We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Libra Hicks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Libra below.
Libra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
I didn’t understand my purpose until I birthed my oldest son! Anthony Jr. was born on time, however it was a botched delivery!
The harsh delivery experience left my son with brain damage that would lead to his dependency for everything he needed and wanted in life.
Through his existence and experience, I discovered my love for helping people and I knew once I tapped into healing myself, my growth would extend to others in whatever way GOD saw fit!
Through continued meditation and therapy, I unlock levels to myself that I didn’t realize was there! It takes, discipline, daily practice and consistency to build! Every single day I make an intentional thought with proactive action so that I can continue to grow and heal!
I was told that you will only get what you put in with anything that you do! So I put in something every single day! Whether it’s 5mins or $5.00……. I invest SOMETHING into my roots / foundation so that it stands sturdy for the legacy my mom and dad started!!!
It takes time and patience! I can’t say timeframes because each journey is different! What I can say is every tool I’ve collected and still collect mixed with every challenging moment I’ve conquered, prepared me to lead myself into my desires. The more I walk in purpose and with intention, obeying what is asked of me by my creator, the more Insee the creator blessing me in many different ways!
Libra, 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?
I walked into several fields that I am currently still apart of by chance! Some of these titles were never on my radar at one point to achieve!
I am a Mother, Advocate, Philanthropist, Podcast Host, Sneaker Designer, Fitness Coach and Author!
Disability Advocacy Assistance was to help my oldest son who has Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy! Helping him spilled over into me helping others. In honor of my son I started a nonprofit Organization Our Children’s Story, Inc. we assist families who care for a loved one with disabilities!
After working my nonprofit for awhile, my health started to become a barrier. Not only was it barrier for the growth of my business it was a barrier in my ability to give quality care to my son!
I struggled to lift my son, I was breaking furniture and my body was slowly shutting down! After years of yo-yo dieting and 2 failed weight loss surgeries, I knew GOD was telling me I was capable if I would just focus on him/her and remove distractions. Before the rocket would take off, my baby boy Lyric was born which gave me more motivation to jump start my new life! After his Autism diagnosis I KNEW health was my only option for his safety! I was now responsible for 2 babies with disabilities! I needed to be healthy!
Once I took my journey and life seriously, I dropped 110lbs in 9months. After dropping the weight and reaching 165lbs I still didn’t see what I envisioned myself being! So I kept going even when everyone thought I was crazy! Fast forward I’m 145lbs lean muscle!!! I’m able to give quality care to both of my children!
Before COVID made its grand entrance, Ja’Dore Awareness Apparel was being created, however, COVID had other plans! I placed my apparel business on hold and birthed Fitmom Fitness Situation! A virtual fitness program moms can access from their smart device! The intent was to help create an outlet from women who were trapped in the funk of what the pandemic was doing to them mentally!
Once we were outside again I jumped back into my apparel line and birthed sneakers and apparel to represent individuals who need a voice within the disability community!!
Currently all 3 businesses are doing well. We really appreciate the support we receive from strangers who are curious to learn something new!
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
Initial capital for my businesses looked like this! To be truthful still operates like this!!!
I evaluated every angle money was currently coming from. I then looked at my total expenses no matter what it was! And started removing what was unnecessary as well as things I could go without.
Once I understood where my income was coming from and what my expenses were, I was able to save money to invest in my businesses! I made a list of things that I needed to make money in my businesses now and only purchased those things.
After 1yr of earning money using the tools I already had, I added those funds to what I had already saved. From here, I made changes, upgrades etc that made sense for the space the business was in at the time. What was most important to me was not running out of money while building.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
My foundation is a strong one filled with individuals who had to come through really tough times. Their tough times taught me how to be loving and beautiful. It also taught me to be mean and evil. I had to unlearn being hateful and unnecessarily loud and learn how to use the powers that are underneath the toxicity that’s displayed in my family!
My parents came from nothing and a time period when racism was extremely raw and real! They worked with what was given to them and what life dealt them to survive and raise me!
I made a choice to do something different so I wouldn’t get stuck in that pattern. I wanted more for myself and my children! I wanted to gift my babies more than struggle! I wanted to gift them the vision my parents had for me yet couldn’t nail! FREEDOM!
Contact Info:
- Website: FitmomFitnessSituation.com
- Instagram: JaDoreAwarenessApparel
- Facebook: OurChildrensStoryInc