I was mentally assessing how I felt. My answer: tired. That debate was a lot. My brain could barely interpret what was being said by who at any given time. Mind you there were only two participants and the moderator. I was/am tired because the debate was yet another thing that I had to process (as if 2020 hasn't already given us enough to process).

When black people say they are tired, we mean our souls are tired. The very thing that keeps us going when our physical bodies can't. But what happens when your soul can't go on? I have actually had to acknowledge and care for my soul as a separate entity because of all the trauma and racism that surrounds me.

The biggest lesson I learned in September was that self care and soul care are essential daily habits and rituals that have to be integrated into my routine in order for me to thrive. If I'm being honest, that means being in a constant state of self awareness and doing whatever is necessary to stay centered. Chile, just typing that was exhausting. But I also know that this is going to take some practice and I'm committed to that.

I covered several aspects of health in September/October. Below is a recap if you missed anything. Each subject has highlights (posts, interviews and blogs) for quick reference.

Physical Health

• Self Care
• Black Tea IG Live interview with Savoun Perry: Snapback Culture
• Wellness Wednesday/Refocusing on Fitness
• Obstetric Violence/Birth Trauma
• Body Positivity & Appreciation
• Fitness Friday Update
• Skin Care & Health
• Supplement Recommendations
• Self Breast Exam Reminder
• Mammogram Blog

Mental Health

• Black Tea IG Live interview with Brandlyn Owens
• Suicide Prevention
• Rest/Unplug
• Setting Boundaries
• Run Your Race At Your Own Pace
• Dear Girl

Emotional Health

• Crying/Release
• Feminine Energy
• Loss
• Self Care After Loss
• No Rain, No Flowers
• Nurturing Relationships

Spiritual Health

• Let Go/Change Your Mindset
• Mindset Blog
• Black Tea IG Live interview with Shirnetta J. Harrell
• Holy MatriMommy Book Interview featuring author, Kalonda Colman

Financial Health

• Black Tea IG Live interview with Faith Bynum, CPA, MBA
• Blog: Worth Every Penny: The Value of a Doula

Reproductive Health

• Family Planning/Contraceptives
• Guest Blog interview featuring Natasha Bony, herbalist

Sexual Health

• HAP over WAP Blog
• CBD & Sex
• OBGYN Appointment Reminder
• Sex After Birth Blog
• PCOS Awareness Month
• PCOS Guest Blog featuring Amy Leigh
• Trauma

Seasonal Effective Disorder: Winter will be here before we know it which means depression and anxiety will be even more prevalent. We may be facing more isolation and continued social distancing so keep that in mind when planning for the holidays. Human connection is important so be creative with how you stay in touch with loved ones. Please be sure to continue to put yourself first, prioritize all aspects of your health and stay safe.