Today we’d like to introduce you to Sabrina Jean Baptiste.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Like many small businesses, Blackandexxtraordinary Designs was developed during the start of the pandemic. I honestly did not have a thought about having my own business. I was accustomed to the idea of just being a mental health counselor. At the time, we were living through the unknown and I often thought about how other people were handling the sudden changes that was happening around the world between the pandemic and racial trauma. The coping skills that were readily available including leaving the house felt almost impossible and some may think unsafe. So how are other people taking care of themselves? My personal coping skills are freestyle drawing and writing. I often encourage my clients to journal their thoughts as part of their treatment to declutter and provide relief. At the time, I had my own therapist who saw my drawings and asked if I sold them or made any profits. I told her no, this is my relief and from that point she encouraged me to consider creating a way to sell my work. With encouragement from my therapist and my sister, I decided to incorporate positive coping skills by creating hand-drawn journals to help others declutter their own thoughts and develop their life goals. From that day, Blackandexxtraordinary Designs was created. Since starting my brand, I created other self-care products such as handmade affirmation cards, inspirational charm bracelets, essential oils and clothing. Journaling may not be for everyone, but there are many other healthy options offered to take care of our mental health.
I also used the time to write my first children’s book, “My Black is Gold”. During that traumatizing time, I also thought about the little ones especially our black and brown youth that needed some affirmations to help manage their own mental health in an upside-down world. Children often have a challenging time expressing their feelings and a little motivation can go a long way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every business comes with challenges. I can’t think of anyone who hasn’t driven down that rocky road. There are moments that were discouraging and I had to question if this is the path I am supposed to be on. There are so many different hats to wear as a small business owner. You are the creator, the producer, the mail person, the promoter, the assistant, the accountant and so on. Fun fact, I had to remind myself to take care of my own mental health because my anxiety was at 1000. As of today, I’d say my anxiety is at 95, a big improvement! This is a commitment, not a hobby. But, I had to often remind myself why I started Blackandexxtraordinary Designs and the wonderful customers I met. The fun part is learning about different life journeys and what others have used to manage their own mental health.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Currently, I am a clinical supervisor and a licensed mental health counselor. I love the balance of providing supportive therapy to my clients but also getting a better idea of the administration side of the business. This helps me strengthen my own brand. I love connecting with my clients and having the ability to use other interventions that we did not learn in school or internship to help my clients face their challenges. I am known for not sugarcoating anything, I literally tell my clients this during intake and during their consultations so they know what to expect. Therapy is meant to help people heal and “beating around the bush” will not help anyone. My sessions are very casual because we are working with people and many clients are not concerned with how many degrees you have or how impressive your vocabulary is. They are often seeking a clinician that can be empathic, non-judgmental and engaging. These are the top 3 things I can offer my clients.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today,” according to Benjamin Franklin. If you have seen or used tarot cards, COVID-19 was a tower moment that was completely unexpected. It allowed me to practice my gratitude and process any unprocessed thoughts and feelings during a time of stillness. It opened a world of opportunities where we can provide better solutions to underlying issues, such as Telehealth to help people have better access to medical and mental health services. I wouldn’t have started a business because my mind was occupied elsewhere but I had the opportunity to do so and I took the chance. I will always continue to take these chances because tomorrow is not promised. It was a time to dwell on all the wonderful things we are capable of doing because we were given a second chance to do so. Stop procrastinating and create the change that you have been yearning for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blackandexxtraordinarydesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackandexxtraordinary/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackandexxtraordinarydesigns
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDNIk08ag6zQoDKAdjtZ5HA
Image Credits
Kym Fajardo on some photos.
