Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Huggins.
Hi Leah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got started by following my heart. I moved from Kingstree, South Carolina to Atlanta to attend college in 2002. I graduated with a BS in Computer Engineering Technology from DeVry University in 2005 and my MBA concentration in Project Management in 2008. While I enjoyed working as a Project Manager, I was unfulfilled and was seeking more. I did everything that made sense, but my heart still ached for more. I finally stopped overthinking and flowed into my purpose of encouraging, empowering, motivating, and inspiring others. I quit a great-paying job and began volunteering at a homeless shelter in Atlanta. While I loved the work, I needed more money so I went back to corporate America, but that was short-lived. I finally understood while money was very important, if I followed my passion, the money would come. I began working at the homeless shelter again, and it was amazing. Although I lost the job due to COVID-19, the process really showed me who I am and what I was born and created to do.
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?
Not a smooth road at all. In 2007, what started as a numb right hand progressed within three days to my entire right side being numb and a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). When my PCP told me the news, I was in shock as I had never heard of MS. I’ll never forget the nurse telling me to exercise my behind off as this would help keep my muscles strengthened. The first neurologist I went to told me I may never fully recover and may live with diplopia or double vision the rest of my life. I also had an adverse reaction to the first medication and I made it to my PCP a few hours before my body went into anaphylactic shock. This journey made me begin taking my health seriously and learning the importance of healthy boundaries and not being afraid to say no.
Then around 2012, I suffered a severe depression. Within moments, I would go from happy to a dark cloud looming over me. I visited a therapist who after one visit was eager to put me on anti-depressants, but I refused. I began reciting scriptures written on index cards and listening to a CD that contained prayers 24 hours a day. Eventually, the depression broke and I found a therapist who was interested in listening and helping me navigate difficult situations.
During the economic recession in 2008, I lost my job which subsequently resulted in my house being foreclosed upon. This forced me to move back to SC for a few months. During this time, I also dealt with a personal betrayal from a very unlikely source that hurt me to my core.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I encourage, empower, motivate, and inspire. No matter where I am, I always find myself doing this. For about six years, I would send my friends motivating text messages. They kept saying Leah, these need to be in a book. I was not interested because I never saw myself as an author. However, when I started working at the homeless shelter again in 2020, I was inspired to motivate residents with these encouraging words and From God’s Mouth To My Ears and Into Your Heart was written. Money from the book sales allowed me to donate these books to two shelters in Atlanta.
I am also active in my church. My faith means a lot and I believe Luke 22:32 is important to the Christian faith. Many times, we experience and overcome situations but do not offer strength to our brothers who may be experiencing something similar. I believe sharing our experiences is important to the faith and helps others overcome difficult times.
My compassionate Spirit has led me to make a difference in people’s lives when I do not even realize that’s what I’m doing. I truly believe no one man is an island and it’s important that we work together as a community. For approximately three years, I hosted a Morning Motivation prayer call, three times a week. This fifteen-minute prayer call motivated people before they embarked upon their day.
While I enjoyed working as a project manager, I knew there was more. My passion for helping individuals ultimately led me to grant writing, non-profit setup, and organizational strategic planning.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the comradery our city offers. While large, Atlanta has a closeness and sense of family that most large cities don’t offer. I love the Southern charm Atlanta provides to residents and visitors. I also love the accomplishments that black people in Atlanta have achieved.
Definitely the traffic. However, with the number of people moving here, traffic has no choice but to be a nightmare.
Pricing:
- $9.99 ‘From God’s Mouth, To My Ears, and Into Your Heart’ Book
