We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mika Clark a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mika, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
My mom, Angela Clark provided an amazing example of being the best version of yourself in any situation. She knew how to make life look good. She always pushed me to be the best and her support and encouragement was unmatched. Before I knew I wanted to get into the social services and mental health industry, I saw my mom operate as an unofficial social worker and therapist. As far back as I can remember, our home was a safe house for people from many walks of life, both young and old. When I was younger, many family members and their friends would come to our home as a safe haven. Later during my teenage years, our home became a second home to many of my sister and my friends. So I would say, my mom got it right in being a living example of love in action. This made it easier for me to be immersed into the human services industry.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Mika Clark, founder and owner of Treasure Family Services (TFS). TFS is a family support agency and our mission is to be a change agent in the community by leading families to self-sufficiency. We provide resources, community linkages, and direct support services such as evaluations, therapy, behavior modification and mentorship to children and families in the home, school and community. Growing up in the inner city of Atlanta, Ga., I have always been an advocate for families to be successful and resourceful. Our home was the neighborhood safe house that provided respite, food, and a place to get advice on major life decisions. Although we helped many people, I also witnessed people not appreciate the support my mom often provided, so when I left home, I told myself I would help people but not in the capacity of my mom, because her selflessness didn’t seem to earn much reward for her. Fast forward to my last year of college one of my best friends started working at a community agency that provided social, behavioral and mental health services; I was looking for work and she was able to assist in me getting hired there too! After I started, I quickly realized the services provided was almost similar to things my mom and I were doing for free. I remember thinking, wow we can get paid for things we were already doing. Over a 7 year span at the agency, I was promoted a few times, and my last two years, I was the Program Manager basically managing the staff, contracts, and vendors. In 2017, I was pregnant with my 3rd child and I knew I wanted more, but I didn’t know how or what. My former Boss and Supervisor showed me how to start a business, so I registered with the Georgia Secretary of State and started all of the office basics (phone number, fax number, business email, self-designed brochures in Canva, etc.) Within the first year I was able to get a small contract providing services, and by the second year I secured a bigger contract with the government. Over the years, TFS have secured more contracts and I’ve started consulting other business owners. The thing that sets us apart is our collective years of experience at TFS, and as an inner city youth from a low income home, I am able to relate to many of the clients and have an understanding of their needs. This is important when we consider the effectiveness of the services provided. I am most proud of the effective impact our agency provides to the families we serve, also the ability to lead and compensate others who share the same vision and goals. I would like others to know you can literally come from nothing and make something out of it. I started with my last paycheck from my former job, and haven’t looked bak since. My work and my brand are about discovering and cultivating the treasures within. As a first generation entrepreneur, there are a lot of self talks, self discoveries, and self motivation that goes into my personal success and ultimately the overall success of leading Treasure Family Services.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I’m really into personal development. Quite often, I read books, listen to interviews on Youtube and meditate both day and night. The bible is my go to for principles and morals, I also see many principles from the bible woven into society. One book that really gave me a paradigm shift and catapulted me to the next level is called “You Are A Badass” by Jen Sincero. Also, I listen to thought leaders like the late Jim Rohn, and late Wayne Dyer often.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I think starting Treasure Family Services is a testament to my resilience. I am a first generation college graduate, a first generation entrepreneur, a mom with 3 children, from the inner city with a low socioeconomic background; and little to no money and credit when I started. The fact that I still took the leap of faith and started a business with minimal guidance and financial support was a huge deal. Now almost 7 years later with an amazing team and wonderful contracts and clientele, my resilience is still blessing me.
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