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

Hi Marquita, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought in creating Mahogany Bridges LLC was because I believed that there was a need to be more safe places for black and brown bodies to go and express themselves and focus on their Mental Health. At the time of deciding to start my own business I had already seen the news several times; witnessing several unfortunate deaths of my . The videos became so frequent and was overall overwhelming and I knew what I was feeling and could only imagine the weight on others that are not professionals within my demographic. Second reason why I created Mahogany Bridges is based on the significant trauma as a child that caused me to inherently create a barrier to keep her safe and keep others out. I had no idea what happened to me was trauma. To me this thing called trauma was normal and I thought that everyone had these same things happen to them because it wasn’t talked about. But I’m grateful it did because it made me aware of the generational trauma that people of color has endured the secrets that we constantly have.
Third reason why I choose to create Mahogany Bridges LLC is because I got tired of fulfilling other peoples dreams and not my own. I also know how hard it is to find a therapist that looks like myself and how important it is to have these places where there is no need to “code switch” or explain the norms within the African American community.

What should our readers know about your business?
Mahogany Bridges Mental Health Services LLC is a Therapy Private Practice established and curated with the black and brown communities in mind. Mahogany Bridges was founded in January 2022 with the idea of create a safe place for people of color to come and release traumas that may have been experienced through childhood, generational and society. The practice was founded with the knowledge that black and brown bodies, oftentimes, enter into places where we are tolerated. With Mahogany Bridges we like to believe we have created a space where individuals can come and be their authentic selves.

Honestly, this business chose me. I had endured significant trauma as a child that caused me to inherently create a barrier to keep her safe and keep others out. I had no idea what happened to me was trauma. To me this thing called trauma was normal and I thought that everyone had these same things happen to them because it wasn’t talked about. But I’m grateful it did because it made me aware of the generational trauma that people of color has endured the secrets that we constantly have.

I think the biggest hurdle I have faced in opening my business is understanding how a business works. In school they teach you how to be a therapist but they never encourage you to take a business course in order to identify how you can be successful. Also being a minority has been a huge barrier to me in opening my own business. Since I didn’t see many people that look like me running a business I had to tell myself that I can still do it.

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?
I would take them to my Alma Matta down the road. The first African American Private Institute Wilberforce University. I fell in love with Wilberforce when I saw the campus and when I learned the history. I just always marveled at the thought of walking the halls that W.E.B. Dubois, Dorthy Vaughn, William Julius Wilson. I would take them to the speakeasy place down the road to get Pho for lunch. Enjoying a good broth and the intergity of the culture. Possibly going to catch the Selfie Exhibit that has been on display at the local Library displaying Black History.
We would later go to a Jazz lounge that is black owned and ran in the Cincinatti Area. Then ending the night with a bite to eat from the local mom and pop shops in the area for a bite to eat. The following day going to a concert or a poetry slam. Checking out the Homecoming parties from one of the HBCU’s nearby, head to a professional football game, baseball. Also attending the poetry slams, attending day parties, and just catching a whole vibe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Credit goes to my husband who has never told me No. Except when I asked for a G-Wagon. He really is rooting for me and every dream I have in my head. He’s there to encourage me on my best and worst days. He is my best-friend, my safe place, and my person.

My mother also deserves credit. She raised me to go for everything I know I deserve. She reminds me every time I am discouraged of what God has promised me and that I am the child of the most High.

My friend Jennifer Sheard who currently has a private practice has shown me that it is possible to step out and step up. My key mentor is Glendora Dvine who is someone who looks like me, believes in me and I know is rooting for me.

Website: www.mahoganybridges.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahogany_bridgesllc/

Facebook: Mahogany Bridges LLC

Other: tiktok: @mahoganybridges

Image Credits
MUA @ Mone’t L. Quarles Photagrapher” Dyonna James Photography

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