Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah McGlawn.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My husband Richie and I lost our daughter years ago and as we processed life, raised other children and ultimately relocated to Georgia, I found myself spiraling into a deep depression. I realize now that I had tucked away the pain as a way to cope with life. I now know I was too busy living life that I never stopped to grieve or begin the healing process.
I was depressed, unhealthy and the traditional approaches to healing was not helping me to return to myself. Richie took me to my first waterfall and it was there that the healing and our Ch8sing Waterfalls story began.
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 entirety of the process of building our brand has not been an easy road. I am employed full-time and building Ch8sing Waterfalls is equally a full-time job. I have been challenged with a lack of resources and time.
Ch8sing Waterfalls has grown into a non-profit organization which empowers black and brown women to embrace nature as a source of healing, specifically hiking in search of the magical healing powers of waterfalls.
Building this brand has come with both financial and emotional challenges. Time management has also proven challenging while managing a work-life balance.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am known for intentionally increasing the brown faces in green spaces by empowering and encouraging black and brown women to embr8ce the ch8se with Ch8sing Waterfalls. This, beyond my family, I am most proud of. We are Ch8sing and not Chasing because it’s the 8 that sets us apart. It is our story, our pain turned passion, turned purpose which sets us apart. Though it presents as an 8, it is an infinity symbol which acknowledges our daughter is infinitly with us.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I have learned that I am not the only black woman hurting and need something outside of traditional medicine. I learned that many black and brown women are in search of true community and a safe space. Additionally, I have learned that there are systemic and economical barriers that have prevented our community of women from venturing outside to hike, camp, or simply embrace nature.
These lessons learned are what has helped us to build a brand that responds to fulfilling these needs within our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ch8singwaterfalls.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ch8singwaterfalls
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ch8singwaterfalls
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ch8singwtrfalls
Image Credits
Ch8sing Waterfalls
