We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gerina Jade’ Davis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Gerina Jade’, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
It’s a great and relatable question, one I’ve been reflecting on deeply. As a business owner, I do feel freer and more at peace in terms of how I spend my time and energy. There’s this incredible sense of autonomy that comes from building something that aligns with your purpose, values, and unique vision. But that freedom also has its challenges—it reveals growth areas that, when you’re working for someone else, might not feel as pressing. For me, it’s been about navigating time and money management, balancing the responsibility of keeping things moving with the reality that not every effort guarantees immediate results.
There was this moment, not tied to any specific project, but one where I was just sitting with the reality of my finances—my bank accounts, plural, staring back at me. I was reviewing my profit-to-debt ratio and all the numbers that make up the behind-the-scenes of business ownership. And it hit me. It wasn’t just the numbers—it was the weight of all the things I want to do. My mother is getting older, and I think about how I want to be in a position to take care of her, to honor her sacrifices. Then there are the things that need to happen to keep life moving, the things I dream of doing, and the things I’m responsible for now. It all started piling up in my mind until I thought, “Man, do I have to go back to the slave plantation of working for someone else to meet my needs?”
That thought carried so much frustration because it meant giving up the freedom I’ve fought for—the time and energy I now have to pour into my vision—to fulfill someone else’s goals and dreams. And while I understand the tradeoff, it’s hard not to grieve the idea of sacrificing the time I could be using to build the vision that I truly believe was given to me for a purpose. That’s the push and pull I’ve been sitting with: loving the empowerment that comes from owning my own business but feeling the stress that sometimes comes with it.
In those moments, anxiety often gets the best of me. I’ll find myself so far in the future, caught up in “What ifs” and “How wills,” instead of focusing on the present moment. And I’ve learned that’s the real balance—faith and works, action and trust, planning without letting anxiety take over. It’s about stepping back, asking myself, “What small steps can I take right now?” instead of letting the enormity of the big picture overwhelm me.
The realization has been key. As a business owner, I’ve learned that the uncertainty and challenges don’t diminish the value of what I’m building; they expand my capacity for faith, creativity, and resilience. If I do take on a traditional job, it will be a tool, not a retreat—a means to invest in my business and my future. That perspective has brought me peace in the tension between the freedom of business ownership and the stability of traditional work. It’s not always either/or—it’s about what serves the bigger picture.
So yes, I love being a business owner. It’s empowering in ways I can’t even describe. But it’s also stressful at times, and I’m learning to lean into the balance—to keep my faith as strong as my work ethic, to plan without panic, and to trust that even when it feels uncertain, I’m still moving in the direction I’m meant to go.
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?
My name is Gerina- Jadé Davis, and I wear many hats—therapist, creative, and facilitator/host. My journey into my current industry has been deeply personal and purpose-driven. I’ve always believed in the power of creativity, authenticity and growing, and these passions have shaped everything I do. My work aims to span mental health, the arts, spirituality and community engagement, all of which come together under the umbrella of my ventures, Healing Minds and Hearts and the Healing Arts Experience.
I started in mental health after realizing how essential it is for people, especially those in Black and Brown communities, to have a safe space to process their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. My background in Christian ministry and marriage and family therapy has equipped me to help individuals navigate life’s complexities, with a special focus on professionals, entrepernuers, individuals reconciling their Christian beliefs with their experiences, and those wanting to understand their identity.
While therapy is a core part of what I offer, my work doesn’t stop there. Creativity and the arts have always been part of my life, and I see them as powerful tools for healing. That’s why I launched the Healing Arts Experience—a space where art meets healing. Through therapeutic shows, candid conversations, and upcoming creative workshops and groups, I create opportunities for people to feel seen, heard, and understood while exploring themes like identity, spirituality, and relationships. Some of my projects include theatrical productions, like Healing a Journey, and interactive experiences like Her Essence, which explore themes of healing, growth, womanhood and identity. I also host conversations that amplify voices and perspectives often overlooked or are different.
What sets me apart is my commitment to bridging therapy and the arts. I believe healing happens not just through talking but through expression—whether that’s in a poem, a dance, or a candid conversation. My work blends traditional and non-traditional methods, offering a holistic approach that touches both the mind and the soul. I also focus on creating spaces that are inclusive and reflective of the intersectional identities many of us hold.
I’m most proud of the impact my work has had on those who’ve participated in my shows and workshops. Seeing someone leave a performance or a session feeling lighter, more understood, or empowered to take the next step in their journey is incredibly rewarding. I also take pride in my ability to create spaces where tough topics can be explored with honesty and care, helping people process emotions, share stories, and foster genuine connection.
For potential clients, followers, or fans, I’d want you to know that everything I do comes from a place of authenticity and faith. Whether I’m working with someone one-on-one, facilitating a group experience, or creating a performance, my goal is always to help people connect with their inner truth, grow in their understanding of themselves and others, and find the courage to move forward in their journey.
If you’re looking for a space to heal, explore, or simply be seen and heard, I invite you to join me. Whether through therapy, the arts, or collaborative conversations, there’s room for you in this journey.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
My journey to where I am today has been anything but linear—it’s been one of reflection, rediscovery, and integration. From my early years as a theater kid to working in television and film production, to earning two master’s degrees and building my own business, my path has taken many unexpected turns. But through it all, one thing has remained constant: my desire to help people feel seen, heard, and understood. That purpose has guided me through moments of joy and fulfillment, as well as seasons of depression and uncertainty, ultimately leading me to where I am now—fully stepping into my vision as a licensed therapist and creative.
I’ve always loved performing. I attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City, where I majored in theater. Outside of school, I was involved in productions, balancing my passion for acting with schoolwork. When it came time for college, my mother encouraged me to pursue something more “practical,” so I earned a degree in television and film production.
After graduating, I faced the struggle of breaking into the industry. Like many, I worked in restaurants to make ends meet, eventually working my way up to maître d’ at a French restaurant on the Upper West Side. At the same time, I interned at a casting company, where I worked on projects with Viacom—BET, MTV, VH1—which eventually turned into paid opportunities. I landed a role as a casting coordinator at Bravo, working on one of their reality shows.
On paper, everything seemed to be falling into place—the travel, the hotels, the pay. But inside, I felt disconnected and empty. The glitz of production couldn’t mask the growing sense that I wasn’t living in my purpose. During that time, I began reflecting on what had been consistent throughout my life. People often came to me to share their deepest thoughts and struggles. Whether it was friends, colleagues, or even cast members from the reality show I worked on, I noticed a pattern: they’d come to me feeling burdened, and after our conversations, they’d walk away feeling seen, heard, and a little lighter.
That realization was the nudge I needed to pivot. My thought process was simple: the world is broken because our communities are broken, and communities are made up of families. Families start with couples, and couples are individuals. If I could help individuals and couples build healthier relationships, I could contribute to healthier communities and, ultimately, a healthier society.
I went to graduate school and earned two master’s degrees—one in Marriage and Family Therapy and the other in Christian Ministry. When I graduated, I started working in the nonprofit and community service sectors, focusing on schools, youth involved in the system, and community-based organizations. The work was fulfilling, but I found myself wanting more—a way to integrate my creative side with my therapeutic practice.
That’s when I started Healing Minds and Hearts in 2017. It began as a platform to combine storytelling, the arts, and therapy. I envisioned using different creative mediums as tools for healing. At first, I only produced one show a year because my full-time jobs demanded so much of my energy. Then COVID hit. I wasn’t vaccinated, and, due to New York City mandates, I was let go from my last traditional job. That moment, while challenging, became the push I needed to step fully into my business.
Now, through Healing Minds and Hearts, I work as a licensed therapist, helping couples, individuals, and some families. But my work is more than therapy. It’s about creating spaces where people can explore, express, and heal. Whether through my shows, candid conversations, or therapeutic workshops, I combine my passions for the arts and mental health to help people connect with themselves and their communities.
That pivot—from production to therapy, from working for others to fully stepping into my vision—has been the most significant of my life. It hasn’t been linear or easy, but every step has brought me closer to integrating the different pieces of who I am, even pieces I’m still discovering. Being a full-time business owner has also increased my faith in Yahweh. I’ve seen time and time again how I am provided with everything I need when I need it, even when things get tight. Through Healing Minds and Hearts, I get to do work that aligns with my purpose and passion, while also staying rooted in the faith that has sustained me on this journey.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
The lesson I’m currently unlearning—and it’s one that touches so many aspects of my life and business—is that I don’t need to be perfect to start something, and I don’t need to be perfect to make an impact. For so long, perfectionism has felt like this invisible wall, holding me back and whispering that I’m not ready, not equipped, or not enough. And then there’s the comparison game, which is so real. I still find myself falling into it sometimes—looking at others who seem to be doing things perfectly, effortlessly. It’s easy to get discouraged when you measure your journey against the polished, curated image of someone else’s success.
For me, perfectionism has often felt like the enemy, and it shows up in ways that hinder progress. It convinces me that I need to have it all together before I move forward, that I need every tool, every skill, every piece in place before I begin. But the reality I’m unlearning is this: everything can look perfect on social media, but that doesn’t take away from the real, meaningful work I’ve done and continue to do in people’s lives. It doesn’t diminish the fact that the vision I have was given to me by Yahweh for a purpose, and with that vision comes the capacity to bring it to life—even if I don’t have every resource or tool I think I need right now.
So, this is where I am. I’m unlearning perfectionism. I’m unlearning comparison. I’m unlearning the belief that I have to be flawless to be influential or impactful. Instead, I’m learning to be authentic and humble with where I am now, allowing myself to take the journey as it unfolds. I’m choosing to trust that what I have today is enough to take the next step and that what I need for tomorrow will come when it’s time.
This process has taught me that influence and impact don’t come from having it all together; they come from showing up with integrity, being faithful to the work, and trusting the One who gave me the vision in the first place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Healingmindsandhearts.org
- Instagram: @healingmindsandhearts_nyc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerinadavis
- Other: https://linktr.ee/healingmindsandhearts_nyc
Image Credits
Zencare photographer
Canvas
Myself
Friends and family