Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaila Sàmone.
Hi Shaila, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have to first say that the journey I’m taking goes beyond me. A few years ago, I knew I was ready to begin walking in my purpose and had some idea of what that could look like for me. I didn’t, however, know how I could even take that first step. Little did I know, a few years would pass, the world would be going through various hardships and I would be given a blessing that would change everything. At the height of social tension surrounding race, a woman, different in identity, would find it in her heart to gift me with $800 to enroll in my dream training program called the National Black Doulas Association. I was almost finished training with another program but was really unhappy with it. I chose that first program because it was all I could afford.
There weren’t any lessons centered around people who look like me and with black maternal mortality rates being through the roof, I was truly perplexed by that. It was honestly like something out of a dream. I commented on National Black Doulas Association’s post (one that I typically would never make but it was was on my heart to say it), saying how grateful I was for their work in the community and that I would love to take their training when I was financially able to. About 10 minutes later, I get a DM from a woman saying that she saw my post. When we later talked over the phone, she told me that she had been interested in taking their training as well and realized it wasn’t a program geared towards her. She saw my comment and she just felt that it was the right thing to do. She said she appreciated the work they do and what better way to support them then by supporting someone through their program. It’s safe to say that one Instagram post and the beautiful soul of a stranger changed my life.
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?
It has by no means been a smooth road. I was struggling a few years ago. I had gotten out of a very toxic situation, I was not working due to having just overcome major health issues, I was severely depressed and honestly, I couldn’t see a way through the darkness. It wasn’t long ago that I was on my death bed, taking 14 pills a day and consumed with anger for what felt like my body turning against me. I had doctors not believing me but still pumping me with medication. I had become addicted to prescription medication as a result and no one cared.
Being so young and staring death in the face was my reality and I had a choice to make. I could either continue begging for help while I withered away or I could choose to fight and show up for myself. I chose to fight for my life. I became my own advocate, got myself help, got myself off a majority of the medication I had been under, and brought myself back to life. I chose to fight again by getting myself sober from the addiction to those medications and made a choice one more time when I found the strength to walk away from that toxic ”situationship”. I had to face it all to discover the warrior Goddess that is me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about A Goddess Garden Birth?
There isn’t a time I can recall where I didn’t have a love for children and healing. As time went on, I came to realize that healing was not only my passion but my purpose. I’ve seen firsthand how distrustful we have become of the human body, particularly the reproductive body. I knew it was time to step up. With AGGB, I work in the community to help restore the confidence and autonomy of those who bring life into the world. I’m adamant that we are stronger as a unit and together, our voices will be heard. I ”do nothing without intention” (word to Solange), so the one I set for my practice is that AGGB is a LOVE based pre and postnatal birth service. Pregnancy through the 4th trimester (postpartum period). That we cater to those of “low income”, the LGBTQ+ community, those who identify with spirituality rather than religion but most importantly, AGGB caters to the indigenous community.
That is those who represent the entire African diaspora, those who are of Caribbean & Pacific Islander heritage, and those who span the entire Latin diaspora. We WILL celebrate women of color and work daily to uplift them. To proudly be a bridge of unity and love for all bodies, all shades, and all journeys. THAT is the AGGB way! There needed to be something for everyone so, we offer multiple options from full-service to basic care, virtual options, and more. No one should ever have to choose between quality care and having their dream birth experience. My doula practice does everything we can to change that. Why? Because we are all worth that and so much more. I also make it a point to always give back. I have a year-round diaper bag drive where I collect baby-related items and diaper bags to stuff and give to families in need. I also have a Gift A Goddess find where people can donate monetarily or purchase a special shirt and all of those proceeds allows me to gift families with free services. It is because of community love that I get to do what brings me joy and I will to forever do all in my power to reciprocate that love through A Goddess Garden Birth, LLC.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory was actually my high school years. I went to a small school and was a majorette. Dancing was my first love and I remember the insane amount of fun we would have on our trips to events and gigs. We were a family of inner-city kids, expressing themselves through the arts and doing it pure love.
Contact Info:
- Email: ShailaSamone@AGoddessGardenBirth.com
- Website: www.AGoddessGardenBirth.com
- Instagram: @AGoddessGardenBirth
- Facebook: @A Goddess Garden Birth, LLC
- Twitter: A Goddess Garden Birth, LLC
- Youtube: A Goddess Garden Birth, LLC
Image Credits
Anjerri’ Sullivan Nae Tucker Kiara Buck
