Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Briggs.
Hi Kendra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Kendra Briggs, I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. I began my young entrepreneurial career as a licensed cosmetologist and maintained this career for over 20 years. This allowed me to not only cultivate my skills in the beauty industry but also successfully own and operate my own beauty salon. As a business owner, I had the amazing opportunity to empower others by sharing the blueprint for business, the knowledge of owning your own salon, the importance of marketing strategies and the purpose of building your own brand. These business skills have carried me throughout the years. I’m also a board member for ITHRIVE Empowerment Inc., which teaches empowerment and entrepreneurship, and builds self-esteem for young ladies and women between the ages of 12-25. A program where I’ve been able to deeply impact my community by being a difference-maker in many young girls’ lives. As a woman of faith; an intercessory prayer warrior who takes pride and fulfillment in being able to use my gifting and calling to further advance the message of Christ on earth and impact change wherever I’m led to do so. With such a passion for God’s word and a desire to operate in the spirit of excellence; I have furthered my education by earning my BA, MA in Theology, and later this month I’ll receive my Doctorate of Biblical Psychology from the Hope Bible Institute. Also as a Doctoral graduate, I’ll be a Licensed Christian Therapist.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a single mom who survived domestic violence, I managed to raise two beautiful children In the face of adversity. I overcame poverty by believing that each obstacle was a Life lesson to make me better. So I made up in my mind that I was determined to do what had not been done in my family, overcome every challenge that came to deter me from getting to destiny. Getting to destiny would require me to take a leap of faith, be resilient and keep God at the center of it all while I was on my journey. In 2015 I had just finished my Associate’s degree in Science, at that time there was a tw0 year waiting list for the radiology program. but I had a plan and I couldn’t wait two years to finish my Bachelor’s. I decide to be the first in my family to do what had never been done before, I would relocate and reposition myself and family for legacy. So I began to pray and apply to programs in other states, I was determined to keep pursuing my education no matter what obstacle came up. I applied to a program here in Texas through Harris Health and I beat out 200 applicants and received acceptance. But Unfortunately, I did not complete the program because of my GPA. The program was accelerated and very intense I was devastated but I returned the next year and after finals of the 2nd semester, I was 2 points away from the required GPA needed to continue to the next semester. So it was at that moment I realized no matter what happens in life don’t be afraid to reposition yourself, don’t be apprehensive about redefining moments that come to challenge you to dream even bigger. Throughout my life, there has been a tone of the entrepreneur who empowers others the student who has always kept learning and now uses the grace to teach the word of god through my life experiences. As a woman of faith who motivates women to be authentic by embracing the journey to loving yourself and god. In life, there will be obstacles but this is the only way to destiny its part of the process. Don’t give up in the middle of the journey listen quietly for gods instructions, Pray your way through but most importantly Don’t give up!!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Journey D’Amour?
Journey D Amor was established in 2018 and since been reinvented in January 2022 for domestic violence survivors. In my early 20s I experienced domestic violence and it was only by the grace of God that I survived. I literally prayed my way out!!! Many women have nowhere to go so ended up staying or they are killed before they can get out to safety. There are not enough places for them to go here in Houston and a lot of the places are filled to capacity. As a result of what I experienced, I decided to create a safe place, a haven for women who are trying to escape and get out alive. A place of recovery and restoration, empowerment through Christian counseling. Since the covid pandemic according to the American journal of emergency medicine domestic violence cases increased by 25-53 percent globally. In these last two years of the pandemic, Houston had a 40 percent increase in domestic homicides. It is my desire to have a safe haven for women and counsel millions by providing safety, resources to rehabilitate. As I prepare to receive my doctoral degree in biblical psychology and license as a Professional Christian Therapist by the American Association of Christian Therapists I will begin to counsel.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
There has been an increased percentage of people experiencing mental health worldwide. It has risen tremendously to over 600,000 people experiencing anxiety, insomnia, depression. Americans are struggling with mental health and behavioral health challenges. Half of the adult population is not receiving any treatment they are resorting to alcohol and other substances to help them cope. I believe this is the perfect time to launch a Christian counseling center to meet the needs of the people by providing one on one, group and virtual sessions.
Contact Info:
- Email: kendrabriggs995@gmail.com
- Website: http://bit.ly/imspeakingkendra
- Instagram: dr_kendra_briggs
- Facebook: Kendra Briggs
- Twitter: @DrKBriggs
- Youtube: Dr. Kendra Briggs ,PSY. D, LPCT
- Other: https://ithriveempowerment.org
Image Credits
Terrica Smallwood Photos
Marisa Morales Photos
Patrina Anthony Photos
