We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Portia Washington Harris a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Portia Washington thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Often outsiders look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight. Even media and especially movies love to gloss over nitty, gritty details that went into that middle phase of your business – after you started but before you got to where you are today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. Can you talk to us about your scaling up story – what are some of the nitty, gritty details folks should know about?

Doulas Due has grown steadily over the past five years since becoming an LLC in 2020. When I first decided to become a birth and postpartum doula, the world had just shut down due to COVID-19. I had recently lost my job, along with many around me, and was quarantined at home in California with my son. As a single mother also caring for my ill grandmother—who has since passed but always encouraged me to pursue something meaningful—I used that time to focus deeply on completing my doula certification and planning for the future.

After her passing, I relocated to Maryland with little more than hope that this new path would lead somewhere. Almost immediately after arriving, I was presented with an opportunity that renewed my faith in birth work. I joined several online communities focused on doula support and newborn care, where I connected with like-minded professionals and started building my network.

With support from family and a clear vision, I began subcontracting for a newborn care agency called Hush Hush Little Baby, which gave me hands-on experience and helped me grow professionally. After three years, I moved to Glen Burnie and expanded my reach by working with other local agencies, primarily supporting families during the postpartum period and assisting with breastfeeding challenges.

Driven by a desire to offer even more to my clients, I began the path toward becoming an IBCLC and obtained the necessary credentials to sit for the exam. At the same time, I continued refining the business side of things. I had spent years in the field and had developed a deep understanding of what both clients and doulas truly need.

In 2025, I made a pivotal decision to invest in a marketing team called The Digital Doula. They helped me organize internal systems, build an email list, enhance my SEO, and elevate my website and social media presence. That investment allowed Doulas Due to become more visible in the local community and opened new doors of opportunity—both for myself and for the doulas I now mentor.

Over time, I reinvested the income from my work back into the business, scaling with intention. I’ve learned the power of SEO, the value of consistent client reviews, the importance of blog content, and the necessity of maintaining a strong business profile. Today, Doulas Due is no longer just a dream or a solo operation—it’s a respected agency offering not only support to families but also mentorship and opportunities for newly certified doulas entering the field.

We’ve expanded services to include placenta encapsulation, with plans to add belly binding and yoni steaming in the near future. I also help others navigate the NPI and Medicaid enrollment process, further strengthening our community impact.

Scaling Doulas Due has been a journey of continuous learning, resilience, reinvestment, and alignment with my purpose—to support, guide, and grow both families and doulas with compassion and care.

Portia Washington, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Portia Washington Harris, and I’m the owner of Doulas Due LLC, a birth and postpartum doula agency built from my personal journey as both a mother and caregiver. During the pandemic, while caring for my son and my late grandmother, I found my calling in doula work and began building a business centered around care, resilience, and community.

At Doulas Due, we specialize in postpartum overnight care, newborn care, breastfeeding support, and placenta encapsulation, We also provide mentorship for new doulas, guiding them in areas like NPI registration and Medicaid eligibility so they can grow in their profession. Our clients are often first-time parents or families without nearby support who need a trusted, skilled partner to help them through the early months of parenthood.

What sets us apart is our dual mission: we serve families with compassionate, evidence-based care while also investing in doulas by creating opportunities for mentorship and professional growth. This balance allows us to ensure both families and doulas feel supported and empowered.

I’m most proud that what began as a one-woman effort has grown into a respected agency, now recognized for providing high-quality care and building lasting trust. At Doulas Due, our goal is simple: to transform the postpartum journey into a season of rest, confidence, and joy for every family we serve.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built my audience on social media by staying connected to my community and intentionally nurturing relationships through different agencies and programs. For example, I collaborate with MeetMae, a program that connects Medicaid-eligible doulas with clients who are covered under certain insurance providers. Many of the families I’ve supported through Mae have continued following me on social media, where I share guidance, resources, and encouragement for pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
My advice for anyone just starting to build their social media presence is to lead with value and authenticity. Share content that truly helps your audience—whether that’s tips, education, or simply a reminder that they’re not alone. Consistency is also important, but so is building real connections. Engage with people, respond to their questions, and let them see the heart behind your work. Over time, this builds trust and naturally grows your community

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

After giving birth to my twins in 2023, I had to step back from doula work and pivot into a different path. I returned to the corporate world as an office assistant for a law firm, and while I gained valuable experience, it quickly became clear how unfulfilled I felt outside of birth work. That season forced me to pause, reflect, and re-evaluate my goals and mission as a business owner. Just a year later, I returned to birth work with a stronger sense of purpose and clarity about why this field matters so deeply to me—and why supporting families is the work I’m truly called to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://doulasdue.com
• Instagram: doulasdue
• Facebook: Doulas due llc