Meet Adenike A. Harris | Self-Love & Empowerment Guide

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adenike A. Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adenike A., what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Restorative Notions began as a deeply personal journey before it evolved into a business. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I turned to Womanist healing to reclaim my voice—both for myself and in my relationship with my non-abusive father. My graduate thesis, Restorative Notions: Regaining My Voice, Regaining My Father, was where it all began. I explored how self-talk, dialogue, and self-compassion were essential to healing, and I witnessed how these tools could transform pain into power.

When I realized my research was being read and downloaded by people I had never met, it struck me—this conversation wasn’t just about me. Many others needed a way to process their own healing. That’s when I knew I had to expand beyond academia and create a space where people could actively engage in self-love, empowerment, and grief recovery.

Restorative Notions Coaching was born from that desire—to guide women in reshaping how they think about themselves, their healing, and their journey forward. Whether it’s through journaling, empowerment groups, grief recovery, or one-on-one coaching, my mission remains the same: How you think and treat yourself is the foundation of every path to healing. Healing is not just about moving on—it’s about reclaiming who you are. And that reclamation is where true transformation begins.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I consider Restorative Notions a Space for Self-Love, Healing & Empowerment. Like I mentioned earlier, Restorative Notions began long before it had a name. Before the coaching, the workshops, the journaling guides, and the empowerment groups—it was me, sitting in the depths of my own healing, trying to figure out how to reclaim myself after childhood sexual abuse. It was the conversations I had with my father as we rebuilt our relationship. It was the moment I realized that grief doesn’t just stem from death—it arises from losing parts of yourself, from letting go of identities you once held onto, from having to start over when life doesn’t go as planned.

This business—this movement—was born from lived experience. From the realization that self-love isn’t just about bubble baths and affirmations; it’s about how you rebuild yourself after life tries to break you. It’s about having the courage to rewrite your inner dialogue, reclaim your worth, and stand in your power—no matter what you’ve faced.

What Sets Restorative Notions Apart?

This isn’t just a coaching business. It’s a space for women who are ready to do the deep work—the kind of work that doesn’t come with quick fixes or easy answers, but the kind that leads to lasting transformation.

I don’t position myself as the healer, because you are the one who has the power to heal yourself. What I do is provide the space, the tools, the guidance, and the support to help you get there. Whether it’s through journaling workshops, women’s empowerment groups, grief recovery work, or one-on-one coaching, my role is to walk with you as you rediscover who you are—beyond the pain, beyond the self-doubt, beyond the narratives that no longer serve you.

Building this business wasn’t just about learning strategy or creating offerings—it was about getting out of my own way. It was about unlearning the perfectionism that told me I had to have everything figured out before I could begin. It was about trusting that the work I’ve done on myself is enough to help others do the same.

There were days when grief made it hard to show up. When self-doubt whispered that maybe I wasn’t ready. When life life’d and I had to remind myself that healing and entrepreneurship are both about learning how to pivot, how to rest without quitting, and how to keep showing up—messy, imperfect, but fully engaged.

Here are a few of the lessons I carry with me:

1: Healing isn’t about returning to who you were—it’s about stepping into who you are becoming. Too often, we view healing as a way to revert to a version of ourselves that felt whole, but true healing is about transformation.

2: Grief isn’t just about losing someone—it’s about learning how to live after loss. Whether that loss is a loved one, a relationship, a dream, or an identity, we all must learn to navigate the space between what was and what will be.

3: Your relationship with yourself sets the foundation for everything. How you think about yourself, how you speak to yourself, how you honor your needs—all of that shapes your healing, your relationships, and your ability to live fully.

At the heart of it all, Restorative Notions is here to remind women that they don’t have to do this work alone. That healing is possible. That empowerment isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life.

This isn’t just my business. It’s my life’s work. And I’m honored to share it with you.

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.
OMG I would totally be rediscovering Atlanta. It would be a full week of rest, laughter & exploration at our own pace. This week with my best friend wouldn’t be an action-packed, back-to-back adventure where we’re running around nonstop like we’re on a travel show. Let’s be real—we’re 45. We don’t move like we did in our 20s, and honestly, we don’t want to.

I first moved to Atlanta in May 2003, two weeks after disclosing my childhood sexual abuse to my family. This city became my sanctuary during the hardest years of my healing journey. Between 2003 and 2011, I engaged in deep therapy with Dr. Ashe, navigating self-discovery, heartbreak, rebuilding, and joy. Atlanta was where I danced through my pain, learned my boundaries, and uncovered pieces of myself I didn’t even know I had lost.

Then, in 2011, I left. I moved to LA to rebuild my relationship with my father, and that decision shaped me in ways I never could have imagined.

Fast forward to June 2022, and I’m back in Atlanta—but this time, I’m different. At 45, I see the city through new eyes. Some places are familiar, but so much of it, is completely new to me. Instead of rushing around trying to hit every restaurant and attraction, this week would be about balance. Because let’s be honest: if my best friends (yup I am lucky enough to have a tribe of best friends) came to visit and I haven’t seen some of them in 5-10 years, what’s the first thing we’re going to do? Not leave the house.

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Days 1 & 2: The Reunion (a.k.a. Couch, Tea, and Deep Conversations)

Before we hit the town, we need real time to just be. No schedules, no makeup, no rushing—just catching up on life, love, work, kids, aging, and all the things that don’t fit into text and voicenote messages, FaceTime calls, shared reels and voicemails.

Option 1: Couch, Blankets & Uber Eats – The reality of friendships like ours? We need this time. We’d make some tea (or pour some wine), throw on some sweats, and get lost in conversation for hours. We’d probably order Uber Eats at least twice, flip through a show we’ll talk through the entire time, and only get up to use the bathroom. And if we’re adventurous maybe we’d cook a meal together and laugh.

Option 2: Piedmont Park or the BeltLine – If the weather is too nice to stay inside, we’d grab a blanket, some snacks, and sit out at Piedmont Park, letting the sun fuel our conversation. Or maybe we’d walk the BeltLine, moving at a pace that says we’re not here to exercise; we’re here to talk.

The key here? No pressure. No schedules. Just rest, laughter, and reconnection.

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Day 3: Easing Into Atlanta

Now that we’ve caught up a little, cause we know there is ALWAYS more to talk about, we might actually leave the house. But only on our terms.

Morning Hike at Arabia Mountain – I never did this when I lived here before, but now? I want to see the sunrise, feel the quiet, and just be.

Brunch at Le Petit Marche – Because brunch is sacred, and I keep hearing how good this place is.

Afternoon at The High Museum – I have been here before, but I love art, and I’d want to see what exhibits are up now. Plus, it’s a great spot to just exist in a creative space.

Early Dinner & Drinks at The Roof at Ponce City Market – I’ve been here previously, but the view makes you pause and appreciate life.

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Day 4: Exploring at Our Own Pace

Because doing too much is not on the itinerary.

Exploring Auburn Avenue & The MLK Center – This is one of the places I’ve actually spent time in, and it still grounds me. Walking these streets, sitting in Ebenezer Baptist Church, and standing in front of Dr. King’s home—it’s a reminder that we are part of something bigger.

Lunch at Busy Bee Café – I’ve heard their soul food is legendary, so it’s time to find out for ourselves.

Evening in Old Fourth Ward & Live Music – I love a good live music spot, and I’ve been to Apache Café and The City Winery offers a different vibe.

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Day 5: The New Atlanta Experience

Now we’re getting fancy.

Brunch at Toast on Lenox – A spot I’ve heard about, and as stated before brunch is a necessary event.

Afternoon at The Trap Music Museum – I missed the entire rise of this place while I was in LA, so I have to go see it.

Dinner & Drinks at Drawbar (Bellyard Hotel) – I love a good rooftop vibe, and I’ve heard this one is perfect for city views without the craziness.

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Day 6: A Slow & Soulful Wrap-Up

Because we don’t need to overdo it.

Morning at Cascade Springs Nature Preserve – I’ve never been here, but a waterfall moment sounds necessary.

Lunch at Tassili’s Raw Reality Café – One of the few places I have been to, and a must for vegan soul food.

Evening at The World Stage in West End – Poetry, jazz, and the energy of Black creativity? This is my kind of vibe.

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Day 7: Reflection & Farewell

Coffee & Journaling at Grant Park – Before heading home, I’d want us to sit, reflect, and put pen to paper about everything we’ve experienced—not just in the city, but in ourselves.

Heading Home, But Not the Same – This wouldn’t just be a visit—it would be a reset. A reminder that we are always evolving, always learning, always discovering.

Coming back to Atlanta in this season of my life isn’t just about finding new places to eat or visit—it’s about rediscovering myself in a city that once held my past and now holds space for my future.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without question, my father, the late Peter J. Harris, deserves the deepest recognition for his role in my journey. He was more than a father—he was my rock, my encourager, my collaborator, and my friend. He walked alongside me through my healing, not only as a loving presence but also as an active participant in my restoration. From the moment I began writing my graduate thesis, Restorative Notions: Regaining My Voice, Regaining My Father, to standing with me on a TEDx stage sharing our story of healing, my father never wavered in his belief in me. His love, wisdom, and commitment to Black joy and self-discovery shaped not only my healing but also the foundation of my business. His legacy continues to inspire every woman I work with.

Equally instrumental is Dr. Rosa Ashe Turner, my therapist and my second pillar of strength. She was there in the first week after I disclosed my abuse to family and friends, helping me navigate the rawest and most uncertain moments of my life. It was her guidance that taught me the granular, foundational tools of healing and self-reclamation—the same tools I now teach others. She encouraged me to share my story, to earn my master’s degree, to pursue coaching certification, to build my business, and to fully embrace my calling.

Together, my father and Dr. Ashe Turner have shaped me into the woman, coach, and guide I am today. Their unwavering belief in my voice and purpose provided me the strength to create a space where women can do the same for themselves. Restorative Notions isn’t just a business—it’s a movement toward self-love, empowerment, and healing. And I wouldn’t be here without them.

Website: https://www.restorativenotions.com

Instagram: @restorativenotions

Facebook: @Restorativenotions

Other: If my story resonated with you, or if you’re looking for a space to explore self-love, healing, and empowerment, I’d love to connect!

(Instagram is where I share insights, journaling prompts, and empowerment content!)

Coming SOON!! Substack: https://restorativenotions.substack.com (Join me for deeper reflections on self-love, grief, and growth.)

https://calendly.com/restorativenotions (Free Coaching Call)

Contact@restorativenotions.com (For Inquiries, Collaborations or just saying Hello).

(For Other Content) https://linktr.ee/restorativenotions

Image Credits
Ser Baffo
Robert Randal Photography
TEDx Pasadena