Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Williams, Dipl OM.
Kendra, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Healing has been something within me since childhood. I was born and raised in Columbia, Missouri, by a family that was big into exposing me to many things and just letting me express myself freely. So I traveled a lot with them and was involved in the arts. I was their little Wild Child with the magic hands. I used to beg for books on “magical herbs”, and traditional folk medicine; I was also so intrigued by pregnancy and childbirth. I wanted to be an OBGYN because, at the time, that was the only profession I knew that dealt with the childbearing population.
So I started in a Biology program at the Xavier University of Louisiana then ended with a Psych degree from Lincoln University of Missouri. I moved to Texas and had a “What the hell am I even doing?” moment and by Divine intervention, decided to go to Texas Health and Science University to get my Masters in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. It was there that everything came full circle. One of my professors mentioned that acupuncture could be used in place of an epidural during childbirth, and it was like a geyser went off in my brain. Like, yes! This is what I’m here for—and everything just spiraled after that. I started looking up natural pain relief for labor and childbirth and came across the term “doula”. I had never heard of the word—then, after researching, realized that I had been one at the age of 14 when I helped a family member in labor. So I became a doula in 2015, a Lactation Counselor and Midwifery Assistant in 2017, then a Yoni Steam Practitioner in 2018. I did most of my work through volunteering with local and international non-profits; 2 months after finding out I was pregnant with my son, I went down to the Secretary of State office and formed an LLC. While I had wanted to have my own business for some years, becoming a mom was my motivation to manifest my vision: to merge all of the Chinese Medicine, birth work, and reproductive health knowledge into a self-governed business.
Great, 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?
Ha! No, not entirely. But that’s okay. My obstacles have definitely shaped my outlook on birth work; specifically, the populations that I wish to serve, and how I choose to convey myself. It’s definitely a struggle to balance being a birth worker with having a steady flow of income. Even now, I am still working full time while running Witchy Womb on nights and weekends.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
So, I started Witchy Womb in 2018. I make Florida water, which is a staple in Hoodoo practice. I provide birth and postpartum doula services; I’m hoping to get into other specific doula work shortly. I also do vaginal (yoni) steaming and womb stimulation—both ancient practices that are gaining mainstream popularity. Offering these different services and products as a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine is what sets me apart. I have a unique understanding that helps in consulting clients about nutrition during pregnancy and postpartum, herbal blends, and acupressure during labor. Also, there aren’t many out there making Florida waters for specific purposes.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe diligence is important to my success. I absolutely want to expand Witchy Womb in the future—I am working to become a Midwife, and possibly offer acupuncture to my clients. Having consistent energy and effort put into my business shows others that I am passionate about my craft. That passion is what attracts clients that I am meant to serve, and abundance flows. So I guess I just gave two qualities 🙂 Passion and diligence.
Contact Info:
- Email: witchywomb25@gmail.com
- Instagram: @witchywombllc
Image Credit:
Amber Jackson
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
