We had the good fortune of connecting with LaCresha Cunningham, LCSW and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaCresha, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most significant factor behind my success is spiritual alignment. When I’m aligned with God, I’m at peace. I feel joy in what I do. I understand that even in times of contrast, everything is aligned and will even out just as it should. My thoughts and actions are rooted in my purpose path, which helps me stay in the space of gratitude. Gratitude opens up new outlets every time.

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?
In my private practice, Healing Sacred Scars Holistic Wellness (HSS), we guide women of color to rediscover their authentic selves and live a more spiritually aligned, holistically integrated life. HSS is a sacred space where mental health, spirituality, and culture converge, allowing us to live authentically, whole, and well. We offer coaching, clinical therapy, group sessions, live classes, and workshops where we are heavy on authenticity, mamahood, and alignment. We believe in Divine alignment. I am most proud of this!!!!

Our “sweet spot” is perinatal mental health: providing Mamas with the space and skills to thrive in their new life phase.

Through our course, MamaHood Your Way, we help birthing people and Mamas parent in a way that feels good and authentic.

Through our nonprofit arm, The Healing Sacred Scars Foundation, we offer prenatal and postpartum groups free of charge to Mamas in the community to ensure that all Mamas have access to culturally sensitive mental health services. We provide a space to release, learn, laugh, and connect with self and others.

After years of working in areas from entertainment to the military to government, I stepped away to regroup and refocus. I reexamined my heart and took some time to address my mental health, childhood wounds, and life experiences. I found my tribe and learned that perfection is an illusion. I learned to trust my intuition, block out external voices, and live my life by design. It took YEARS to release the need to be perfect. Now, I am me: authentic, flaws and all.

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?
Whew, this one is loaded too! I am a foodie and a sucker for pretty views. When I am in my tour guide role, culinary experiences are a must. Nuevo Laredo and Desta Ethiopian Kitchen are both a staple-you must try both of the honey wine offerings at Desta! Everyone flying into the Hartsfield -Jackson airport has to stop by Blendz Friendz for an acai bowl, an absolute MUST. Tell them I sent you. I love rooftops, so we’ll head to the Beltline or Aerial.  The Darwin has a great Thursday Pop-up dining experience, and the entire hotel is a vibe. Nature is necessary, hence Cascade Preserve, Sweetwater Creek, and Amicalola Falls State Park for views and water. Coffee is at the impeccable Omni Coffee and Eggs in Castleberry Hills, plus they offer Rhythm& Brew on Thursdays featuring the TGS Band. Such a dope vibe. Brunch has to be Café Social or Mojave. Finally, Hal’s or Stoney River for a steak dinner. Let me not forget Wine Down Wednesdays during the summer and the Beverly on Friday nights for live music. For more live music, I’ll find wherever The Red Sample Band is playing and snag front-row seats!!! Atlanta has so much to offer.

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 dedicate my shoutout to every Mama that has trusted me to walk alongside them during their Mamahood journey. My mothers, Jackie and Latrice; my dads, Chris, Freddie, and Grover, Grandma Julia; my mentor Dadron; my brother, Carl; my sonshines Kai & Nic;  my siblings, my Forevers, Nadirah, Carline, Ifraj, Glenn, Diana, Kayla, Greg, Aaron, Marissa, Kevin, my 40 Rounds Battles, and every friend that has encouraged me. I must acknowledge the Inspire 2 Empower Me Team, especially Zelda, Tesha, Ashley, and Inesse. Finally, to the Healing Sacred Scars Community, you all keep me going, fuel my path, and inspire me as you all do your own work. So many more to name, but my memory isn’t being my friend. I love you all.

Website: www.healingsacredscars.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/counselorcree www.instagram.com/healingsacredscars

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacreshacunninghamlcsw/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingsacredscars

Image Credits
Chiajuanna Holden- C. Holden Photography

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