Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I come from a huge family from both my parents. I was born in here in Cincinnati, and both my parents have deep roots in the South. I have two brothers, one older and one younger. I am a pet parent to my 3 year old cat named Crescendo who is lovingly nicknamed Creed. I am still considering if having children is in the cards for me lol. I definitely plan to adopt when and if I decide to..

Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Previously I’ve worked as a Healthcare Professional with a special focus in geriatrics (they are amazing storytellers). I also worked in Pediatrics briefly. Currently I’m working as a Doula & Birth Assistant supporting families in having empowered reproductive journeys and experiences. I’m looking forward to a future in Midwifery providing a range of reproductive care. I’m really passionate about Postpartum Care and Support (first 6 weeks and beyond because Postpartum is infinite) and being able to support families before, during and after pregnancy. My work is rooted in meeting folks where they are and supporting them in meeting their pregnancy and postpartum goals. It’s truly heart-centered work. I also currently operate a Prenatal and Postpartum Nourishment Service that is growing and evolving and becoming a huge part of our community at large. We’re currently based out of the Incubator Kitchen Collective in Newport!

What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Cream + Sugar Coffeehouse, Delhi Palace & Soul Secrets is a new fave. These are a few I personally frequent.

How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’m a Cincy native, so 31 years this has been home for me. I moved to Nashville, TN for about 3 years but came home to visit frequently and Cincy is always home to me.

Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I’ve met and connected with so many interesting and amazing beings here locally!
A few folks immediately come to mind: Jocquelene Pressley, Mona Bronson-Fuqua, Sesheta Tafari, Alexander Shelton, Rachel DesRochers, Taren Plesinger-Kinebrew, Brittany Berry, Brittany Brunner, Dr. Meredith Shockley-Smith, Kersha Deibel-Trotter, Sirah Cross, Jamaica Gilliam, Cohort 32 at MORTAR and my incomparable friend and wise medicine woman, Lauren Wales. The list can go on forever! Some folks I’ve connected with, worked with, or just know to be amazing folks!

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Some place tropical! I really want to travel to an island, eat fresh foods and connect with the ocean.

What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Hocus Pocus, Love Jones ,Insecure, Call the Midwife, Golden Girls

What advice would you give to people?
When your nature is kind, giving, generous, caring, supportive, and nurturing but you finally decide to create boundaries, stop taking on others problems/emotions, start prioritizing yourself… you will leave people feeling shocked, sad, confused, and maybe even angry. And that is completely okay.

What is something on your bucket list?
To retire my mother, she’s worked so hard all of her life. Something else on my bucket list is to travel well and enjoy a meal on every continent and to document/create art around those experiences like the incomparable Anthony Bourdain.

What is your go to music when you cant decide what to listen to?
Usually when I’m met with this level of decision making I’ll opt into a podcast or nature sounds or something instrumental. My taste in music definitely ranges from “please listen to this” to “i know, don’t judge me” lol.

What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Alabama Fish Bar, Sugar and Spice Diner, Camp Washington Chili, Mr. Gene’s Doghouse, Findlay Market. These have been staples in both my family and my own life through the years.

If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
There’s a few people at this table: Chef Angela Davis, Queen Latifah & Tabitha Brown. They each are powerful women who are unapologetic in who they are and how they show up in the world. I would love to share space and just soak up their knowledge and expertise. We would go to Maplewood Kitchen downtown Cincy because each of us can enjoy a few options from the menu!

What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The Black Pearl Experience with LaToya & DJ Rah D has become one of my favorite places and spaces to be a part of as a Queer person. Which says a lot because I’m really a homebody lol. They host gatherings with good food, drinks, people and music around the city and it’s ALWAYS a good time. Queen’s Village is also doing some INCREDIBLE work out here in the community for Women and families and I always enjoy the great events and gatherings they host. I also love visiting the gorgeous parks here in Cincy and having a “working” lunch in the park or just relaxing.

Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Working in my calling as a Midwife, serving my communities, having a family of my own, traveling more, and continuing to grow and evolve as a person. I’d love to have a Brick & Mortar establishment for my organization Sowing Seeds in Omi Doula Services. I envision it as a relaxing center with a beautiful garden and an herbal apothecary, nourishing foods prepared for families, that also hosts gatherings centered around wellness, reproductive support and care.

What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I’m a writer by nature, and I started my high school newspaper in high school. And I was a cheerleader from 8th grade until hs graduation!

What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I haven’t traveled much yet, and I’m excited to see more of the world in my future. But New Orleans & Charlotte both have been monumental trips in my life. Both cities are deeply rooted in culture, art, and cuisine.

Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite Months are March & June. My favorite holiday would definitely be Earth Day. And the best single day on the calendar is Mother’s Day.

What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A good meal, a clean home and a nice smelling candle to bring it all home.

Who inspires you to be better?
I would say for sure my mom and my community. My mother is one of the most incredible people I know and am forever inspired by. My mom was a single parent and has cared for and nurtured many people and organizations through the years. She’s taught me so much about love, about life, about being brave and being the best version of myself. I’m forever inspired by her and her dreams.

What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Lavender & Frankincense are two of my favorite scents in my home. As a Chef I also deeply love and appreciate the smell of a freshly baked dessert. I love the smell of cinnamon, cardamom and rosemary and use these in many of my dishes.

Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort Food & Love