Today we’d like to introduce you to Latifah Henry.
Hi Latifah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Yes- As a teen mom who experienced lots of trauma of my own growing up, I wanted better for my son and I wanted to begin a career where I could help others. I firmly believe my role among healers has helped me in my own healing. Fast forward to getting my Bachelor’s degree in social work, and not finding a career that fit our family’s needs. This career path there would have pulled us further apart. We were in California and my husband worked two jobs as a chef to support us, and in the midst of job searching we lived with my mother in law, and I stayed home with our three children at the time. My oldest son and my boy/girl twins who were toddlers. I wasn’t used to having so much time where I wasn’t busy with work and school. So to continue to socialize, I created a mom blog and found a community of women and moms to connect with via blogging, as well as beginning to create content for brands. When we moved out of California for the first time to Nebraska, this helped put me through grad school and contribute financially for my family. It was truly the biggest blessing at that time. We got to work with so many great brands, we’re hosted by hotels, and strengthened our family bond. Now that I’m in Utah, I’m a full time mental health therapist and continue to create content on the side.
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?
Not a smooth road in the slightest. A biracial teen mom struggling to not be another statistic and navigating being the first in my family with an advanced degree was a real challenge. At times I asked myself if it was worth it – trying to make it in a professional world while having no idea how to show up in that space authentically. Being lower income during school because of needing to do unpaid internships and having kids to provide for was so hard. We moved several times over the years and I also had very significant mental health struggles along the way navigating postpartum depression and anxiety. Now a mom of 5, having two more kids along this journey was a challenge as well.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a full time Mental health therapist- social worker- mom and content creator. I’m most proud of my content creation as it’s a creative outlet to share both professional and personal experiences. I am also so proud of my graduate degree as I’m the first person in my immediate family to have an advanced degree. Starting this journey as a teen mom, I’m proud of never giving up and having that lesson to share with my kids. If I can do it, you can do it. Never make yourself small, never stop getting on yourself, and never give up. You owe it to yourself to live the most amazing life.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
It truly takes a village. It’s not always the same either. Along the way it’s been my husband (he’s truly a rockstar), family, friends, church community and my online mom community helping me to keep going! Great support is crucial- so find your tribe!
Contact Info:
- Website: Gypsyheartedmama.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/gypsyheartedmama
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