We recently connected with Beverly Rice-hayes and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Beverly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
I believe my drive in becoming a Doula came from a sense of failure-or what i thought was failure.
I spent most of my adult life raising children, and just trying to scrape by with some help from my family.
There’s was always a feeling i should be helping people or connecting to them. Eventually i began to think the only thing i was really good at was being a mother,
There’s nothing like feeling lost that gets you right on track. I remember an acquaintance of mine suggest being a doula, something i had a faint idea of.
Once i did the proper research i was hooked! I knew i could make a difference in this field and i could relate so much to other mothers. It became an unrelenting passion.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Having traumatic births really drove my ability to relate and to act. I knew if i could save women the stress of navigating pushy doctors and rude hospital staff, id be fulfilling my purpose.
Not only am I a Full Spectrum Doula, I have also worked with organizations such as HCPH, TSU, LIttle Sprouts of Houston and BIRTH, to bring awareness and resource to expectant mothers in BIPOC communities of Houston.
I make Herbal remedies for my clients after birth. And i love staying in touch with my clients even months after services. I get pictures of my doula babies which has to be the most fulfilling part of my duties.
Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?
I have over 16k followers on TikTok and it took months of posting and years to build up the following. In addition to my doula business i have also monetized my account allowing me to promoted products catered to wellness and health.
I use these funds to continuously update my website, buy supplies and treat my family on occasion.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Networking with the right people and location. I moved me and my children from a small town just outside of Houston, and had i stayed there, I don’t know if I would’ve had the same success.
I met so many Doulas who were well seasoned and invited me into their community. I met doulas who saw my passion and asked me my input on their projects which opened more opportunities for me.
I never wanted to live with city limits, im a simple country girl. Once i took that leap though-I can only say i wish i took it sooner. I try my best not to question Divine Timing. Ha Ha!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.5keybeginnings.com
- Instagram: 5keybeginnings
