Meet Sashe Omogiate of Imani Within Foundation in Fulton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sashe Omogiate.

Sashe, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
“The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” – William James

I have always wanted more for myself and those around me. I wasn’t quite sure what that looked like or what it would require of me. All I knew was that the life I witnessed for others around me wasn’t what I wanted for myself. It took me many years to get to this point in my life, to this level of success. However, I am here!

Being a former exotic dancer turned motivational speaker, author, philanthropist and a woman who still experiences anxiety and major depression, I know how important transparency is. Our pain can become someone else’s medicine. That same hurtful past can be what someone else needs to hear to inspire them to live. Speaking out is very helpful for people who are carrying the burden of pain. That is why I created Imani Within Foundation Inc. in 2013, while I was still dancing. It was a way for me to help others as well as myself. Once I stopped allowing other people’s perspectives to deter me from achieving the vision God placed within me, I witnessed a change. I had to step out in faith and quit the club. During the first two years of building Imani Within, I was only sponsoring other organizations; that was very dear to my heart. I used their events as a pedestal to promote my organization and get my name out there, believing that I was worthy of everything I wanted for myself and that my past doesn’t dictate my future. I learned that the things you feed on will soon become your reality, and as a result witnessed a change in my life. I was then confident enough to host my own events and create signature programs within the organization. In 2016, I received my tax-exempt 501 c(3) from the government. A year later, I became a full-time entrepreneur and started offering Imani Within Foundation programs to schools.

Once I understood that my passion was empowering me to do the things I was created to do, I witnessed a sense of power I didn’t even know I had. I was able to send out cold emails, cold calls, and get radio, television interviews without a PR. Later, I made it my mission to equip others with the tips and tools they need to walk boldly and confidently in their truth through my self-help book “Truth Is” and speaking via various media. I’ve overcome so many challenges by reminding myself that the setbacks I have faced and will continue to face are trivial and out of my control. Over the years, I’ve been lied to, robbed in various business deals and still kept going. If you have a clear understanding of your purpose and commit to seeing the vision through, you’ll succeed.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’ve learned to respond to life challenges in a healthier manner. When I became more aware of myself, a change occurred in my life. Being a business owner, I’ve struggled with contractors and employees not delivering service on time. Those delays caused not only myself problems, but the entire team. However, I’ve learned to understand that individual situation, concerns, and knowledge differs. One just needs to find a common ground to deal with people effectively. My communication and listening skills have improved over the years. I’ve had to fire employees while projects were ongoing and it took its toll on me. Again, once I became more aware of myself, I witnessed a change in my life. The way I respond to life situations changed. I had to come to terms with what is or has been, so that I could cope with going forward, instead of doing the blame or shame game. Believe that you can get through it by learning healthy coping strategies. Connecting with others to receive strength has also helped me a great deal. Being grateful, as well, for what I have in life, and what I have achieved also helps. Embrace what is!

We’d love to hear more about your organization.
I’m the founder of Imani Within Foundation 501c(3). A non-profit organization that provides outreach programs and workshops that facilitate mental and emotional healing and wellness. Imani Within strives to facilitate the process of healthy self-acceptance and life coping skills by delivering preventative and early intervention lessons and techniques that would help maintain positive mental health for youths. Imani Within is an active partner with the Atlanta Public School’s Office of Partnership & Development. Our mindfulness workshop comprises of 3 segments: Self-Talk, Brainy Mac Activity, and Web of Truth Activity. Imani Within’s goal is to work with students to enhance understanding, promote wellness and resilience by reinforcing communication and social skills, as well as, improve problem-solving, self-determination, and optimism. Imani Within does a community event twice a year to promote mental health awareness. The event is tagged “Let Your Light Shine.” It’s an Outdoor Festival for Depression & Suicide Awareness and it takes place at Piedmont Park in Atlanta, GA.

The month of May is for Mental Health Awareness and July for Minority Mental Health Awareness. This joy-filled event strives to strengthen the community awareness of Depression and Suicide in order to bridge the gap between different cultures and backgrounds and build unity, healing, and empowerment. We often hear that traditional medicine is fast taking over the use of antipsychotic drugs as a first-tier treatment for mental illness. However, Imani Within encourages non-traditional interventions that include creative therapy such as art, drama, and music. This will make people feel comfortable in seeking diagnosis and treatment to reduce the stigma and shame that is associated with mental illness. The festivities are free for the general public and feature guest speakers. We have a variety of performances from community participants in R&B, Poetry, Rap, Hip Hop, and Dance. Also, food and all activities will be free, courtesy of Publix, Krogers, Chick-Fil-A.

I also self-published “Truth is,” a daily hand-guide for women who are desperately searching for their purpose in life. In the book, Sashe empowers readers through lessons on self-reflection, failed relationships and business ventures, to help you become the powerful, purpose-driven woman you were called to be. Through motivational speaking, I impact audiences with my bold and audacious approach to walking in one’s truth. Individuals and corporations have been impacted by my riveting messages of dealing successfully with problems. I teach people how to overcome self-limiting and toxic thoughts of doubt and fear by giving strategic steps to reaching their fullest potential. Currently, I’m developing a mobile application for people of all ages that are struggling with self-care and seeking mental, spiritual, and emotional relief. Through the app, users gain access to a supportive peer community along with traditional and holistic treatment practitioners who can help them better their self-care. The mobile application will be launching in 2020. I’ve been featured on CBS 46 Atlanta Unplugged, 11 Alive Atlanta & Company, Kiss 104.1 FM, WRFG 89.3 and Magic 107.5 FM, WOAK Rolling Out Magazine, The Source Magazine and Sheen Magazine,

I’m proud of how many people we have helped over the years to keep moving forward and maintaining good health.

What were you like growing up?
It’s often said that people looking from the outside may see things an individual can’t see because they are looking at it from a different angle. Growing up, I experienced the trauma caused by unhealthy relationships in my family. At the time, all I knew was that I wanted a different life for myself, I wanted more. Taking advice from loved ones who wanted the best for me also affected me adversely. I was constantly taught to keep things to myself and never let others in on my business. Really, many times, they were downright critical and impolite. I grew up shutting down my emotions and isolating them, which led me to fear vulnerability and dependency. I started to believe that I was better off alone, and so I became self-dependent and studious as a teen.

However, despite the trauma I’ve faced, I learned such adversity is a breeding ground for success. When I was younger, I wanted to be a lawyer. That literally gave me the drive to keep going, as I wanted to help others with a similar experience, those going through trauma.

Pricing:

• ” Truth Is” Book $14

Contact Info:

• Website: www.imaniwithinfoundation.com
• Phone: 515-599-8070
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: iamsashe_
• Facebook: iamsashe_
• Other: www.iamsashe.com

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