We were lucky to catch up with Ariel Thomas recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ariel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One deeply underappreciated facet of entrepreneurship is the kind of crazy stuff we have to deal with as business owners. Sometimes it’s crazy positive sometimes it’s crazy negative, but crazy experiences unite entrepreneurs regardless of industry. Can you share a crazy story with our readers?

In 2018 I started my community organization, Ariel Cares. I was acquainted with a local group home for girls in foster care. At this group home I would mentor the girls, bring gently used clothes and shoes and create care packages. The girls became familiar with me because I would go very often. One day on a Saturday in 2019, I was getting my the day started and received a phone call from a DCF case worker in regards to a young lady I had develop rapport with at the group home. She began to tell me the young lady had to sleep in the DCF office and had nobody to call besides me and asked If I will come get her. I immediately rerouted myself to her. This young lady was pregnant as well. Fast forward to the good part, I became her foster mom to her and her daughter. It’s crazy how my organization was aligned to help someone in this way. You never know the impact you have on someone. I remember genuinely asking her how her day was and motivating her just because I knew how necessary it was while she was in the group home. Never underestimate an act of kindness. Remind you I didn’t have any kids at that time nevertheless it was great practice.

Ariel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

So my journey started back in 2018. I had a passion to help others who had experience the same type of trauma I did. I always knew that God had a bigger purpose for my life. Honestly, I was nervous to begin but God told me to start somewhere. I remember one day going through my depression and trying to heal and go to work at a dental company. My desk faced the wall. Nobody could see my face the whole time I’ll just be weeping throughout the day randomly because I was understanding the effects of my trauma. I was going through really hard times by myself. One evening after work I had enough and cried out to God for direction. He told me vividly to start telling my story. He reminded me my story had a purpose. The whole time I’m trying to forget so much and God wanted me to use my voice to reach others that have been through molestation, child abuse, etc. Ariel Cares was then birth.

I’m so proud of the surreal moments when young girls come to me and genuinely tell me how much they appreciate me for giving them hope, motivation, etc. I remember one of the girls I mentored graduated from high school, a very proud moment. The girl’s faces would light up when they saw me coming with items sometimes they would run to the door excited before I could get out my car. Honestly, there are plenty of proud moments.

Anyone, I encounter I remind them how everything starts within them. You have the power to do and be anything you want, it starts with you. The healing, potential, and growth start within yourself. An unfortunate circumstance doesn’t define you, you define it!! When I’m being a life coach I teach my clients accountability and how to embrace their processes. You have to create the change you want to see.

As an Author transparency is necessary. I share my darkest moments. I share the good and bad. I believe that what you don’t reveal you can’t heal. Healing isn’t easy it’s an everyday process and necessary.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Honestly, it was odd and hard for me in the beginning but being transparent about my own trauma and sharing my healing journey helped me build my audience. So many people would DM me about their life struggles and commend me for using my platform. I would be reminded very often how I’m impacting others to help them begin their healing process. All of this encouraged me to become a certified life coach.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Earlier this year I created my own Mental Health Expo in my hometown Tallahassee. I connected with other local business owners who were willing to speak about Mental Health. The event was powerful and needed. I learned so much from it myself. Nevertheless it was a success and sold out. Currently working on my next one.

Contact Info:

• Website: arielhealing.com
• Instagram: ariel_theauthor
• Facebook: Ariel Thomas
• Linkedin: Ariel Thomas

Image Credits
Photo Credits: Visual Moments