Today we’d like to introduce you to Korinne Edwards.
Hi Korinne, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up with two hard-working parents who always had multiple sources of income and multiple businesses they ran. When you are surrounded by entrepreneurs, it is almost impossible for you to not want to follow down the same path. I went to school for nursing and earned my doctorate degree as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. While mental health is definitely a passion of mine, the idea of working a 9-5 for the rest of my life is not.
During the pandemic, I started my jewelry business, Aura Esntls. My full-time job had transitioned to working from home and I began to use my time brainstorming ways to become a financially free entrepreneur. To be honest, I didn’t put much thought into the idea of starting an online accessory boutique. I prayed, talked to God and meditated until something came to me that felt right. It’s ironic though because my mother always bought me fine jewelry as gifts growing up and still does. She started a little collection for my daughter. I strive to offer pieces that have significant meaning to them and that makes the wearer feel amazing about themselves.
At the end of 2021, I decided to use my education and expertise to serve a bigger purpose and reach a wider audience. That is where content creation came in. Social media has allowed me to not only use the platform to advocate for people who struggle with their mental health, but it has also brought me the opportunity to make money while doing so. After having my daughter London, I decided to take it a step further and start a motherhood and wellness blog as a resource for women and mothers of color who want to prioritize their mental health and wellness without feeling judged or alone in the process. All of my ventures have brought me a sense of purpose and allowed me to feel empowered while serving others in some form.
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?
The road to finding your purpose or passion(s) is never smooth. One of the biggest challenges for me has been prioritizing my mental health while also trying to meet the goals I have set for myself. When you’re an ambitious and determined person like myself, you feel like resting or taking a break will set you back. For some reason, when I have free time during the day, I don’t feel comfortable taking a nap when I know I can be productive in some way. I’m definitely a “no days off” kind of person. But I had to quickly realize that being overworked, exhausted, emotionally and mentally drained doesn’t benefit me or anyone I am trying to serve. I also had to learn that comparing your journey to the journey of others is only going to bring you down mentally. I still struggle with that occasionally, but I am learning and growing every single day.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I do a lot of things. By day, I am a full-time psychiatric nurse practitioner. I serve my community by supporting them along their mental health journeys. I prescribe medication to those who are in need and provide resources to help manage symptoms related to mental health conditions.
On the side, I am a content creator, blogger and business owner. I love all things motherhood and wellness related, so through content creation and blogging, I am able to spread my knowledge to a wider audience. I also own and operate a jewelry business, Aura Esntls., which has given me my first taste of entrepreneurship.
I am very proud of myself for earning my doctorate degree and advocating for mental wellness for people of color. It’s a great feeling when other black people tell me how they were inspired by something they saw or heard about me. I think what sets me apart from others is my transparency and vulnerability. A lot of people on social media will only discuss or show the positive moments and never show the negatives they experience along the way. I am very open about my experience with postpartum depression, the days I am feeling unmotivated, the days I want to give up and I believe me being honest about my highs and lows has been what people appreciate about me!
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I absolutely love Atlanta. I would say what I like most about the city is that there is so much to do. I think it is an amazing place to raise kids and grow a family because of everything the city has to offer. The food is the bomb, the clubs are lit and the people are friendly and warm.
What I like least about the city, which I know almost everyone would agree with, is the traffic! It’s terrible. I have accepted it at this point because I am used to living in larger cities, but I wish it was not an everyday thing. The traffic has taught me time management skills for sure!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.korinneliana.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/korinneliana
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/korinneliana
- Other: Aura Esntls Jewelry: https://auraesntls.com
Image Credits
Bomb Brands
