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

Hi Rachel, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
This thought process started immediately after I graduated with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I realized that I did not want to become a licensed therapist, I decided instead to use my personal experiences, my academic pursuits and acquired wisdom to organize creative ways for individuals, especially black women, to learn and openly dialogue about self-awareness, wellness, and more. I hosted the first free personal development workshop in 2018, Self-Awareness Matters. This workshop packaged concepts about identity, personality, values, and ways to improve awareness, in an easily digestible way. After moving to Atlanta, GA, In 2020 I hosted four virtual “Conversation Party” workshops creating a safe space for black women to reflect and connect over various topics ranging from relationships with family and friends to discussions about setting boundaries and assertive communication to career and professional development and how these things impacted our mental health and overall wellness. Research has shown that trauma is passed down in our DNA. My goal is to take that information and inevitably work to reverse this. Collectively we have the power to pass healing down in our DNA as well. My goal is to use my workshops in community and collaboration to educate others about wellness, coach others to develop wellness habits and practices, and advocate on behalf of those who cannot advocate for themselves.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I took a chance in 2012 and started my career in higher education. Working as an academic advisor inspired me to go back to school to receive a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Working full time and pursuing a professional degree was not easy. It took me twice as long to complete the degree but it also enhanced my professional experiences and positively influenced the work I was doing as an advisor. Something internal made me continue pressing forward, I knew that I wasn’t receiving this degree for myself. It was for my community. I realized early on in my career that students were experiencing life just as everyone else. I was able to use my counseling skills and provide a comprehensive approach to advising that wasn’t always present amongst my colleagues. I met so many young black women who reminded me of myself. There are so many full circle moments were I recognize that I needed a “me” when I was there age pursuing higher education. Experiencing trauma in the midst of pursuing purpose can make you feel like you’ll never see the other side of things. Going to school for counseling truly changed my life and made me see things with a new lens. As I moved through various roles in higher education, I begin to introduce programming that would prepare students for life beyond the classroom. Despite not always being supported I remained diligent in the service I provided.

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 love food. I would take them to restaurants like Rock Steady and Baltimore Crab and Seafood. We would explore the Black Hair Experience – PopUp Art Exhibit. Climbing stone mountain and exploring various walking trails. I would have to take them to the beltline for a walk where we could grab good food and potentially run into street artists or live music. We would go to aquarium and visit some of the historic places around town.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First I would like to thank my parents and siblings for their encouragement and support. I would also like to acknowledge my partner and his patience and support. I would like to thank my LSs for their love and giving me years of practice bringing people together. I would like to thank my advisors, professors, and friends from Webster University who gave me the tools to pursue this calling. Every single person that has supported me up until this very moment. Special shoutout to those who participated in the Girl, let’s talk brand launch celebration in October 2022.

Instagram: @glltalk

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-corbett-6a727593

Other: Email: gltaspire@gmail.com to schedule a consultation

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