Exploring Life & Business with Rashonda Tate of Melanin Heart

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rashonda Tate.

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?
I’ve always been interested in babies and the birth process but never really put much thought into how I could do it as a career. I thought law enforcement was my path. I attended a High school magnet for criminal Justice and FAMU for criminology and social work. My first job after college was with the Urban League as a Crime Prevention specialist. I opened a boutique, sold clothes, and even taught school. A shift happened when I snagged a part-time position working the labor and delivery floor at a hospital. Again, I was reminded that my place is in birth work but Ignored it up until I almost lost my life after giving birth to my twins.

Unknowingly, I had been suffering from an enlarged heart, congestive heart failure, and failing organs because of my heart disease. The lack of treatment I received included constant dismissive behavior towards my concerns while pregnant and even misdiagnosis of postpartum depression. I spent two weeks in ICU and years of recovery. I vowed to myself that I would find a way to advocate for African American women so that they wouldn’t suffer the way I did. This is why I became a doula. I trained through the National Black Association and launched my business Melanin Heart. Every year I patriciate and raise funds for the Atlanta Heart Disease association and this year, I did my first annual Kickback With a Cause, where I collect gently used clothes and toys for women and children.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Whew!! I wish I could say it’s been a smooth road but unfortunately, without my pain and struggle, I wouldn’t have pushed myself to even start. I’ve been homeless at one point, walking seven miles just to get to work. My uphill battle to recover from Heart Disease was both a physical and mental struggle.

We’ve been impressed with Melanin Heart, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Melanin Heart offers doula services and support, items for Labor and Postpartum. We also advocate for disparities in healthcare for African Americans and fundraise to support Heart Disease survivors and patients. I’m so proud of the fundraising aspect it’s near and dear to my heart and what the brand stands for, which is “Healing the community one beat at a time” I believe in the village concept it’s going to take a fist to create a mighty blow so if we all individually contribute to the well being of our brother and sisters this will create change.

What were you like growing up?
I’ve always been a leader and very charismatic. I played the drums, danced and played flag football. In High school, I was apart of many clubs, including the French club. I spent a lot of time within my community with service projects, even volunteering with my mom with the Local Juneteenth Festival. I’ve always been interested in learning new things and sharing my knowledge.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.melaninheart.com
• Instagram: Melaninheart_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP_7EywVoMANWThh-Sftkgg