We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kalima Crooks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kalima, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

When i was in massage school we was taking a business course,they asked us to come up with a name i choose “guided Hands” originally i wanted to work with children teaching them how to relax ,then i was like i wanna work with family doing massage & doula work and i can guided them into relaxation,teach them intimacy in a no. Sexual way .away we can relax the mind body and soul cause in today’s world we get so stuck in the chaos we just surviving through it .but if i can teach us how to heal through massage and a holistic lifestyle it would change the next generation.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a holistic birth doula and massage therapist dedicated to supporting individuals and families through transformative life experiences, especially during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. My journey into this work began with a deep calling to be present during life’s most sacred transitions. I’ve always believed in the power of healing physical, emotional, and spiritual and was drawn to modalities that honor the whole person.

I entered the birth world because I saw firsthand the disparities and lack of compassionate, culturally competent care that Black families and marginalized communities often face. Becoming a doula was my way of reclaiming space, power, and voice for those who have historically been silenced or underserved. Massage therapy followed naturally it became a way to not only support physical wellness but also to restore peace and balance to the body and spirit, especially during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

I offer a range of holistic services that include:
• Birth Doula Support Emotional, physical, and informational support throughout pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period.
• Prenatal and Postnatal Massage Targeted massage therapy that supports the unique needs of birthing people.
• Holistic Wellness Consultations Incorporating herbal support, nutrition guidance, and ancestral healing practices.
• Sacred Birth Preparation & Rituals Guided ceremonies and educational sessions to prepare mind, body, and spirit for birth.
• Postpartum Healing Services Including belly binding, womb massage, and emotional support for new parents.

All of my offerings are grounded in a trauma-informed, culturally rooted, and heart centered approach.

I create safe, sacred spaces for people—especially Black and Brown birthing people—to feel seen, heard, and cared for. I help clients feel empowered in their choices, supported in their bodies, and connected to their intuition.

What sets me apart is the way I weave together evidence-based care with ancestral wisdom and intuitive presence. I don’t just offer services; I offer a healing experience. I am deeply present with my clients, and I honor the sacredness of their journey. I understand that birth is not just a medical event—it’s a spiritual rite of passage. And I meet that with reverence.

My practice is also rooted in advocacy and education. I work to dismantle the systemic barriers that impact reproductive justice and maternal health outcomes. That’s not a side mission it’s woven into every part of my care model.

I’m most proud of the transformations I witness. When a client who was once anxious and fearful walks away from their birth experience feeling powerful, safe, and respected that’s everything to me. I’m proud to be a vessel for healing and change. I’m proud to represent Black doulas and birth workers who are reclaiming traditional roles in their communities and rewriting the narrative around birth.

My brand is rooted in healing, empowerment, and liberation. Whether you are working with me for massage therapy, birth support, or holistic guidance, know that you are entering a space where your story matters, your needs are honored, and your power is affirmed.

I want people to know that this work is sacred to me. I am not here to simply provide a service I am here to walk alongside you, hold space for you, and support your healing in every dimension. You are not alone. Your journey is worthy of care, attention, and deep respect. And I’m honored to be part of it.

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

I’m a holistic birth doula and licensed massage therapist who uses the power of intuitive, ancestral, and holistic healing to support and transform lives. I’ve been in business for six years, but my journey hasn’t always been straightforward. A few years ago, I reached a point where I felt stuck like my purpose was greater than the space I was in. So I did something bold: I left Baltimore and moved to Atlanta in April [2022 or 2023] on faith alone.

I didn’t have a set plan, but I had a vision and I trusted that God would guide my steps. I took refresher courses, worked a 9–5 to stay grounded, and began making meaningful connections through jobs and classes with other like-minded healers and entrepreneurs. Out of those connections, a beautiful collaboration was born: a doula collective created by myself and other business owners who wanted to uplift, support, and showcase our unique talents in the birth world.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I use my gifts to support people physically, emotionally, and spiritually especially during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. My passion lies in holistic healing, and I’m especially called to serve Black and marginalized communities who often don’t receive the care and advocacy they deserve.

I’ve been in business for over six years, but the biggest shift in my journey happened when I moved to Atlanta in April [2022 or 2023] to follow my dreams. That decision wasn’t easy. In fact, when I first got here, things were rough. I experienced homelessness. I got sick. I was taking on all kinds of jobs just to survive. But through it all, I never let go of my faith. I sat with God, prayed, and when I finally came up with a plan I committed to it with everything I had.

I took some refresher classes, reconnected with my purpose, and started building new relationships. Eventually, I connected with other like minded entrepreneurs, and we formed a doula collaboration to uplift and showcase our individual strengths. That’s when things began to align and ever since, I’ve been blessed to serve clients whose lives I’ve helped transform through healing and holistic support.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://calendly.com/guidedhandsdoulamassageservice
• Instagram: Guided_Hands1

Image Credits

Kalima crooks
KalimaThaGoddess