Meet Lakesha Quarles | Certified Childbirth Educator, Full Spectrum Doula, Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lakesha Quarles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lakesha, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“You may shoot me with your words,You may cut me with your eyes,You may kill me with your hatefulness,But still, like air, I’ll rise.” Maya Angelou

This quote has helped me through many years of working in the healthcare field, dealing with discrimination. It gave me the push to start my own business and still be able to continue with my dreams, knowing that I am enough even when others tried their best to make me feel like I was anything less.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Lakesha is a Certified Doula, chiildbirth educator, Community Breastfeeding Educator and much more. She’s an advocate for teen pregnancy and helping moms with evidence based information to assist with breast feeding. Being a mother of one myself, I realized how crucial professional care during pregnancy, birth and postpartum period is. I have recently started my journey as a Doula and have been working in health care for more than 7 years. My goal is that every mother feels grounded, nourished, empowered and ready to take on motherhood! I make sure that each woman that works with me is receiving physical and mental care, both before and after birth; evidence based knowledge to make informed decisions; and one of one support from me during this transitional time in a professional, non-biased way. I myself have experienced a medicated hospital birth and infertility issues as well. I know what it feels like to be pregnant, and to have the anxiety and fear of the unknown take over. I know the concerns about how to care for the life of a newborn child and how this new addition may change a family dynamic. I know the desire to want to be a perfect mother, and the fear of not knowing everything and wondering “how will I ever learn it all?”. I understand all of these concerns, which are absolutely valid- and I want to take the weight of these worries off of your shoulders so that you are not going through this fragile time alone. I truly believe that a quick and successful recovery after birth is possible with the right support and knowledge. I work with women wanting to have all different kinds of birth experiences- home births, at birth centers or at the hospital. My passion for helping women is what led me to this journey with SunFlower Births..

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’d start off with a nice morning hike and mental release at Caesars Head State park.

For brunch, we’d start out at Ink N Ivy because the food is always on point.

Then we’d go for an organic energy boost smoothie, from the local store by reedy falls park.

Places to eat, my favorite Jamaican Mi Irie downtown Greenville, Hall’s Chophouse for breakfast or brunch, Crab Ju Dour

Things to do, there’s plenty, we’d start at Truth Bar & Grill before heading downtown to Sharkeys Pub, Juniper, Vibez ultra lounge, or city tavern.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shout out everyone who has shown their love and support from encouragement to sharing my business with others. To everyone who continues to pour into SunFlower Births, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Website: www.sunflowerbirthsllc.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sunflowerdoula_kesh?r=nametag

Linkedin: Lakesha Quarles

Twitter: @sunflowerdoula_kesh

Facebook: SunFlower Births, LLC