Today we’d like to introduce you to Simbi Animashaun.
Hi Simbi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Simbi M. Animashaun, and I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. I am an author, educator, and mompreneur. After graduating high school in May 2002, I started my college career at Savannah State University (SSU). In 2004, I transferred to Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU) to pursue a degree in the education program. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education in December 2006 and a Master of Education in May 2008. Upon graduation, I joined the teaching profession and have over ten years of teaching experience. Currently, I am an Instructional Coach for EdConnective and pursuing my Doctorate in Education (Ed.D) in Educational Technology.
Being a life-long learner, my passion for reading and writing heightened during the pandemic. I read a number of self-help books about healing. I immediately decided to break my silence and write a story about my experiences with pregnancy loss. My pregnancy loss journey started in January 2014. I miscarried my first child at eight weeks. Ten months later, I unexpectedly suffered a brain hemorrhage. I also discovered that I was pregnant again. Unfortunately, I miscarried at five weeks. I would go on to suffer two more miscarriages that year. Saddened by my losses, I began to give up and question God. I had fallen into depression, so I decided to seek professional support in 2016. I then began my miscarriage recovery. As a result, my faith in God strengthened and my life changed forever!
Miraculously, I gave birth to three beautiful children in January 2018, November 2019, and November 2020. Since their births, I have been inspired to share my story with hopes of helping other women cope with their losses. My self-published book, “The Power of Healing: A Memoir of Loss & Victory,” documents my struggles with pregnancy loss and journey to motherhood. I also detail my unexpected brain hemorrhage, failed relationship, and process of healing. I am currently writing a healing journey, “This Too Shall Pass: Turning Pain Into Power.” This journal is for the woman needing encouragement after a miscarriage. It is expected to be released in August 2020. My mission is to bring awareness to pregnancy and infant loss and provide support and encouragement to women who have experienced child loss at any stage of pregnancy: miscarriage, stillbirth, and loss of an infant.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been smooth. Life is not easy, but we have to follow the journey that God has designed for us. In the past, I failed to do that. I have made decisions that were irrational, emotional, and just plain dumb. Before I had my children, I would involve myself in situations and with people who were not even on my level. I always had the drive to be great, but I seemed to fail at every attempt towards greatness. I was doing what I wanted to do.
In 2008, when I moved to Maryland to began my teaching career, I really wanted to be a leader. To be exact, I wanted to be a Principal. I worked hard for my school. I went above and beyond for my students, in and outside of the building. During that time, I guess I didn’t fit in with the looks and sound of the society there, so oftentimes, I was overlooked (even though I was knowledgeable and skillful). I refused to be stuck in a position as a teacher. I eventually relocated.
I would teach in Ohio and Georgia. Again, I was outstanding and stood out as a teacher leader, but no one wanted to give me a chance. I was forced to resign from my teaching position after my maternity leave ended in February 2021. Unfortunately, we cannot control most things that happen to us. Having a brain hemorrhage, suffering multiple miscarriages, feeling alone and depressed, and career not moving changed me. I struggled with my faith! I began to question God. It was such a depressing time in my life. I really wanted to give up! I just wanted to run away to another country.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have a passion for writing. I love sharing my testimony. God is good. Many women suffer in silence after enduring pregnancy or infant loss. I know all too well; I was that woman. I suffered in silence for years. I was afraid and embarrassed.
Now, I hope to raise awareness of pregnancy and infant loss and provide support and encouragement to women who have experienced child loss at any stage of pregnancy: miscarriage, stillbirth, and loss of an infant. Experiencing the loss of a pregnancy or child can bring unimaginable pain and grief. It is devastating. Because of this, I wrote and self-published my book, “The Power of Healing,” to share my story and let women know that they are not alone. To be honest, reading my story can encourage anyone who has endured a loss.
The world doesn’t have the final word in our life. God does. I am most proud to have the courage and strength to break my silence, heal from my losses, and help others too. I want my readers to know that I am a living testimony. My story is real. My pain is real. My love is real. In addition to writing, I offer health and wellness products: whipped body butter, brown sugar body scrub, face serum, eczema cream, and pineapple and ginger detox juice. Self-care is important!
What’s next?
My plans for the future are to continue to raise awareness of pregnancy and infant loss and provide support and encouragement to women who have experienced child loss at any stage of pregnancy: miscarriage, stillbirth, and loss of an infant. I plan to write more self-help books that will provide support and encouragement to people like me. I learned something valuable this summer: Men experience pregnancy and infant loss too. It affects them as well. I am currently creating a healing journal, “This Too Shall Pass: Turning Power Into Pain,” that I plan to release in August 2021. I would like to donate my journals to local hospitals and miscarriage support groups. I am also looking forward to speaking engagements and openly sharing my stories more. Lastly, I would like to create an annual remembrance day in Atlanta and a power of healing workshop. Stay tuned!
Pricing:
- $9.99 – Ebook
- $14.99 – Paperback
Contact Info:
- Email: thepowerofhealing21@gmail.com
- Website: https://simbianimashaun.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/power.ofhealing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simbi.animashaun
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Healing-Memoir-Loss-Victory/dp/B095GSG6KM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LB78OPSBQLG4&dchild=1&keywords=simbi+animashaun&qid=1623874168&sprefix=simbi+a%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-1
