Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Patterson.
Mary, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
December 16, 2008 – life presented me with a traumatic experience that would start the journey to where I am today. On December 16, 2018, I gave birth to a stillborn baby (a baby who is birthed already deceased). After carrying and nurturing this child for nine months in my womb, only one can imagine the level of pain I experienced on this day. At the time, I was in an abusive relationship that contributed to the high level of stress and trauma I experienced. Little did I know this journey was not just for me but also for me to make it out stronger than I could ever imagine. There was a purpose in my pain. Although I was out of the abusive relationship, the mental and emotional aftermath lingered for years. I had healing work to do! When this work was done, I knew others needed to hear my story and the power gained through my journey; I decided to write my book, “Don’t Block Your Bloom”. In this book, I boldly and unapologetically walk in my truth and share my scars with the world. I take the reader on a journey through my healing and the power that comes along with it- the power that we all have. We sometimes allow life to disable our divine power as we experience trauma, trials and tribulations but we never really lose it; we just have to pull back the layers and heal. Aside from being an author, I am also a wardrobe stylist. I have had a love for fashion since I was 16, after the death of my child depression took over and I stopped doing the one thing I love, Fashion. When I found my way back to me, I started my imagine consulting brand.
Has it been a smooth road?
There is no such thing as a “Smooth Road”. Some of the struggles that came along the way were struggles within myself; not feeling good enough, shrinking when I am around others, allowing my thoughts to get the best of me, these are only a few of the struggles. When I notice that it all begin and end with me, I no longer labeled it as a struggle but more of an area that needed healing and attention. It was my own struggle and roadblock. I was blocking my bloom. The external obstacles, I try not to focus too much on because I know what is for me will be as long as I put in the work and do my part.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
My Image consulting agency “Twelve16”, the name is in honor of my angel baby Morgan, who died on December 16, 2008. We help individuals establish their personal style and consistent brand identity. Twelve16 offers wardrobe styling services for photoshoots, appearance or for the everyday person that wants to look their best. As an author and spiritual coach, I am proud that my company is not just focused on the outer layer of the client but we also focus on the inner; our customers get an experience with every service, that’s why we are “Style that Empowers’. Our clients walk away feeling better about themselves and feeling that they can accomplish more just being who they’re meant to be.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I like the amount of support that’s in Atlanta, it’s amazing. As I am back and forth from DC, I can say that the energy and the support for black entrepreneurs is what’s drawing me to finally making Atlanta my permanent home, the energy is always love.
Pricing:
- My Book “Don’t Block Your Bloom” is 12.99 on amazon
- Twelve16 styling services can be found at www.twelve16style.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Dontblockyourbloo.com
- Phone: 202-258-0599
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dontblockyourbloom/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryPartterson/
- Other: http://www.twelve16style.com/
Image Credit:
Quantizedpixels
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