We were lucky to catch up with Joenesha Hardman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Joenesha, appreciate you joining us today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

When it comes to what sort of legacy I want to build and what I want people to say and remember about me when I’m gone, my answer is fairly simple and has been the same answer since I was teenager. I want people to remember me for my love, for the light I’ve shared with others, and for being a safe place to those who need it. A lot of my educational and career goals have reflected this. As a Parenting Coach, “I believe that parenting is one of the most significant and transformative roles in society, shaping the future through the next generation. My aspiration as a parenting coach is to leave a legacy of empowered, confident, and compassionate parents who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to raise happy, healthy, and self-aware children.

After I am gone, I hope people will say that I was a dedicated advocate for families, a source of guidance and support, and a catalyst for positive change in countless households. I want to be remembered for the positive transformations I helped facilitate in parents’ lives, the strengthened parent-child relationships, and the ripple effect of healthier family dynamics.

I hope to leave behind a body of work that continues to inspire and guide parents long into the future. I want to be remembered as someone who demystified the challenges of parenting, fostered understanding, and provided practical tools that parents can pass down through generations. Ultimately, I aim to be recognized as a contributor to building stronger, more resilient families and, in turn, a better society.

My legacy is not just about the knowledge and advice I impart but also about the lasting impact I have on families’ lives. I strive to be remembered as a compassionate, empathetic, and dedicated professional who made a meaningful difference in the journey of parenthood for countless individuals. By helping parents become the best versions of themselves, I hope to leave a legacy of love, empathy, and positive parenting practices that endure for generations to come.

Joenesha, 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?

As the oldest of 5 , a childcare provider for over 15 years to 30+ families, and a Registered Behavior Technician, to say that I am obsessed with the healthy and full development of children is no understatement. It is so close to my heart that I could do a TED Talk focused on child development and speak just as passionately if there was 1 person in the audience or 2000. Becoming a certified Parenting Coach and creating Parenting Made Possible has been such an exciting and fulfilling journey for me because I get the opportunity to teach parents how to nurture their child’s development and parent peacefully so that there are less power struggles and parents are more connected to their children and more present as their support system. I also teach parents how to be empowered and remain emotionally regulated so that that they in turn can coregulate with their children. Ultimately, when children are parented in a way that is focused on support and empathy they grow into adults with a strong sense of inner security. And so, given my love for children and their development, I felt as if the best way for me to impact how a child is nurtured is by impacting the adults and attachment figures in their lives.

As a dedicated parenting coach, I offer the following services:

1. One-on-One Coaching: I provide personalized, one-on-one coaching sessions tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Whether you’re struggling with discipline issues, communication challenges, or any other aspect of parenting, I work with you closely to develop effective strategies and solutions.

2. Workshops and Webinars: I offer engaging and informative workshops and webinars on a variety of parenting topics. These sessions provide valuable insights, practical tips, and the opportunity to connect with other parents facing similar challenges.

3. Online Resources: My website and social media channels are filled with a wealth of free resources, including articles, videos, and downloadable guides. These materials cover a wide range of parenting topics, from newborn care to teenage behavior management.

4. Community Support: I believe in the power of community. I foster a supportive and inclusive online community where parents can connect, share experiences, and seek advice from one another in a judgment-free environment.

Problems I Solve include:

– Effective Parenting Strategies: I help parents develop effective and positive parenting strategies that promote healthy child development and build strong parent-child relationships.

– Communication Challenges: I offer guidance on improving communication within the family, helping parents connect with their children on a deeper level.

– Behavioral Issues: Whether it’s tantrums, sibling rivalry, or other behavioral challenges, I provide practical solutions to address and manage these issues.

– Stress and Burnout: Parenting can be overwhelming. I help parents manage stress and avoid burnout by teaching self-care techniques and stress-reduction strategies.

Furthermore, I would say what sets me apart is…

– My Personalized Approach: I understand that every family is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to parenting. My approach is highly personalized, tailored to the specific needs and goals of each client.

– Empathy and Support: I approach parenting challenges with empathy and a non-judgmental attitude. I understand that parenthood is filled with ups and downs, and I’m here to provide unwavering support.

– Evidence-Based Strategies: My coaching is rooted in evidence-based practices and the latest research in child development and parenting. I ensure that the strategies I recommend are not only effective but also backed by science.

I am most proud of the countless parents I’ve had the privilege to work with who have successfully overcome challenges and transformed their parenting experience. Witnessing families grow stronger, children thriving, and parents feeling more confident is incredibly rewarding.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I have always been passionate about helping families thrive, studying child development, and family dynamics and so after working as a research fellow for a couple of years, I longed to make a more direct impact on the lives of parents and children.

I had a certain amount of money allotted to me as a research fellow for professional development. These opportunities were designed to support staff members in their career growth and skill development. I realized that this could be my chance to turn my dream of becoming a parenting coach into a reality. With a clear vision of my goal, I began researching parenting coaching programs and certifications. I identified a reputable coaching institute known as the Jai Institute of Parenting which is known for its comprehensive training in positive parenting techniques and family support. It was a perfect fit for my aspirations.

I eagerly applied for the professional development fund however I was not initially granted approval . The funds were intended to be used for courses, conferences, and training programs that would enhance her skills as a researcher. However, I had a different plan in mind. For months I tried to get my job to let me use my professional development funds towards a certification program to become a Parenting Coach. I received several soft no’s and comments that the program didn’t relate to my job. I took the program syllabus and drafted up a summary of reasons as to why the program would be beneficial. I kept asking as long as the soft no’s weren’t hard no’s. Finally, I was blessed with a very sweet supervisor who advocated for me and signed off on my request. In my business ventures I often tell myself to continue to nurse my ambitions and not let rejection flatten my experiences.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I have always been the go-to person for planning and styling parties and events. I felt as if my meticulous attention to detail, creative flair, and ability to turn any occasion into a memorable experience made me an exceptional event planner and last year I started to thrive in my event planning business.

However, life has a way of throwing curveballs. I found myself navigating a full time career while also styling weddings on the weekends and I soon became less excited about my events. My pivot began when I decided to look into becoming a parenting coach after hiring a life coach for myself and enjoying it. I quickly discovered my passion for coaching and began consuming books, articles, and research on child development and positive parenting techniques.

As time went on, it struck me—I was no longer as passionate about event planning as I once was. Instead, I found myself yearning to share my newfound knowledge and insights with parents. I realized that I wanted to help parents navigate the challenges of parenthood with confidence. I decided to pivot my business goals from event planning to parenting coaching. I embarked on a rigorous certification program, equipping myself with the necessary skills and knowledge to support parents effectively.

The transition was not without its challenges. I needed to rebrand my business, rebuild my client base, and learn the ropes of the coaching profession. However, my passion and dedication have fueled the journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://harmonywithinparenting.com/
• Instagram: notyouravrg_parenting
• Facebook: Parenting Made Possible
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joenesha-michelle-hardman-60889445/
• Other: Tik Tok: @theblackmarypoppins