We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Crystal Jackson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Crystal below.
Crystal, appreciate you joining us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
Becoming a Business and a Brand is no joke. I think the main thing is finding something you do without even thinking about it and turn that into a passion. People always say that “hard work equals success” while that may be true, if your doing something you love it wont feel as much like a chore rather than an investment in self! For me, I had to learn the hard way (like most) walking through life confused and millennially depressed lol. I’m really a person who have always done what I want even when i was a kid. But because i focused so much on making others happy I couldnt even see my vision! In 2021 I packed up my daughter and I whole entire life and left everything and everyone we knew and moved here to Georgia because I just knew it was more out there that we weren’t going to find/get In Cleveland! Crazy thing is I went through so many things here non stop that I really felt like giving up! But that was the test, too keep going. I can honestly say after everything I’m still here and its getting better everyday!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Im The “Home Girl Doula” or “The birth Homie” Origianally from Cleveland,Oh now residing here in Beautiful Georgia! I”m a Mom of 1 and just an all around Home girl you never knew you needed! My Journey started at just 8 years old! I used to watch a TV show called “A baby story” and I was OBSESSED! I knew then I wanted to be a part of the birthing process! I made healthcare a part of my career my entire working life, but my true calling has always been childbirth! After years of shadowing, researching and schooling, I still had no clue where I wanted to be in the Medical field. nothing felt right except childbirth. I started to apply myself in different scenarios. Doctors were too detached for my style, nurses were very involved but are bound to western medical styles of care, and anything else didn’t fit! as I got older I started to get back to my roots. Herbal medicine and practices took over from my traditional learning I had gone to school for. That’s when I started to look for how I could be apart of it holistically. Not realizing I had already served as a doula to friends and families throughout my lifetime and I was so excited to know it was a profession! I immediately dove into my research and taking plenty of classes! I learned that there were several different levels and types of doulas to which I took on two other specialties (sex and postpartum). I truly love what I do and I plan on doing it for the rest of my life!
Services I offer is Intimacy which generally deals with issues surrounding sex, intimacy with self and/or partners. Birth which is most common, dealing with support for the birthing person and family! Postpartum Following birth, I support mom and baby however they need. Rather it be caring for baby while mom rest, taking care of baby hose hold chores. meal prepping, helping with sleep schedules ect.
The thing that sets me apart is I’m like a cousin that everyone loves. I branded myself “the home girl” because its exactly who I am! I’m really down to earth, Full of love and life! I pride myself of bringing my community the lil bit of Flava we all need to feel comfortable. I don’t code switch ever and how I talk to my own family and friends is how I talk/treat my own clients! I always say ” Y’all not clients Y’all are Fam!”
the thing I’m most proud of is I’m true to myself and my brand! its hard to be your authentic self without fear or judgment now-a-days. but I honestly can say what you see it what you get! I’m all about Black advancement and I will always support my people to the fullest without judgment or prejudice! I want the absolute best for my people and Having a Doula is not a Luxury but a necessity that should be a luxurious experience!
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele is being myself and Praying! I tell people all the time I am who I am because God wanted me to Be! I’ll never go against my creator! I believe That prayer. meditation and fating will help anyone achieve what they want!
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
If I could go back I would have chosen a different route maybe sooner, but defiantly would still chosen to be a birth worker! I love what is do and all it represents! I love that I’m helping to educate and guide birth work back to what it supposed to be sacred, spiritual, loving, and memorable in the best ways!.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thebirthhomie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebirthhomie/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebirthhomie
Image Credits
I own all rights to photos