We were lucky to catch up with Mrs. Kia Katella Elliott recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mrs. Kia Katella , appreciate you joining us today. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?

I knew this little girl that was giving up for adoption and a very year age. She was not treated very well by the families children. She was not loved, or made to feel welcomed, at all! She later moved back home with her biological family, and was never made to feel loved, wanted, appreciated, nor excepted! She became of age, got her own place. Started a family of her own. Began to go to church, and gained and relationship with Jesus and the people of the church. She began to read the Bible, that described what God said she was, and not what others may have said, or made her feel, and she gained confidence! She went to college, began a career, and she was the best Mother she could be. Everything was not perfect, or great, but she was no longer that hurt, and abused little girl that she once was. Today she has a great relationship with God, an amazing Husband, a loving Church, and successful children. Still, things are not perfect, but now she is a strong, courageous, powerful, encouraging, woman of God! She is my hero! She never gave up!

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 was born Katella, and at the age of four years old “Kia” was added! I was always ashamed of having a new name added, but I had to learn to face it, and I began to use it more, and it’s easier to pronounce then Katella, but I love both name, they fit me! So many say I was a late bloomer, but I say God is always on time. I have always loved to help people, because I know what it feels like to be alone, and have nothing. I have been a Doula for 3 years now. Using Both Hands Doula LLC of Cincinnati Ohio is the name of my Doula business. Not many clients, but those that I have blessed with my services, have blessed me more then they know! I love being a Doula, because I was a victim of lies, and medical miseducation when I gave birth to my children. I want to help women speak up in birth, and afterwards., To know their rights! To understand that “NO”is a complete sentence, and a command. Birth is beautiful, powerful, and natural. That’s how the Mother should feel during pregnancy, during birth, and when she is transitioning her life for a new baby. I have added on to my Doula business to be a voice and encourager to the Mom and the Dad! They can call for prayer and encouraging words once a week free of charge, client or not a client! I added this service because, what God has giving to me I want to share with others, and encourage them to do the same for their families, friends, and neighbors! I have recently joined many non profit pregnancy centers to be a volunteer birth advocate for those in need. I want to give back in so many ways because God has given to me. Using Both Hands Doula LLC is going to be everything God intended for it to be. I love giving the opportunity to tell my story, and journey so the so many other are encouraged to keep going no matter what or who! All things that are a challenge in the beginning is a success in the end when you live by faith (Kia K Elliott)

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I really had to remove all the negative people from my life that I thought had my best interest at heart. I had to learn because people are family, friends or colleagues, your vision and goals are not theirs, IT IS YOURS! Everyone can not go where God is taking you. Write your vision, goals, and do them little by little! Keep going no matter what it may look like ahead. Faith without works is only you dreaming. You must move and be consistent! Pray! Believe! Speak life! Don’t let anyone tell you what you can not do. Sometimes you just have to encourage yourself! Go alone, and trust the process.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I would not change anything about the path and business that chose me, because nothing happens by chance. I feel this is my calling, and I’m going to keep on going until I can’t go no more. This is what I have been called to do, and I love serving, and helping people find all of the strength and power that is in them.

Contact Info:

• Website: Usingbothhandsdoula.org
• Instagram: Kiathedoula
• Facebook: Kia Doula Elliott

Image Credits
Photos and images by Najla Sanaa Elliott