Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakia Williams.
Lakia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My mother shared with me that ever since I was a child, I have always been very friendly, outgoing, and a charismatic individual. Because of who I am, it has allowed me to experience different types of friendships and or relationships. Some relationships have landed me in positions that have caused a lot of hurt and pain, mainly domestic violence. I have always had a passion for helping and serving others, especially my fellow sisters who can relate or have experienced the same type of issues or domestic problems. I believe that my purpose in life is to touch the hearts of many through inspiring, mentoring, and empowering women in their daily lives. Encouraging them toward the betterment of increasing their self-worth.
At the end of 2014, I wanted to join a support group to cope with being a single mother to a child with disabilities. At the time, I had two children, no job, and I was battling with low self-esteem and depression/anxiety. I was overwhelmed with bills and the fears of being alone. I called my mother crying and asked her for advice about support. She recommended that I reach out to my friends and have a girls night at my home. I reached out to one of my sisters and we put together an entire agenda for a ladies night out or empowerment gathering. My sister and I made a PowerPoint presentation and asked my mother to give encouraging words to the women. We invited 20 women, but to our surprise, more than 30 women showed up. We all shared our stories that night about what we’ve been through in our lives on a personal level.
We encouraged, empowered, and uplifted one another. I realized then at that very moment I wasn’t alone and the other women also needed a support system as well. I realized that this was my calling and the reason why God placed it on my heart to put it together. I shared with the women in the room that night that I was interested in starting my own support group! Everyone in the room was ecstatic, and wanted to help me start the company!
For about two months I researched on how to start a nonprofit organization. When I was ready to start, I invited women from that night to be a part of the Board of Directors. We came up with the name of our organization as Broken Hearts to Open Hearts. Short thereafter, we had a fish fry fundraiser and raised over $450. We used the money to pay all the fees to apply for Incorporation Status. Broken Heart to Open Hearts was launched in May 2015. We hosted our first event in June 2015 an called the event “A Chat and Chew”. Over 50 women attended. This event was a major success and the beginning of something great!
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has not been smooth as CEO and mother to a special needs child. It has been very challenging. With a lot of adversities that I had to overcome. At one point, I wanted to give up on the organization because I was dealing with so many personal struggles such as depression, self-doubt, and lack of self-love. This was because I involved in a domestic violence relationship. I took some time to focus on myself, to rebuild my confidence and I came to realize that this road called life can be rough. I decided not to give up on my passion and purpose in life. My sole purpose is to love, bless others, and to give back to my community
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Broken Hearts To Open Hearts – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Broken Hearts to Open hearts Inc. is a foundation to help empower women from diverse backgrounds. We make connections and support women through a variety of networking mixers, support group activities, and personal development workshops. We uplift and empower and inspire women with self-esteem, self-respect, and self-empowerment. We are a sisterhood program. We offer resource information and open membership for women as well. No one is alienated from becoming a member of our program. We are known for our support group activities and mentorship programs. What I am most proud of is our perseverance, compassion we have for others, and our genuine hearts. We are making so many amazing changes in the lives of others.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I have been in Atlanta all my life! What I love most about our city is the opportunities. Opportunity to grow, meet new like-minded people, and to pursue your dreams. What I like least is that we do not have enough agencies in the East Atlanta area for Women Empowerment. There is a lack of support also for small black-owned businesses operated by African-American females.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 678-223-3463
- Email: brokenhearts2openhearts@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/brokenhearts2openhearts
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/brokenheatstoopenhearts
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
