Today we’d like to introduce you to Britney Washington.
Britney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a regular woman who has experienced my fair share of life. Throughout this life as a Black woman, young mother, a healing woman.. I’ve picked up a lot of skills, experience, and wisdom that have quite literally saved me and transformed my life.
As a woman who grew up understanding how my mom’s circumstances impacted me, I always had a knowing that mothers need support. So, in my journey through various roles and storylines – I’ve always held dear to my heart the mission to see mothers, and particularly Black mothers thrive.
Now, I use everything in my arsenal to support that happening. “A Guided Journey” is my heart-child – it’s my way of paying it forward by employing all of the wisdom I’ve gained throughout this life-time. I used to attend parenting classes, now I am the creator of a maternal advocacy program called My Birth MAP. I’ve relied on tax refunds and grants to get to the next level in life – now, I offer those services to other women building their lives. I’ve been denied care as a pregnant woman. Today, I offer doula services to pregnant women. I’ve been broken spiritually and put myself back together again. These days I offer meditation classes and other spiritual support because I understand the difference it can truly make.
I’m not here to save the world – no one can do that. I am here, however, to make the world a better place. The one way I KNOW to do that is to support Black mothers, and by extension their children. My work at A Guided Journey serves the whole woman: mind, body, and spirit. I see it growing with me and the women I serve.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Life is rarely smooth, and mine is no exception. In the beginning of my adulthood, I had an idea of how I wanted to contribute to the world but my own journey had to play out first. I’ve experienced most of the things other women have – I’m not exempt from any of it. Through abusive relationships, failed friendships, mental breakdowns, and sooo much more I’ve found my medicine. I’ve taken each experience and alchemized it into wisdom that I can carry forward and share with those coming up behind me: so they can break their chains faster than I did mine.
I don’t think the goal of life is to have an easy one. At least not right away. I HAD to experience the things I did to become the woman I am today that can hold space for such a wide range of experiences without flinching. I AM the women I serve. I do not sit above them from an untouchable place. The challenges they may find themselves in, I’m no stranger to.
So to answer your question, I’ve had all the struggles you can probably imagine along the way. However, our struggles aren’t what define us: it’s how we respond to them that does.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
A Guided Journey LLC was created to serve the growing needs of Black mothers. We offer services that support the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of the women we serve.
Our current offers include: doula services, spiritual support services, and grant writing services.
As a practitioner, I’m known for my personal touch. Every client of mine, past and future, is treated like a dear friend of family member. I’m proud to say that my clients feel safe with me, because that’s when transformation happens. I’m proud to have had the courage to turn my hard-earned wisdom into something that can help my community thrive.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Growing up, I’d watch my mom grow through her struggles. She was often alone and made mistakes – but she is where I learned that “if things were different, things would be different”
So, I thank her for the inspiration. My path to help heal and grow Black mothers wouldn’t be if it weren’t for her.
My husband has been my greatest support over the past couple of years. Being a stay-at-home-wife and mother affords me the time and energy to finally focus on building something solid and impactful. I thank him for his undying support.
My doula, Nishatu, helped me see myself as a birthworker and has been supportive in introducing me to the landscape in Mississippi. I thank her for her wisdom.
I’m fortunate to have many cheerleaders and eyes looking upon me in a positive light. I have friends who send me opportunities and who speak my name in big rooms. I thank every single one of them: past, present, and future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Aguidedjourney.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/aguidedjourney_
