We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nia Symone. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nia below.

Hi Nia, thanks for joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

My defining moment of becoming a birth doula came after I was in the darkest moments of my life. I was lost and confused, I felt like I had no direction and kept getting rejected from what I believed my dream job (creative directing) was then. I saw an episode of The Breakfast Club and they had a woman on there talking about Black Maternal Health. Her passion and knowledge to eradicate the mortality of black mothers and babies poured out. I was inspired by Latham Thomas and decided to begin my doula training through Mama Glow Doula Training. I felt like I had come home to myself. I felt like there was a piece of me who abandoned my dreams of becoming a Pediatrician returning to me as I began my doula training. I felt like I finally found a way to merge my passion and purpose.

Nia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a birth doula who provides support for birthing patients before, during, and after pregnancy. I help women who require community and support while ushering in new life. As a new herbalist, I like to incorporate holistic wellness into my Doula practice. From partnering with prenatal Yoga and Pilates instructors to help prepare their minds, body, and spirit for pregnancy to labor & delivery. In addition to being a Birth Doula, I also support young women and women who are considering or have undergone abortion. Being both an abortion and birth doula is rewarding and fulfilling. For my expecting families, I offer Maternity and Labor & Delivery photography to my clients. I offer different tiers as well as one pro bono birth per month for underprivileged mothers.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

After experiencing two cesareans back to back, I felt like a failure as a birth doula. It wasn’t until a dear friend of mine sister had twin girls and as she continued to post their beautiful photos it became clear that I had helped two healthy babies go home with their mothers. Their faces reminded me of why I said yes to becoming a doula. I was reminded that I had to work harder to prepare my clients for the ultimate test of labor & delivery. I knew why I said Yes and I remained dedicated to my clients.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Yes, I would not change my journey at all. The failing in Physics made me change my major to English and gain an internship with the Tupac Shakur Foundation bringing me to Los Angeles, CA. The constant rejections from major production companies led me to pick up my first Canon Rebel T6 and find my knack for photography. The constant rejection from entry-level positions to directing music videos no one saw led me to this moment. All of the nos and redirection led me to a lifestyle that feels safe, purposeful, and kind.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nomoreentertainment.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its.nia.symone/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nia-symon%C3%A9-116726129/

Image Credits
Cover Photo: Anisa Williams