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

Hi LaDonna, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.

Yes, Ebony Notes serves an underserved community by providing crucial mental health and personal growth resources tailored specifically for the Black community.

We serve an underserved community deeply impacted by historical oppression and the stigma surrounding mental health in Black communities. According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, Black adults are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population, yet they are less likely to seek treatment. This disparity is rooted in a history of systemic racism, unequal access to healthcare, and cultural stigma surrounding mental illness.

In many Black communities, seeking therapy or openly discussing mental health issues is often viewed as a sign of weakness or failure, further perpetuating the cycle of silence and suffering. As a result, many Black individuals struggle in silence, facing barriers to accessing appropriate care and support.

Ebony Notes addresses these systemic challenges by providing culturally sensitive and affirming mental wellness resources tailored specifically for the Black community. Through our platform, we aim to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and empower individuals to prioritize their well-being without fear or shame. By offering a safe and supportive space for self-reflection, personal growth, and community connection, Ebony Notes is working to break down barriers to mental health support and foster resilience and healing within the Black community.

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’m LaDonna, the founder and CEO of Ebony Notes Co. I’m a military spouse, mother, and educator with more than 16 years of experience in the classroom. I’ve taught math, coding, or other Computer Science concepts to Pre-K to High School students. As the founder and CEO of Ebony Notes, my journey into this space began with a deeply personal struggle with mental health. Despite being an educator, I found myself grappling with my own mental well-being, unsure of how to cope. Growing up, therapy was never discussed in my home or community, and seeking help felt like an alien concept.

This experience of navigating mental health challenges as an adult, without the support or resources I needed, inspired me to create Ebony Notes. I wanted to bridge the gap between the Black community and accessible, culturally sensitive mental health resources. That’s why our platform offers tailored support, from affirmations to guided journaling, designed specifically for the Black experience. My hope is that Ebony Notes can provide the support and empowerment that I wish I had when I was struggling.

Ebony Notes is more than just a business to me; it’s a passion project aimed at providing tailored support for mental health and empowerment within the Black community. What sets Ebony Notes apart is our commitment to cultural sensitivity and authenticity. Every product and service we offer is infused with the experiences and voices of Black individuals. I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve had so far and excited for what’s to come. Our goal is simple: to challenge mental health stigma and foster a culture of self-care and resilience in our community to lead to happy, healthy family units. Join us on this journey!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In 2023, Ebony Notes won The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge, an arduous journey that showcased resilience in the face of adversity. With over 2000 entries, I emerged as one of the top 9 semi-finalists. To secure a spot in the top 3, I had to rally enough votes and compete in live challenges in New York.

The road to New York was anything but smooth. Despite sunny skies in Louisiana, travel complications plagued our journey. Delays, cancellations, and ticket issues tested our resolve. With my two daughters in tow, we faced flight delays and cancellations until we were rebooked on a last-minute flight. In a display of unwavering determination, we endured a sleepless night in the airport and made it to the competition venue just in time with only hours to spare. Despite over 24 hours without rest, I tackled each challenge with focus and determination.

Ultimately, perseverance prevailed, and Ebony Notes emerged victorious, securing a $25k prize and a feature in INC Magazine. This experience underscores the importance of resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles on the path to success.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I am such a reader. I read over 18 books last year and have over 8 under my belt for this year. My top books would have to be Oversubscribed, Buy Back Your Time, Good to Great, and Walk Through Fire.

Oversubscribed by Daniel Priestly gave tangible strategies for getting your business oversubscribed in an overcrowded marketplace. I found that I could apply most tips right away.

Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell was a game changer for those who are feeling overwhelmed as a solopreneur or even having a skeleton crew.

Good to Great by Jim Collins laid out a realistic path to becoming a great business in any industry looking at data.

Walk through fire by Shelia Johnson is a memoir that is probably not meant as a business book but her story of resilience is inspiring and to hear the story of BET a great tv network was eye-opening.

Contact Info:

• Website: ebonynotes.co
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ebonynotes.co
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ebonynotes.app
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ladonnawelch/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ebonynotesapp
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ebonynotesfortheculture
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ebonynotes.app