Meet Ife Adebowale

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

Hi Ife, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
When facing challenges, the question isn’t whether to give up but how to adapt. Every obstacle is an opportunity to grow, and if the first solution doesn’t work, that doesn’t mean the vision is wrong, it just means the approach needs to change.

Spiritually, persistence is about alignment, not force. If something feels difficult, it may not be a sign to quit but rather an invitation to look at the situation differently. The key is to stay connected to the purpose behind the journey. If the passion is still there, then the path forward exists, it just may require creativity, patience, and trust.

Challenges refine us, shaping our resilience and wisdom. Instead of seeing roadblocks as signs to stop, view them as markers guiding you toward a different route.

Success isn’t about never encountering difficulties; it’s about continuously finding new ways to move through them. The spirit never gives up, it simply evolves.

What should our readers know about your business?
Cherishing Life Beginnings Doula and Birth Educational Services, LLC is more than just a business, it is a movement dedicated to reclaiming the power, wisdom, and sacredness of birth.

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to traditional birthing practices, holistic maternal care, and community-centered support. We believe birth is an instinctual and spiritual journey, not a medical event, and we empower families to trust their bodies, honor their birth rights, and create safe, fulfilling birth experiences.

One of the things I am most proud of is the impact we are making in Black maternal health. From training community-based doulas through The Rebirth Project to hosting free childbirth classes and birth circles, we are actively shifting the narrative around birth and wellness. The most exciting part is seeing families transform—watching a mother go from uncertainty to confidence, witnessing a father step fully into his role as a protector, and knowing that each birth we support contributes to a legacy of empowerment.

Getting to this point in my business has been anything but easy. The journey has been filled with challenges—lack of funding, skepticism from the medical community, and the constant battle of breaking generational cycles. But what kept me going was my deep-rooted belief that this work is necessary. Every obstacle became a lesson in resilience. I learned to pivot when doors closed, to trust in divine timing, and to never compromise my mission for the sake of convenience.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that passion without persistence won’t sustain you. You have to be willing to do the work, to keep showing up even when the path is unclear. I’ve also learned that community is everything. My growth has come from pouring into others, and in return, the support has been immeasurable.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me and my brand, it’s that we are here to restore, refine, and reclaim traditional birth practices. This is not just a business, it’s a calling. We are building a future where Black women feel safe, respected, and powerful in their birthing choices. We are creating a world where birth is not feared but embraced as a sacred rite of passage. And we are doing it one birth, one mother, one community at a time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d make sure they experienced the best of LaGrange, Columbus, and Atlanta. We’d start in LaGrange, where we’d explore the historic downtown area, stopping by some of the local boutiques and antique shops before grabbing brunch at Cooters Catfish. A visit to the Hills & Dales Estate would be a must to take in the rich history and beautifully maintained gardens. In the evening, we’d unwind with craft beers and live music at Wild Leap Brew Co., followed by dinner at Venucci for some incredible Italian cuisine. Another day would be spent outdoors, starting with grabbing a smoothie from Watermelonin Smoothie, taking a morning hike on Pine Mountain Trail, taking in the waterfalls and peaceful scenery before heading to West Point Lake for some kayaking or fishing. We’d have a laid-back lunch at Cart Barn Grill and end the night with drinks at Nutwood Winery.

Throughout the trip, we’d balance relaxation with adventure, mixing in history, nature, and nightlife. The goal would be to showcase the uniqueness of each city while making space for meaningful moments and unforgettable experiences.

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 take a moment to honor myself, my beloved partner Ryza Alkebulan, and our beautiful children—Parris-Rene, London, Milan, Brooklyn Ortiz, and Ade Alkebulan. I also honor my dear grandmother, Bernice Cofield, and my grandfather, Tom Cofield. This tribute is especially for my sweet late auntie, Colette Cofield. Thank you for choosing to be a part of my life, for helping raise me, and for always believing in my dreams of birthwork. Your love and support have fueled my mission, not only to transform the birthing experiences of Black women but to shift the dynamics of generational wealth within our family. Keep praying and manifesting for us and with us. Your spirit continues to guide and uplift us.

Website: https://www.cherishinglifebeginnings.com

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