Alisha Small found her groove in helping other women develop and nurture their own self-care practices. Now based in the DMV area, this Brooklyn, NY born and raised coach takes wisdom from her own experiences in doing the same and teaches us how to infuse joy and fulfillment into their reality and their mindsets. Let’s meet her.
Mind, Body and Soul. Why does wellness and self-care go hand in hand and why are the important to women wanting to balance life in a healthy way?
I believe wellness and self-care are one in the same. Self-care is the prerequisite to success in all areas of your life. It’s your road map to total wellness. How we show up in the titles such as mother, business owner, wife, friend is solely determined on how we so up for ourselves. The healthier we are, the more service we can be to others.
What is your work experience prior to becoming an entrepreneur?
Before becoming an entrepreneur, I worked briefly in retail but most of my time was spent in the education field. I previously worked in the private education sector as a ABA therapist assistant, then for the New York City Department of education as an enrollment specialist for grades K-12. After leaving my city job at the Department of Education I started my first service based business Dreamer Transportation services in 2016.
Tell us about Living Fulfilled Coaching and Consulting and the services you offer?
At Living Fulfilled Coaching I partner with millennial women to become the healthiest versions of themselves through prioritizing and incorporating self-care habits and routines that promote a joy-filled lifestyle. I serve as a thought partner who uses a creative coaching approach to maximize potential in all areas of her client’s lives. In addition to individual and group coaching programs, we serve a range of populations through workshop facilitation for nonprofit organizations, schools, and business consulting services.
As an advocate, coach and mentor, wife, and mom, what does a normal day look like for you?
I am an early riser. I am up every day between 4am-5am for prayer, exercise, and just some alone time before my kids get up. I get the kids ready for school, then my workday starts around 9am. I am fortunate to own my own time so some days my office space changes. One day I’m working from home another day I may be working on the water at my favorite café. Usually, my workday has a hard stop at 2pm so I can prepare for a nap (I’m a big advocate on sleep) before the kids get home. Once the kids get home all my attention goes to family.
What is something you have survived only to come out on the side, better and stronger?
There are so many things I survived throughout my life, but I think one of the things I’m most proud of is my decision to become more intentional about my own self-care. That one decision improved my health in all areas of my life. I went from being 330lbs, battling emotional eating and high functioning depression, to losing and keeping off over 50lbs, restarting a thriving coaching business, going back to school, and living an overall healthy lifestyle. I went from surviving every day to living my most fulfilled life.
As you are guiding others, how do you nurture and take care of yourself so that you can share your knowledge?
As you have already read, I am very intentional, radical, and unapologetic about my self-care. I take my health very seriously, so my time to invest in myself comes off the top before I pour into anyone else. I do so many things for myself from taking myself out on dates, having a morning routine before my kids get up, having a hard stop on my work schedule so I can take a nap to rest my mind and body to going to therapy every two weeks, and having multiple mentors that are a part of my support team.
What is an accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I believe my biggest accomplishment will always be who I am as women. I was not always the Alisha Small you see today. I have come a long way in my personal growth and development. I have grown into a great woman that leads with love, integrity, and humility. I am proud of who I have become, and I’m even more proud of the woman I know I’m growing into on the rest of my journey.
How much of a role does generational curses and childhood traumas play in the lack of control many women have over their wellness?
Unresolved childhood trauma and repeated generational cycles play a huge role in our wellness, growth, and development. This is where we first met the negative experiences, and belief systems, about our health that we carried into adulthood. I worked with so many women (including myself) that were told that they must sacrifice their wellness for someone else happiness, they weren’t worthy, good enough, or didn’t deserve to live the life of their dreams. More than likely the mindset attached to those beliefs no longer serve the woman you are or want to become in the future. If never resolved this could be detrimental to your success in all areas of your life.
How do you instill confidence in the girls that you mentor?
Due to my schedule, I meet with my girls bi-weekly, however I check in with them almost every day via text or quick phone call to speak affirming words over them. A lot of times issues that mentee’s have stem from lack environmental wellness so it’s important to me to give them opportunities and exposure they wouldn’t normally get in their regular environment. I always let them know that they are beautiful, worthy, and wildly capable of achieving anything they put their minds to, I also let them know there is a whole world outside of what they see every day and they deserve to experience it in the most meaningful way.
If money were no issue, what is a program or service, you would immediately add to your business?
I would add a basic needs resource center as one of my services. I believe one of the biggest barriers women face when trying to invest in themselves is economic hardships. One of my long-term goals for my non-profit is to have free pantry and boutique where women can get necessities and clothes for their household. The hard truth is when our basic needs aren’t being met it brings upon stress that can lead to mental, emotional, and physical illness. The focus is less on becoming the best version of yourself and more on surviving everyday life.
Do you have a strong tribe and how have they facilitated in your success?
I do. Throughout my journey I have had my mother, sister, grandmother, and in-laws, who have done everything from financial support to babysitting. I believe having a strong support system is the most crucial component to your success. Being able to get the help that you need when you need it pivotal along your self-care journey.
Where can readers go to support?
You can find me on all social media platforms as Alisha Small
Instagram: @AlishaSmall_
Facebook: @AlishaSmall84
Twitter: @AlishaSmall33
LinkedIn: @Alisha-Small84
Web: www.livingfulfilledcoaching.com
