Today we’d like to introduce you to MaDonna Baker.
Hi MaDonna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As the oldest sibling I believe, based solely on birth order, that I was born to be a protector. My mother was a police officer and believed in “law and order”. Straight out of high school I joined the Unites States Navy. I started out doing administrative work but later cross trained into the legal field. I was the civilian equivalent of a paralegal. After active duty, I moved back to my hometown of Macon and joined the Macon Police Department and then moved to the Bibb County Board of Education Campus Police Department. I served as a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) for a total of 18 years between the two departments, and then became an Investigator for the State of Georgia. I learned so much about people, human nature, and myself as I “grew up” serving and protecting. Responding to and witnessing so much victimization really had an impact on me, and it has led me to my passion and purpose of teaching others how to protect themselves.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
With all the skills I have obtained through training and experience, my greatest challenge was deciding on what I really wanted to focus on as an entrepreneur. In fact, I tried to start three businesses at the same time and nearly crashed and burned. I remember telling my grandmother, “At 52 years old, I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.” Her sage advice to me was, “You have done what you’ve wanted to do, you have done what you’ve had to do, now do what you are supposed to do.” As profound as that was, and still is, I then had to find out what I was “supposed” to do. I asked, “What would I do for free if I did not need money?” Having the time to be still during the pandemic allowed me to listen to the whispers from God and let my life speak. My answer was to train people, especially women, how to protect themselves.
Although I still wanted to start each business, I centered on one and then pivoted to the next. Two are complete and I have one left to start. The journey has been simply complex, much like me. My greatest lesson has been to prioritizing and focusing on one thing at a time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know:
As a firm believer and supporter of the Second Amendment, I believe we ALL have the right to protect ourselves from bodily harm. My first idea was to start a Female Gun Club. Some friends and I worked fervently on getting Beauty and the Heat started. We are approaching our second anniversary and currently have 40 members. (The free thing).
In wanting to be a more self-sufficient club, the four of us that started it became Certified Firearms Instructors through the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA). Once certified, I started Beyond Taboo Tactical Training, LLC where I focus on Handgun Fundamentals. I am also certified to teach: Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals, Women’s Handgun and Self-Defense Fundamentals, Countering the Mass Shooter Threat/Church Safety-Protecting your Congregation, Real Estate Agent Safety and Self-Defense, and Emergency First Aid Fundamentals. The classes are comprehensive, engaging, and dynamic.
The firearms course is for anyone that owns or is considering owning a firearm. No shooting experience is required, and even experienced shooters will benefit from the courses. Live fire is done immediately after the classroom portion so that the concepts come together when rounds are put on target. I get my greatest joy when I see the empowered faces after class in comparison to the uncertain faces before.
If there are firearms in the home, I strongly suggest age-appropriate training for the children of the home as well.
For any of the courses, I can teach one-one-one, couples, families, businesses, or groups.
I am also a State of Georgia Licensed Private Investigator. M. L. Baker and Associates, LLC is my firm’s name, and we offer various services such as process service, background checks, surveillance for numerous reasons, etc. I am a member of the North American Bodyguard Association where I am a part of and connected to a superb network of Protectors. Executive Protection is also a service offered.
My final, I think, and upcoming business will be a Security Company. I have obtained the License for armed guards through the State and have chosen and reserved the name. I anticipate having the company erected and employees trained and ready by the end of 2022.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was and still am an introvert with extrovert tendencies. I was more of an observer but friendly. Not being a fan of crowds, I wasn’t too keen on attending sporting events but was a huge fan of participating in science fairs and debates. My best communication method was writing. I also preferred risky play like bikes, skates, skateboards, trampolines, and football more so than playing with dolls and playing school. Thinking back, I was fortunate to only have suffered two breaks of the same bone and numerous scratches and scrapes. I was also studious and made good grades in mostly honors classes. Listening to music was another of my favorite activities. Music was not electronic then, I played vinyl records or albums on a record player. That is such a rich memory.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://training.usconcealedcarry.com/class/basic-handgun-fundamentals/74417278-892a-11eb-8515-02420a000124?position=2
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Beyond-Taboo-Tactical-Training-354348499217056/ AND https://www.facebook.com/M-L-Baker-and-Associates-LLC-107179278442564/
