Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emilymai Esther Dunbar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Emilymai Esther, appreciate you joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?
I was brought up in a Christian home my entire life. My parents taught me and my siblings the importance of serving God with everything. I remember growing up at five years old, I had to pay tithe and give in church. I never understood why until now. Faith in our household was not optional, it was mandatory. My mom used to say “Before you all were born, I dedicated y’all at the altar.” Other than faith, another thing my parents taught me was discipline. There was a time when I thought my mother hated me; she was tough on me; there were many things I couldn’t do, places I couldn’t go, and people I couldn’t hang out with. I used to be confused. Whenever I asked my mom to go somewhere, she would say, “Let me pray or think about it.” The moment she said that I knew I wasn’t going. It was tough because my friends were all “having fun,” and I felt like all my mother cared about was God, family, and education. These were the three things my mom pounded in my head. I was told never to bring home anything lower than a B all through school! I worked hard, education was a priority. At 19, my mother had my older brother, so she made a vow that her daughter(s) would not go down that path she was on, and she was not kidding. She made me afraid of sex at some point until my father explained to me why she would say what she said.
Looking back at some of these lessons, I am extremely grateful. It’s because of them that Mending Hearts Life Coaching is where it is today. My mother said one thing that became true: “Emai(Emilymai), one day you will thank me for everything.” At the time, I was like, never, you were too hard on me. Honestly, all I do now is thank my parents for EVERYTHING. The good, bad, and ugly have made me who I am today.
Emilymai Esther, 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?
My name is Emai Esther Dunbar( Emilymai Esther Dunbar). I am the host of Dear Emili, a show produced by KeGG Media. I was born in LIBERIA and was partly raised in Ghana for about three years. I came to the U.S. at 10 years old. I have four siblings from my mother, one from my dad, and two from my stepdad, we are a big blended family. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Bethel University, a Master’s in Leadership with an emphasis on church leadership from Regent University.
Health Coach Institute and Light University certified me as a life, relationship, and mental health coach after a year and a half of schooling. Three things drive me: God, Family, and Impact. Nothing is more important to me than being the hands and feet of Jesus in everything I do. When I was a little girl, my parents got a divorce, which impacted me more than I expected, but instead of turning my pain into something nonimpactful, I turned it into passion. I started being fascinated with relationship dynamics, family ecosystem, martial values, and more; therefore, I embarked on a journey to LEARN AND GROW. Mending Hearts Life Coaching, came from my pain, the Lord turned that pain into a platform. I almost got married at 23 years old, one day i went in prayer and the Lord told me “you will destroy your marriage if you get marry, allow me to mend your heart so you can mend the hearts of others.” That was the beginning of a painful yet blissfully beautiful journey. At Mending Hearts Life Coaching, we provide coaching, counseling, and therapy services to BIPOC individuals, couples, and families to help them thrive in relationships and every aspect of life. I want potential members and families of Mending Hearts to know that we are here to walk and journey with you and that you are not alone. We understand at MHLC that healing is not an easy path; therefore, we want to journey with you.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I have learned to totally depend on God in everything, though I believe God will send helpers to push you but total dependency should come from HIM, no one else. I have learned to celebrate others, appreciate mentors, and value counselors and coaches in my life, but one thing I vow never to do is to place others in my life above Jesus and His voice. There was a time in my business, God spoke to me on what to do, who to connect with, I didn’t listen and spent a lot of unnecessary money when it wasn’t needed. It was a lot. There was a time when I was depressed, stressed, and didn’t listen. I really should have listened. That mistake will never repeat itself again.
I learned the hard way by losing a lot. I had to unlearn that those ahead of me know best, but that is not always true. I now understand that people ahead of you have the experience you can learn and appreciate, but they do not know best. When it comes to one’s passion, vision, or mission, the God who placed it on your heart and spirit is the God you should consult for final instruction. People will advise you based on what they know, God will direct you because He sees the end from the beginning. He’s a wise God, I had to learn to SEEK HIM FIRST and not just people in my life who He placed there to assist me.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Mending Hearts Life Coaching started as a for-profit where I coached couples and singles to live healthily in relationships. I realized most people who came to me couldn’t afford me; my rate was $150 an hour, which was a lot for people. I found myself giving free counsel and service. I consulted with some of my coaches and counselors and shared with them that I needed to transition to a nonprofit, that would help our community. Eventually I made the decision to transitioned as a nonprofit, I completed all the paperwork with the help and guidance of God we successfully transitioned as a nonprofit. Today, we are able to serve our community in ways I didn’t think would be possible if we remained a for-profit. I am grateful to everyone who has helped with the transition thus far. KeGG Media, EDA, board of directors, Advisory Pro Financial LLC, Thrivedge Solution LLC, my family, Apostle Judah Praise Martin, and friends, thank you for your hard work and for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I appreciate you all
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mendingheartslifecoaching.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mendingheartslifecoaching?igsh=bndvMXowanNsdnV1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHeartsLifeCoaching
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilymai-esther-dunbar-93a527247?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/lW3KzV4W23Y?si=KrSFjXQMbDTQDkmX
Image Credits
Photo credit to KeGG Media Studio, Earner Norris and my siblings who took selfies🤗!
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