Meet Jessica Harden | Founder & Executive Director

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

Hi Jessica, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
The “habits” that have helped me succeed: 1. Keeping God first: He gives me the purpose, visions, guidance, strength, comfort and laughs I need to keep pushing through. Although I may not always understand, I still trust him to keep his promises, so I keep mine. 2. Having faith: Trusting and believing that you can and will achieve what you have set your mind to. It doesn’t matter the setbacks.. remember comebacks always follow. 3. Being obedient: Remembering my purpose and process even when I cannot see the outcome or full vision. I consistently believe that I can accomplish my goals so I continue to put in the effort and time regardless. 4. Being selfless: Give. Give. Give.. with no intent on receiving anything back. 5. Being love & light: Everything I do is from my heart, full of love and good intentions. I embrace my talents, gifts, purpose, aura, presence, energy and that attracts those I need and whom may need me.

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.
Harden Holistics is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We are a restorative program that focuses on mental health and recovery for women under the age of 21. We serve women whom are in recovery from any form of abuse, trauma or addiction. We serve women whom live with mental health disorder(s) such as anxiety, depression, ptsd and others. We focus on six key areas to help our women achieve wholeness: emotional, physical, professional, psychological, relational and spiritual health. We are a peer-led and donation-based program. We use support groups, alternative holistic therapy, personal development workshops and occupational training to help engage, educate and empower our women at no cost, yes for free! As a black woman whom has a dual-diagnosis of mental health disorders and substance abuse. I searched for a program that focused on my recovery and mental health collectively while providing solutions in a safe space. I created Harden Holistics for myself and women alike who wanted to experience something outside of conventional therapy and participate in programs that not only interest them but encouraged them to want to take care of themselves. I have experienced a significant amount of trauma and abuse over the past thirty-years. To cope with that, I began to indulge in alcoholism, substance abuse, self-harm, suicidal ideologies and others. Starting Harden Holistics gives me purpose by allowing me to serve others, it helps me in my recovery, introduces healthier coping mechanisms and surrounds me with other women like myself, a sisterhood. I share my personal experiences so that others can see that their not alone. I never want anyone to feel the isolation or hurt I have because no one deserves that. I always make sure I do everything out of love because thats what we all deserve.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Harden Holistics of course. I love being surrounded in good energy, my sisters and within my safe space. We are always hosting unique events. We recently had a “retail therapy” event where our women had the opportunity to go shopping at our center for free. We wanted to encourage self-love and appreciation; when we look good, we feel good. Harden Holistics would be a fun and different way to spend your day.

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 give a shoutout everyone, including myself, who has contributed to the foundation and growth of Harden Holistics. For those who proof-read my business plans, listened to me talk about this dream 24/7, if you have ever liked or shared our social media, attended any events, invested your time or money, even prayed for us, THANK YOU. I am forever grateful and thankful for what we have been able to accomplish thus far; we could not and cannot do this without your support.

Website: www.hardenholistics.org
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hardenholistics
Facebook: Our women’s group: Harden Holistics
Other: To support us you can text GIVE to: 404.999.3467. www.betterunite.com/hardenholistics Mail or drop off donations: 4295 Buford drive, Buford, Georgia 30518, suite 2C or p.o. box #5.