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

Hi LaRhonda, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I have ever had to make was choosing to follow God and not allow the generational curses over my family to continue through my lineage. What I have come to understand on my spiritual journey is that God’s plan will most likely be disliked and disapproved of by the ones who you love because their ability to walk by faith and not by sight has yet to develop. Choosing to not go along with the majority and blaze my own path has caused me to experience loneliness in a way I never thought I would. A Place for Vernae was founded in memory of my mother who lost her life to domestic violence in 2002. 20 years later and the pain from this tragedy still runs deep. While I am in full understanding of the pain, I know God doesn’t make mistakes and there is a purpose in pain, So I have chosen to forgive and allow purpose to take its rightful place. To help women who have experienced those things which my mother and I have is my life mission and I will see to it that I serve these ladies in the best way that I am able.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
A Place for Vernae is a nonprofit organization supporting women who have experienced homelessness due to domestic violence or trafficking. I chose to found this organization because not only do I want to serve these women in a Godly way but I know I have been gifted the ability to change their perspectives on life so that they can lead better lives.

Business-wise, I decided to just GO for it! In my opinion, that’s the hardest part. To have a dream, receive God’s stamp, then execute is an underestimated challenge.There is nothing easy about this journey but I’m determined to see it through. It’s also a challenge having a dream to organize a non-profit with minimal resources.

Along the way, I have learned that I am my biggest cheerleader. I don’t need people who were NOT given the vision to understand or agree with my walk. They can watch from the sidelines, its less traffic over there 🙂

Right now I am overcoming the challenges of being a startup nonprofit. Everything I do for the organization is being funded from my pockets and those of the community who choose to sew into our organization.

What I want the world to know about A Place for Vernae is it’s not a place to go to experience sadness or pity. We are here to uplift and encourage our ladies to live a life of purpose, On Purpose.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area I would definitely take her to Hobnob in Alpharetta for brunch! Their service is always amazing and the food is delicious! Their menu is budget-friendly and light. Drinks are phenomenal might I add. After brunch, we would head to Piedmont Park to catch some of the most beautiful views in the city. After the park, I would take her to dinner at either Cirque Blu Seafood House or Lousiana Bistreaux Seafood Kitchen. Their food is always prepared fresh and the customer service is top-notch! We would probably find a lounge to hang out at as we get ready for the evening. All in all, I would ensure my best friend was able to experience the best of the best in Atlanta.

experience the best of the best in Atlanta.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to my KIDS, Ava, Ace, and Ali! As parents we have an understanding that we will influence our kids in some capacity, What we don’t talk about is how much our kids influence us! My oldest, Ava was born in 2013, right before I graduated college. It was she who taught me to slow down. Before Ava, I had no real responsibilities so quite naturally when she was born I had to slow down and think about how my decisions would affect her life. Ace, my Ace in real life is my only son. Ace taught me how to expand upon my fearlessness. Through Ace, I can see that all things are possible through Christ who strengthens me. Finally, my youngest, Ali. Ali gave me a sense of strategy! I am typically impulsive but baby girl has given me the patience I need to navigate a strategy before I execute a plan. All this to say each of my children have given me something special, so it’s only right that I shout them out as the game changers in my life!

Website: aplaceforvernae.com

Instagram: aplaceforvernaeinc

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