We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelli Washington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelli, how do you think about risk?
Life is about taking risks. Many people are familiar with the concept of ‘taking a leap of faith’ and I believe that concept alone defines just how living your life to the fullest involves walking in faith and taking lots of risks along the way. If I did not take a leap of faith by leaving my 9-5 in 2018 to pursue Maternity Journey, I do not believe we would be where we are today! I wouldn’t have the time, I wouldn’t have made the connections, or impacted the community as we have if I would have stayed complacent or listened to what most people said I should do … if I did not take the risk! I believe that you have to get uncomfortable, yeah leave that comfort zone, in order to truly shine and achieve any goal, but especially any entrepreneurial goals!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Maternity Journey is a non-profit organization on a mission to provide free maternity support and resources for limited resource circumstances and communities. Our mission is to improve the disparities that black and brown families face in the birth world as it pertains to welcoming new life and rearing that life. We are passionate about spreading awareness and ensuring accessibility along a journey that is deserving and thrives under true and holistic support. Many birthing families face unnecessary stress simply from a lack of support or resource and providing these services to families at no cost and with little question is what sets us apart from other organizations with similar missions. We want to make support SIMPLE. Bridging this gap is not easy and without the support from our community, our programs and services would not succeed! We have learned that a little goes a long way. No matter if we are supporting a mom who needs an ear with our mommy meet-up, or giving diapers and wipes to make it until payday through our get and give program, the ability to easily access the support needed is what makes a lasting impact. We want the world to know that a safe support system can be accessed simply and that the true strength is in support!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We have actually welcomed a friend before and I hate that we weren’t able to visit Erma Rose Winery, but that is definitely a spot to visit! We are always down to walk in nature so visiting Hermann Park is always on the list. In terms of nightlife Grooves of Houston & Social Bar Garden never disappoint. Aside from that, We are foodies and always in the mood for brunch, and Max’s Wine Dive is a go-to as well as Phil & Derek’s since it is around the corner from our office. Since I am plant-based, I would have to take them to every vegan spot I love and the list would start with Lindiana’s, Sunshines, and Houston Sauce Co. to name a few! Houston has SO much to see and do the week would be full of adventures!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We would love to shout out the Afrocommuniversity! Founder, Jalyn Gordon has truly paved the way for the foundation of Maternity Journey. She has supported our walk on a level unimaginable and her impact in the community is one that deserves recognition!

Website: https://www.maternityjourney.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maternityjourney/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourmaternityjourney

Image Credits
Angelek Jordan – AKJ Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.