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For those who don't know you, tell us a little bit about you and why the work you’re doing is important. I'm Ms. Slay, the founder of Mentally Cultured (MC), where we focus on healing trauma in African-American families through modern resources. My personal experiences with trauma led me to create MC, and we emphasize nurturing the inner child as a transformative path. Our unique approach, rooted in empathy and devoid of stigma, includes initiatives like Wellness Luncheons, Culturally Responsive Teaching Seminars, 'Me & The Homies Been Talking Podcast,' and Positive Apparel. We support and educate the Black and brown community on their healing journey while embracing their faith.
Share the personal journey or experiences that inspired you to create Mentally
Cultured? I was inspired to create Mentally Cultured by my personal journey and the realization that my family and others needed the right tools to address issues like depression and alcoholism. This mission was assigned to me by God. I've always had a gift for listening and offering empathetic advice. My own experiences with trauma prompted me to consider myself as well and become a vessel for others. In 2019, I founded MC after working in various roles at Youth Villages and pursuing my Masters in school counseling. MC is now a faith-based wellness community dedicated to healing trauma and promoting wellness among African-American families.
How does Mentally Cultured uniquely approach mental health and self-empowerment compared to other organizations in this field? MC offers comprehensive trauma recovery with a focus on the whole individual. As a lifestyle consultant, I draw from my faith and then from my expertise as a Licensed Educator, Professional School Counselor, Certified Wellness and education Advocate, and a passion for the arts and personal fashion. Our three tiers target personal, social, and lifestyle wellness, with specific programs and goals.
•Personal Wellness Tier: Focuses on individual well-being with Intentional Wellness (IW) Sessions and Culturally Responsive Educator Seminars for educators.
•Social Wellness Tier: Provides safe spaces for healing and community sharing through our podcast, "Me and The Homies Been Talkin," Wellness & Friends Event/Brunch, and Mentally Fueled Playlist.
•Lifestyle Wellness Tier: Emphasizes how daily presence shapes our world and self-perception, featuring Positive Apparel (Smile Memphis) and Vendoring & Pop-Ups initiatives.
Our mission is to be a cornerstone for holistic trauma recovery, challenging stigmas, and partnering with organizations like Black Girls In Blazers, Alameda County, Golden State Prep, and Solid Grounds to create transformative events.
Highlight a specific success story from someone who has benefited from Mentally Cultured programs, showcasing the impact on their self-esteem and mental well-being. Certainly, let me highlight the transformative journey of my mother as a testament to Mentally Cultured's impact. During our inaugural wellness luncheon, Brunch Well, in Memphis, my mother courageously shared the truth about her battles with panic attacks and anxiety. This moment, witnessed by friends, family, and loved ones, marked a profound breakthrough, exemplifying the core principles of MC: Empathize, Educate, Empower, Evolve. Through her testimony, she nurtured her self-esteem and mental well-being, reinforcing the profound impact of community, love, and healing.
Empowerment often involves breaking down barriers. How does Mentally Cultured
address the stigmas and misconceptions surrounding mental health, particularly within
different cultural communities? At Mentally Cultured, we recognize the importance of dismantling mental health barriers within cultural communities. Our approach focuses on education, empathy, and open dialogue. We conduct workshops and events to provide accurate information, foster understanding, and challenge misconceptions. Personal stories and shared experiences create empathy, breaking down barriers and encouraging compassionate perspectives. We offer safe spaces for open discussions, helping normalize mental health discourse. Our tailored approach respects cultural nuances and sensitivities, making these discussions relatable and relevant within different communities. Ultimately, our goal is to empower individuals to embrace their mental well-being, regardless of their cultural background.
Many nonprofit founders face challenges along the way. What obstacles have you
encountered while establishing Mentally Cultured, and how did you overcome them to
further, empower both yourself and the organization. Founding Mentally Cultured came with sacrifices, such as seeking financial advice and building a team. Outsourcing and maintaining autonomy were key to navigating different territories. Setting firm boundaries is essential to preserve well-being. My guiding scripture is Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed by this world but transformed by the renewing of your mind." To fellow African American entrepreneurs, I encourage embracing bravery and trusting your heart. My Christian faith provides strength during unforeseen twists. Psalm 23:1-3 reassures me: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Collaboration can be a powerful tool. How has Mentally Cultured partnered with other
organizations or individuals to create a stronger impact on mental health and
self-esteem? At Mentally Cultured, we value the power of collaboration, which enhances mental health and self-esteem. We partner with local sponsors and kindred organizations, such as Alameda County, Black Girls In Blazers, Golden State Prep, and Solid Grounds, to create impactful collaborations.
1. Alameda County: Our partnership with Alameda County's Doula Support Services began with a documentary screening on birth justice and Black motherhood produced by Jessica Jones. We collaborated on events like "From the Ashes" and "Maternal Mental Health," focusing on nurturing mental well-being in parents and families. They also joined our faith-based "Walk and Talk to educate our attendees on the importance of doulas and their amazing program currently supporting black mothers.
2. Black Girls In Blazers: We joined forces with Black Girls In Blazers for a community event for young girls, contributing tools for wellness and self-esteem. This partnership extends to news features, community events, and shared goals.
3. Golden State Prep: Our collaboration with Golden State Prep involves empowering youth through programs like "100 Young Men & Women of Color" and organizing a successful backpack drive to provide school supplies, supporting mental well-being and success.
4. Agape: We spoke to 5th-grade girls about entrepreneurship and the importance of mental well-being and support systems, inspiring young minds.
5. Solid Grounds: Solid Grounds: Our partnership with Solid Grounds includes faith-based "Walk and Talk initiatives like the "Me & The Homies Been Walking In-person Interactive Podcast," where we promote insights about mental health and self-empowerment. We also sat on a coffee and conversations panel, emphasizing the relationship between mental health and art.
Through these collaborations, we amplify our mission and contribute to positive transformation within the community.
Looking forward, what are your aspirations for Mentally Cultured in terms of creating
a lasting legacy of self-empowerment and positive mental health within diverse
communities? Our vision for Mentally Cultured is to create a lasting legacy of self-empowerment and positive mental health in African-American and broader communities. Guided by our mission, we aim to expand our impact through innovative programs and partnerships, focusing on African-American families. Our goal is to be a beacon of hope and support, offering resources and a sense of belonging for all individuals on their journey toward holistic wellness. Through education, podcasts, events, and collaborations, we aim to instill resilience, confidence, and empathy. Our aspiration is to be a catalyst for transformation, leaving a mark where self-care, self-love, and self-empowerment are celebrated and cherished.
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