We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Darrien Jamar (they/them). We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Darrien below.
Dr. Darrien , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?
I had graduated from chiropractic school just two weeks prior. At the time, I had no idea where I wanted to practice. Surrendering to that uncertainty was not easy, especially because I was constantly bombarded with the question, “What’s next?”
The one thing I was certain of was that I would be returning to work as a server—the same job I had throughout college and during breaks while in chiropractic school. Even then, I felt apprehensive. The recurring thought was: I am a doctor now—why am I waiting tables? I couldn’t silence those thoughts and fears, so I brought them with me.
Within a week, I would be starting another quarter in my master’s program in Positive Psychology, so I decided to visit a friend in Washington, D.C. We were walking through the Shaw neighborhood when I was suddenly filled with an overwhelming feeling: This is it. This is the place.
Two days later, it was a Monday night—my last week working at Bill’s Seafood on Chincoteague Island—and we were ten minutes from closing. I was next up for a table. In walked a couple. The waitstaff groaned, ready to go home. One of them hissed, “Hurry up and get them out of here—I don’t want to be here all night.”
I rolled my eyes, found a smile, and greeted them.
They ordered appetizers and a bottle of wine. As I opened a bottle of our house sauvignon blanc, the man asked me a question that led me to share that I had recently graduated from chiropractic school. He perked up immediately.
“Oh wow—so where do you plan to practice?”
I smiled, almost surprised by my own answer. “Just two days ago, I decided on Washington, D.C.”
His eyes widened. “No way—I live in D.C. I work for the World Bank Group. I should connect you to the chiropractor I used to see.”
The next day, as promised, he sent an email connecting us. The following week, I was back in D.C. interviewing—and the rest has been history.
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.
I am a firm believer that our past holds the seeds that one day bloom into our future. As a child, I took great pride in spreading joy, hope, and love. I was instinctively drawn to matters of health—eating salads, drinking tea to soothe a sore throat, and spending time in nature climbing trees and playing in the dirt.
When I reflect on my life, I see a clear thread between then and now—I have always been called to lead, teach, and inspire.
Today, that calling shows up through my holistic healing boutique, where I serve as a Doctor of Chiropractic in Washington, D.C. My work is rooted in a whole-person approach, recognizing the interconnection between the physical, emotional, relational, mental, and spiritual aspects of our lives.
I offer a blend of services including chiropractic care, dry needling, cupping, Reiki, and life coaching. While many people initially come in seeking relief from physical discomfort, what they often experience is something deeper—a space where they feel seen, supported, and guided toward greater alignment in their lives as a whole.
What sets my work apart is the integration of intuitive guidance with clinical expertise. I am not only focused on addressing symptoms, but on helping individuals better understand themselves, their patterns, and their capacity to heal.
Many of my clients often share, “I always enjoy our conversations,” or “I always look forward to seeing you,” which speaks to the relational and human aspect of the work.
In addition to my practice, I serve as the Executive Director of The 3:20 Scholarship, which reflects my commitment to community, access, and creating opportunities for others.
What I am most proud of is not just building a business, but creating a space where people can show up fully as themselves and feel supported in doing so. It has always been important to me to understand the larger implications of my calling—not just to run a practice, but to teach, to lead, and to contribute meaningfully to the community.
More than anything, I want people to know that healing is not one-dimensional. My intention is to support the whole person—and to remind each individual that they already hold so much of what they are seeking within themselves.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
This question reminds me of how I cook. Every now and then, a sibling or friend will watch me in the kitchen and comment on how instinctive it seems—the mix of ingredients I reach for, how much I use, and how it all comes together.
Growing my practice has been much like that. It has taken a little of this and a little of that, but the foundation has always been a clear vision: providing quality, personalized care.
I believe that foundation was shaped during my time as a server. I genuinely enjoyed creating a meaningful experience for each table, and I’ve carried that same intention into my work as a doctor.
That vision has been brought to life through consistently nurturing trust and faith—especially during moments of challenge and uncertainty.
Another key ingredient has been growing in confidence as a chiropractor, teacher, and leader. Being authentically and vulnerably myself has also allowed my practice to stand out within the community.
I’ve found that while clients come for quality care, they also value connection. They appreciate knowing that I, too, am growing and navigating life. When appropriate, I bring those lessons into the space—whether through conversation during a session or through messages shared with my community.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
In 9th grade, I started running cross-country after a friend suggested it. At that point in my life, I didn’t feel particularly good at anything, and I had no clear sense of identity in sports or hobbies.
I didn’t fully understand what cross-country was, but I decided to try.
It was the second week of school, and the team had already been training since early August. That day, they were running three miles. I joined in.
At first, I thought, Okay, this isn’t too bad. But by the one-mile mark, I had to stop. I caught my breath, started again, and then stopped again—over and over. I must have stopped more than ten times that day.
But when I finished, I made a silent vow: I would be back tomorrow—and next time, I wouldn’t stop.
I finished that season ranked third to last on the team. At the time, that felt like an achievement.
The following year, I started training with the team in August. I showed up consistently, stayed committed, and held firmly to my promise not to stop during a practice or race.
At the first race of the season, I was anxious but focused. My plan was simple: stay behind Cameron, who was usually just ahead of me in practice. As we ran, I watched his curly blonde hair bounce with each step.
Halfway through the race, I heard something within me say: Go.
In that moment, I realized—I wasn’t tired. I had more to give.
So I went. I passed Cameron. Then I passed every runner I had once watched from behind.
That day, I came in first place for our team. I shocked everyone—myself, my coaches, and my teammates.
That experience revealed something deeper than physical endurance. Yes, resilience was there from the beginning, but I also discovered mental, emotional, and spiritual strength.
I had to release the way I once saw myself in order to step into who I was becoming.
That lesson has stayed with me. In both my personal and professional life, I’ve had to give myself permission to evolve—to let go of old identities in order to grow into new ones.
Cross-country showed me that I know how to persevere. But more importantly, it taught me the importance of being flexible—of trusting the timing of each season, and recognizing when a new version of myself is ready to emerge.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://darrienjamar.com
- Instagram: _darrienjamar
Image Credits
Lucas Goss