Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Harris.
Hi Andrea, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As mentioned, I am Andrea Harris, a native of Jackson, Mississippi. That being said, I am a true Mississippi Magnolia. The oldest and only daughter to some amazing parents, I was born to do what I am doing. My initial professional goal was to be a doctor. I wanted to find the cure for Cancer and I was adamant about it too. However, that dream was crushed when my little cousin had a nosebleed and I passed out. Full true story, my cousin walked in seeking my help and I was absolutely uselss. I knew then the medical field was not going to be the best for me (smile).
I entered college with the high hopes of being an Attorney. Got into my Junior year and realized that was not my dream but the dream of others that loved me. At that point, I was so lost at what I wanted to do. Frustrated, I told my Dad and he gave me this advice, “Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.”
Fast forward, I entered into the education sector in 2002 and I never left. I have fulfilled roles in early education, elementary school, behavior management and currently serve in higher education. With each level of education, I held lead positions that include Lead Teacher, Lead Specialist, and Lead Online Facilitator.
Being the lead was never a shock to me or my family because I am the oldest child and oldest grandchild. As I tell my cousins, I’m the Head Huncho, so leading people started early for me. I am my siblings’ and cousins’ personal cheerleader and life usher.
Entering into education, I tapped into my purpose of being a leader that Yahweh gave me at birth, on a professional level. From that, I begin perfecting my craft…doing what I love, so I have not worked a day in the last decade.
With holding my leadership positions naturally came other skills such as content development and training and developing others professionally. That, more or less, led me to where I am today as an “Informant.”
People ask me what I do and I simply say “I inform.” I inform others specifically on mindful living and filtering those practices into their lives.
I’ve been called a life coach and I can identify. For me, however, my passion is seeing people win, so the tools and strategies I give my clients can be cross-pollinated, used in their personal and professional lives.
Eighteen years later, I stand having a wealth of knowledge in classroom instruction, content development, professional development, and mindfulness – which includes emotional intelligence, effective decision making and diversity and inclusion.
Currently, I am an Online Adjunct Liberal Arts Professor for my alma mater, Jackson State University and manage my consulting business, The Arubah Group.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think anyone has smooth roads for their entire lives. If they do, I seriously need the secret so I can pass it on to my child and the generations coming behind me.
As for me, my biggest struggle has been tapping into my God-given power. I grew up in an environment that was conservative and at times, judgmental. My parents are baby boomers and my grandparents were Southern Belles and Southern Gentlemen, so what can I say? I had a strict Southern upbringing where I really didn’t fit in.
I was always told I was the “different child” and being different didn’t always warrant benefits. All of that being said, being consistently confident in who I am, my purpose and proudly walking in that has been probably my biggest struggle.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What am I known for? Probably not my profession (smile).
I am known for being the fun girl, having a positive attitude, being the best hype girl hence the coaching, being a nurturer and protector and ultimately being a guide.
All of those characteristics are natural gifts; therefore, I did not have to work hard to obtain or build. For that reason, becoming a Coach or an “Informant,” as I call myself, aligned with my spirit.
My specialties are mindful living and purpose. Although there are many others that are in similar lanes, my sub-specialities are a part of what makes me different. My platform of mindful living includes diversity, inclusion, emotional intelligence, decision making and cognitive behavior resources. The other part that makes me different is that this life was Divinely designed for me, it chose me, I didn’t choose it.
When I look over my life, said in my Southern Baptist church voice, I am most proud of my spiritual growth. Staying spiritually tuned in has allowed my light to be brighter than I could have ever imagined.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I am a firm believer of natural design. My strategy has always been to know what I want, speak it, believe it, work it and allow it to unfold.
There’s no doubt that consistent work has to take place; however I learned the hard way that trying to control the journey causes for unnecessary detours.
All of that being said, my advice is to stay connected to your Higher Power and be intentional with everything you feed your spirit: friends, books, music, and events. When you’re intentional and connected, you will be placed on firm and positive grounds and your village will come to you and be just. for you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Mrs.Arubah
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/
andreatharris
