We had the good fortune of connecting with Tassia Drame and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tassia, what do you attribute your success to?
I would not normally describe myself as a risk-taker. I usually only venture into paths where I know I have a strong chance of succeeding. What makes être birth & wellness care a different type of pursuit is the faith I have in the company although I am unsure of the outcome. That is the most important factor in the success of any company or brand— faith. I must believe I will be successful regardless of other’s expectations.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Research shows Georgia has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country. We live in a dangerous state for pregnant women. But there is a bright side. Doulas are associated with improved maternal health outcomes and lower rates of medical intervention in birth. This means women giving birth are safer when they hire a doula. At être birth & wellness care, we aim to improve the birthing experience for women. As a mother, I believe everyone should have access to the support êtrebwc provides.
I have always wanted to work with pregnant women, so I started a business around them. I earned a Master of Public Health and a Maternal and Child Health certificate before I decided to bring my passion to life. One of the more difficult aspects of building a business is branding. When a potential client comes across our website or Instagram page, I want you to know we care. I want you to feel that you are getting a deluxe pregnancy experience when you hire a doula. A doula is the only trained person by your side during labor that is solely for you.
Être is a French verb meaning “to be.” Many women have the natural ability to give birth without medical interventions, it is meant to be. I want to make sure women understand that and feel empowered by that when giving birth.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As someone who has lived in the perimeter for almost 10 years, I pride myself in visiting the best places in and around the city. To pay homage to my alma mater, Agnes Scott College, we would start our journey in the City of Decatur with brunch at Sun in my Belly, dinner at Parker’s on Ponce, and a little pick-me-up at Revolution Donuts & Coffee in Decatur. Heading towards Atlanta, we would stop at the Bellyard in West Midtown and check out Puttshack. Then, we’d make the walk to O-Ku for sushi on the rooftop. We would need to recharge our social battery with coffee and a quick bite at PERC COFFEE or Le Bon Nosh for the chill vibes. Of course I’d offer to visit Piedmont Park and Ponce City Market, but I’d secretly hope they’d rather go to Lullwater Preserve and Politan Row at Colony Square.
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?
As cliché as it might be, I must shoutout my family. Each member played a unique role in where I am today. I was raised by immigrant parents who started a business with no capital. Ultimately, they were able to expand Fatou’s Beauty Supply to three locations around Atlanta. I was raised with an entrepreneurial spirit, and I credit them for any success I have.
My husband was the first person to learn of my vision for être birth & wellness care. He has unconditional support for me and our son, especially when I am assisting births at odd hours of the night and day.
Finally, my sister-in-law gave me my first opportunity to put my skills into practice. I thank her and my brother for trusting me to be their doula.
Website: etrebwc.com
Instagram: @etrebwc
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tassiadrame
Image Credits
Paul Biagui