Meet Tlayra Jordan | Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist & Director of Mother to Mother Recovery Center

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

Hi Tlayra, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Mother to Mother Recovery Center is actually a fulfillment of a promise that I made to God during the depths of my own addiction. I promised God that if he spared my life from addiction that I would use the rest of my life in service of helping others overcome there’s. For me, my addiction to crack cocaine was bad. I lost everything from my children, my home, family and my mind. The only thing that I was able to hold onto was my faith in God. It was through my faith and continual prayers that I began speaking life not only into myself, but other women. It was from behind the walls of the Clarke County Jail, that I began praying for and mentoring others, it gave me strength. I knew there was something greater inside of me, but first I had to save myself. 10 years ago, while I was in treatment the seed was planted in my spirit that this was my calling. ( To direct a women’s recover center) I always had a unique ability to connect with people. I knew my lived experiences of homelessness, helplessness and addiction would be a powerful experience to use towards helping others with similar struggles. So, after years of my own struggles, I became a Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist and started working in the field of recovery. Unexpectedly I was fired from what I thought was my dream job. But (God had something greater) My husband then asked me if I still had the desire to open a women’s recovery center, which of course I did. Immediately we began planning and praying, sought out a location and the rest is history. So out of my ashes Mother to Mother Recovery Center was born.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I always like to believe that my career began while I was still in the struggles of my addiction, because I was being trained to become who I am today. What sets me apart from others in the field is my unique perspective. My lived experiences as someone who has overcome addiction and now uses that journey to help others provides me with a deeper understanding and empathy for those going through similar struggles. I’m most proud of being able to turn my own challenges and struggles into a source of strength and motivation to help others. I’ve taken my darkest moments and transformed them into a force for positive change in the lives of the women I serve. My journey to where I am today was not easy. Overcoming addiction and building a career as a recovery specialist presented numerous obstacles, like doubt, setbacks, and even questioning if I were on the right path. However, my passion for helping others and my determination to use my experiences for the greater good served as a driving force to keep pushing forward. The lessons I learned along the way is to get a strong support network, continuously seek guidance from mentors, and continuously educate myself on addiction recovery techniques. And most importantly keep God first and engage in selfcare practices to ensure I stay emotionally and mentally healthy. Also, remain authentic. I want the world to know that transformation is powerful, I’m living proof of that. My story serves as a testament to strength and resilience of the human spirit. My lived experiences have cultivated a deep sense of empathy and understanding for those struggling with addiction. I’m not just the professional but someone who genuinely relates to the challenges and emotions that accompany the recovery journey. I want the world to see me as not just a survivor of addiction, but as a beacon of hope, an advocate for change and a leader who stands beside those on their journey to recovery. Mother to Mother Recovery Center represents a place of understanding support, and transformation, where individuals can find hope and reclaim their lives.

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.
Planning an unforgettable weeklong trip requires a lot.

Day 1 – Arrival : Welcome them with a heartfelt greeting at the airport. Grab some lunch and introduce them to one of my favorite cafes. spend the afternoon exploring the city, then end the day with relaxation.

Day 2 – Cultural Immersion : Start the day with breakfast at a trendy local spot. Visit the city’s cultural scene. Have lunch at a traditional restaurant. attend a live performance.

Day 3 – Outdoor adventure : Plan a day trip to a nature reserve or park for hiking and a beautiful scenery. Have a picnic. Enjoy some kayaking, zip-lining, a bike ride. Have dinner on a rooftop setting.

Day 4 – Pampering : Relax at the spa to rejuvenate. Have a healthy lunch. Get hair done, manicure and pedicures. Take the relaxation time to talk and catch up on our daily lives.

Day 5 – Food adventure : Start day with exploring various eateries and wine tastings. End the day with a sunset cruise

Day 6 – Beach Day : Picnics, swimming, water activities, drinks and a late evening bond fire.

Day 7 – Farwell Celebration :

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without putting God at the head of my life. It was through my prayers that God sent Shane, my husband. Who is a man that seeks God with his whole heart. He has motivated me, supported me and loved me unconditionally through many challenges.

I also have to recognize the men and women deputies at the Clarke County Jail who always poured life back into me after every mistake I made. They were able to see something in me that I was unable to see in myself.

And my eldest children Miguel, Maya and Mari. They never gave up on the hopes that mama would make it through the test. They never stopped supporting and believing in me. It was the love of my children that kept me fighting.

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