We had the good fortune of connecting with Regina V. Baltimore Barbour and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Regina V., is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
As a person who has battled depression and for the longest time not even being aware of it, my prayer is that people seek help. Far too long especially in the black community, dealing with depression or mental issues overall was perceived as a character flaw. I am hoping that my book(s), my speaking engagements and my platform overall will bring positive attention to this very important subject matter. Proceeds from the sale of my book will go toward my 501C3 to assist people in paying for mental help services.
The black community speaks on the greatness of wealth, and success and I want to add to that developing a healthy mindset as well. Knowing how to deal with depression, anger, loneliness and letting people know that it’s ok to seek professional help. Doing this creates a better us and breaks those known and unknown generational curses. Lets normalize passing down wellness to our kids and the next generation.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Business: Author, motivational speaker and licensed life coach and founder of GreatHER Life Coaching.
I am most excited about people discovering themselves from a mental point of view and discovering the freedom in knowing that there is nothing wrong with them. My job is to allow people discover the greatness inside of them, and work with the realities that surround them.
I got to where I am by being at the bottom! I placed a deposit on rejection before I even made attempts at life and anything that I wanted to do. It wasn’t until I realized that I am not competition with anyone, actually I am not even in competition with myself. Was it easy? CERTAINLY NOT!! Why? because of the excuses that I made and me holding myself back. I had to encourage myself and its a daily struggle, and there is nothing about this journey that is overnight. So I kept at it, no matter how many times I had to restart and recharge I just kept at it, then it finally reached my spirit, I want to finish, because I know its me to be greatHER!
The lessons that I learned along the way may seem cliché but they are true:
1). Stop looking at other people’s green grass, you don’t know their story, for all you know it could be fake!
2). Everything takes time and has a process, stick to it and if you fall off or fall behind, get back up.
3). Released, don’t hold everything inside, find someone to talk to, reach out to me if you need to. There were so many times that I needed a release, someone to talk to because I was afraid of the judgements from others. That’s when I began to seek help and I began to write and I noticed that I was not alone.
4). FLIP The Script On Your Struggles which is not only the title of my book but my mantra. We often times put ourselves in this rut, or it could be something from our past, but we have the power to FLIP it! We just have to recognize and release the power in us!
The lessons that I am learning along the way are to keep learning, celebrate my wins, and learn from the not so good moments. Knowing its ok to not have everything figured out.
My brand / My story: I am the transparency enthusiast! My brand represents that we are greatHER and that greatHER is in ALL of us. My story is and remains to be like those all around me, I am just their voice, their ear and a judgement FREE zone!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My itinerary would definitely consist of: sightseeing in downtown DC, and visiting my favorite museums
Take in the night life in Georgtown or the wharf
Visit the newly built and ever emerging National Harbor
Outside of the city delight in shopping at the galleria
Meals are preferred on the rooftops of the many restaurants in this area.
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 definitely need to shout out my children Nina & Dougie. Had it not been for them I would have never taken the time to realize the state I was in. Their presence inspired me to write this book and bring release to myself and hopefully countless others.
My husband William for his continual support
My mother Mary Baltimore for always being there and encouraging me and being an example for every stage of my life!
Website: www.allthingsregina.com
Instagram: @reginaliveshow
Linkedin: Regina V. Baltimore Barbour
Facebook: Gina VB Bmore
Image Credits
Peculiar Images