Today we’d like to introduce you to Joi Anderson.
Joi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It was about eleven years ago; I signed up for WIC for my rainbow baby. At my appointment, I was talking, joking, and making all the nurses laugh. One of the nurses asked me how long I was breastfeeding, and at the moment, it was about eight months. She went on to say that there was a new position coming to the health department assisting women with breastfeeding. She asked me if I would be interested in the work and would be perfect because I fit the qualifications. I told her I would be interested in the new position and soon after I got the job! I loved working as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor. It was more than a job to me; it was my passion. I quickly learned that women who looked like me and grew up in similar places were less likely to breastfeed their babies. It became my driving force and sparked my interest in changing the narrative. I found joy in educating moms and supporting their decisions to breastfeed. These beautiful, black strong moms already had the will to breastfeed, they just needed an extra push of support, and I was that support. Before starting this job, I attended the unsinkable Albany State University to obtain a bachelor’s in Social Work. I decided to combine the work I was doing at the health department and the core values of social work to compile research. I partnered with my mentor and intellectually resourceful and beautiful instructor – Dr. Kathaleena Edward Monds. The title of my study is “An Investigation into the Breastfeeding Patterns of African-American Women Living in Rural Counties in Georgia.” I was blessed to travel to different areas to present my research and build working relationships.
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?
This journey has not been smooth. I decided to uproot my daughters and relocate to Atlanta from Albany, GA. Moving away from family and friends is never easy. I left everything I knew to live in a practically new territory to build the life I desired. Looking back now allowed me to see that I made the best decision for my family and me. However, because I am not from Atlanta, many people do not know me and the gifts that I possess. To thrive in the line of work that I do, you need exposure. COVID also has not helped either. When things became complicated, I would call my friend and tell her I was going back home to the familiar where people knew me. She would always encourage me to stay a little longer and become acclimated. That is when I learned that nothing great comes out of comfort. Growth is uncomfortable. I became stronger, wiser, and resilient.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
With great enthusiasm, I introduce life coaching and breastfeeding services. HoneyDew’s Treasures LLC specializes in empowering individuals to discover their power and purpose so they can walk through life confidently. I provide love, support, hope, and healing to women and girls. I am unique because out of my own experiences with womanhood and passion; I deeply engage in issues concerning women and girls. It is important to me to provide a safe space for women and girls to feel heard and validated. I decided to invest in myself and perfect my craft by obtaining a Master’s degree of Social work from Georgia State University and becoming a Certified Life Coach. The thing that sets me apart from others is my ability to live up to my name-Joi (Joy) and genuinely enjoy life (Enjoilyfe)!
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My mom, sisters, beautiful daughters, daughters’ father, and friends have played a significant role in my success by supporting, advocating for my business, and being my biggest cheerleaders.
Pricing:
- Preparation for Breastfeeding (Prenatal) – $85
- Follow Up Consultation Breastfeeding · $100
- Preparing to Go back to work/school – $95
- Self Love Coaching Assessment – FREE
- Self Love Coaching Session – $55
Contact Info:
- Email: coach@honeydewstreasures.org
- Instagram: honeydews_treasures_
- Facebook: HoneyDew’s Treasures LLC
- Twitter: HoneyDewsTreas1
