Meet Dr. Kenika Holloway | Licensed Professional Counselor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Kenika Holloway and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Kenika, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was really born from the fact that I did not have a desire to work in corporate America. I always wanted to be an entrepreneur, but with no direct role models it took me a while to figure out exactly what that meant for me. After working for several counseling agencies, I decided that I wanted to start my own. I wanted to have a name that reflected my belief about people reaching understanding through healing and that we cannot change people we can only change ourselves. So with the help of a friend, I figured out the message I wanted to communicate and that’s how I started Activating Wellness Within.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Activating Wellness Within is my online private practice. I provide counseling services to individuals and couples, women, and men from the ages of 25 to 65. I got to where I am today with a slow and steady pace. My growth has been slow yet steady. It has not always been easy as a solo entrepreneur. Running a business and being the only employee can be demanding and it will absorb your time. In the beginning I was often mentally exhausted. It was not until I found adequate technical support and implemented systems to streamline processes that it became easier. I remember telling myself… Starting new things can be rocky in the beginning, but with time and persistence the rough edges will become smooth.

I am most proud of myself for starting a talk show on mental health and relationships called Healing Conversations on JPRG Radio. I remember in 2019, I was approached by a colleague Dr. Cassandra Parks Evans of Let’s Learn Love to stream live content on social media with her about mental health and relationships. Initially I was terrified of the idea. I am such a private person and at the time I was barely posting personal content on social media. She encouraged me and we started in 2021. The content was good, but I was so nervous about sharing ME on social media I think it showed. I was not comfortable, yet. Well about six months into the series we began having technical difficulties with the platform and we eventually grew frustrated and stopped. I was relieved.

However, fate would intervene. In 2022, I met Jonathan Young, the CEO of JPRG Radio and he asked if I would be interested in having a talk show on his radio station. I wasn’t sure because I had a flashback of how I thought I did the last time. I prayed about it, and it took me about three months to decide. During that time, I remembered that sometimes in my life the things that I am afraid of are often the things I’m good at. So, I decided to take a chance. I showed him an old episode with my colleague, and he gave me tips. I worked on my purpose, vision, and name for the show, and we launched Healing Conversations last October. I am approaching a year of being on JPRG Radio which broadcasted every Wednesday at 1:30pm EST on www.jprgradio.com. This has become my give back to the community. I knew I wanted a broader audience because I can only help one person an hour. However, Healing Conversations give me the opportunity help so many more people in an hour. I love it! I interview guests from a variety of fields, and we discuss the two things we cannot escape and that is our own mental health and having relationships with others.

I am also proud of launching my AWW Better baskets in May. The baskets content promotes self-care and they include my signature sugar scrubs with an inspirational message.

I am really excited about a new service I added to Activating Wellness Within and that is my up-and-coming Wellness Retreats. I recently became a travel agent and I plan to offer destination wellness retreats for individuals and couples. My first event will be a women’s only cruise to one of the beautiful islands in the Bahamas before the end of the year. Stay tuned.

Throughout the year, I hold live and online presentations and workshops to the community. This year I have presented on Financial Stress and Mental Health, Communication is Not the Enemy, But Perception Is, When Two Worlds Collide-which focused on common challenges in relationships, but most importantly what helps relationships thrive. I had another workshop called Good Grief: I Still Gotta Deal With Him/Her. The audience loved this one because I discussed how to adjust to raising your child with your ex. Activating Wellness Within is another one. During this presentation I spoke about the power of change, how our childhood impacts us and learning how to understand yourself better in relationships. I also had a workshop called Connects That Counts. Now this one focused on nurturing non-romantic relationships such as with children, friends, and family member. And I most recently presented on Unveiling Your Financial Mindset. This one was powerful because most people are unaware of their relationship with money. I really enjoy my workshops. I love teaching and engaging with people.

Wow! I’ve been busy, I had not thought about all the things I have been working on and accomplishing at one time.

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.
Oh wow! I like this question. If my best friend was coming into town, I would encourage her to fly in on Thursday. We would get dressed and hang out at Kat’s Cafe that evening. It is open mic on Thursday so the talented people in Atlanta have a chance to showcase their vocal or musical skills. It’s always different and always fun. On Friday, we would have brunch at Milk and Honey. The Seaside crab stuffed salmon is amazing. After brunch, we would head to Little Five Points. I would love for her to see the unique culture of that neighborhood and give her a chance to shop and see the artwork. We would order something to go from Fin and Feathers for later that night. If she came on the third Friday of the month, then we would attend Friday Night Jazz at the High Museum of Art. I absolutely love the vibe there. Everyone is in such a good mood. If it wasn’t a third Friday, then we would bowl at the Painted Pin. Saturday we would have an early brunch at J’ouvert Caribbean Kitchen and Bar in Atlanta. Then we would take a walk on the Belt Line. Saturday night we would chill and play on the Roof at Ponce City Market. If it is Spring, then I would purchase Braves tickets and we would hang out at the Battery first then watch the game. Now on Monday we would have a historic tour of Atlanta. We start at the King Center and Auburn Avenue, then go to the Civil & Human Rights Museum downtown and eat at Paschal’s or Mary Mac’s Tea Room. By Tuesday, we would have had five busy days. So, after lunch at Salata, I would take her with me to Honey Plzzzz Feet Retreat & Spa so we could slow down and relax. Dinner and drinks would be at No Mas because I really enjoy the ambiance and their fish tacos. The next day on the way to the airport, we would stop at Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar and have a bit to eat.

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 first would like to thank God, my ancestors, and the women whom I have crossed paths with on my life’s journey. My belief in a high power strengthens me, guides me, and support my spiritual growth. There was a point in my life when I lost my relationship with God because I was angry due to losing three significant family members in my life within five years; my father, my mother and my uncle. Although I have a great understanding of death and knowledge of honoring my ancestors, nothing could have prepared me for the pain and lonely journey of learning to live without them. As the pain subsided, my relationship with God strengthened. A lot of my success comes from my relationship I had with my mother, Jerry Holloway. When I became an adult, my mom transition from being mom to becoming my friend. She listened, gave supportive and advise, but allowed me to make my own decisions. Most importantly, when she did not like my decision, she would ask questions to make sure I knew what I was choosing and why. My mother was and still is the wind beneath my wings. I also want to thank the ALL the women I have met that have become friends and mentors, but a special ShoutOut to Angela, Christina, Motunrayo, Ayodele, Jazmia, Pamela, Brenda, Adrienne, Nadia, and Yanita. I have learned something from all of you. You all are amazing. I truly believe behind every great woman is another great woman.

Website: https://drkenikaholloway.wixsite.com/activating-wellness

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Image Credits
Jonathan Young