Mental health awareness has always been a burning passion of mines for outreach --specifically to Black creatives who struggle standing in the power of their identity. This Black Owned Business (BOB) really stood out to me amongst the many I've worked with in my past for Vinyle zine, because she is the first wellness practitioner I've come across in the millennial BOB pool. I am certain that their are others that model her same values, but once I began to read her articles and what she is trying to bring to Black women and men -I was instantly drawn in. Mental Health and holistic health are starting to transition from being a once taboo topic in the Black community, to something we can feel slightly more easy about opening those cans of worms. Nonetheless, the transition is still in its adolescence, and plenty more work still needs to be done in order to finally break generational cycles. I asked Fatoumata my favorite question, "how does your work express your soul?" I believe the soul should always provide the framework for any pursuit driven by passion and relentless hustle; ideally, our opinions matched. Here is what she has to say:
"I work as a holistic wellness coach. I specifically focus on empowering people to create a sacred space for themselves through mindset work, and self-care practices that allow growth in all areas of their life. The soul is known to be the driver of the body. My work as a wellness coach is an expression of my soul, because it literally is where my soul has always driven me towards ever since I can remember. I've always wanted to be in a field that’s about helping people, especially people who look like me. As a Black woman, I felt driven to create a space that allowed conversation about Black mental health. I work to encourage Black people, especially women, to put themselves above everything else. We live in a world where Black women will show up for everyone, but no one really shows up for us. My platform is built to allow Black women the freedom to discover and affirm to themselves all that they are deserving of in this world. It is also a place where they can work on healing and finding balance in all areas of their lives. The best part of my work is that I get to show up as my full authentic self by choosing to also be transparent about my own mental health, and sharing my wellness journey on the Positive Exchange Blog. I don’t have to pretend to be a perfect human. I show up with my heart and soul, while my physical body serves and delivers the message that allows all of my clients to feel empowered and live their best lives. I get excited when I complete a self work coaching session, and my client says something along the lines of , “I feel so inspired,” or, “this has really helped me refocus my goals,” or even “I'm hopeful.” That’s what brings a smile to my soul!
In my wellness shop you can find my Balance Affirmation Cards. This 35-card deck of affirmations focuses on balancing the 7 chakras in our body. All affirmations speak love, health, abundance, and spirituality into our lives."
Learn more about my 1:1 coaching and wellness programs
Instagram : @positiveexchangewellness @___f.barry
Website: Positiveexchangewellness.com