Meet Mother, Philanthropist, Speaker, Health and Wellness Coach — Libra J. Hicks
JUST DON’T QUIT AND IF YOU FIND A ROADBLOCK DON’T BLAME ANYONE ELSE, LOOK AT YOURSELF AND ASK, DID I REALLY DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN OR DID I !@#$% IT UP AND REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT! — Libra J. Hicks
Libra J. Hicks is a mother, non-profit founder, empowerment speaker, podcast host, and fitness coach who is passionate about helping women who live a similar lifestyle as she does. She has taken everything she’s learned on this special need parenting journey and gifted back to those who are hopeless! After complications from a traumatic birthing that occurred on December 15th, 2005 which led to her oldest son’s diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy, Libra began to engulf herself in the necessary things that would give her the knowledge she needed to carry her son’s weight (figuratively and literally).
The care for her oldest intensified as new challenges presented themselves. As Libra continued to learn more about her son and all that he needed, she discovered a lack of knowledge, self-worth, access to resources, etc. Gaining knowledge was a complicated thing and something that was common across the board. Lack of inclusion and understanding of the special needs’ community was something that stood out the most for Libra. As time grew, Libra decided to embark on a 501c3 that would gift her the ability to fully assist her community in areas that are most needed to help offer aid and assistance where assistance and resources are lacking.
In 2017 Libra’s youngest son, Lyric Ja’Dore was diagnosed with Autism. Since then, she is added another reason Our Children’s Story, Inc. is important and needed. Each day there is a newborn that has experienced or will experience some form of a disability, who will be there to support them when their parents need guidance? Libra’s accomplishments are as followed: Fitmom Fitness Club Chit Chat Podcast Our Children’s Story, Inc. Ja’Dore Limited Digital Learning Cafe’ and Parent Resource Center
Libra has a desire to show moms/women who care for loved ones with disabilities that ANYTHING and EVERYTHING is possible to achieve. If there’s the desire and willingness to be uncomfortable for as long as it takes to achieve your greatness! Our Children’s Story, Inc. has been in operation since 2017. Since its birth, we have served over 500 families across the United States. During COVID virtual has been the answer for continued services to families at a distance.
Now if we can, I’d like to go way back for a little while. Where did you grow up?
I was born in East Point and raise in Decatur. I am the product of a father (who is from Hartford, CT) who is a very smart life / street dude with a I believe no more than a 5th grade education. My mother (who is from Youngstown, Ohio) is a highschool graduate turned caregiver to others. My home was very hostile, lots of arguing and alcohol. My dad was a very heavy drinker and my mom was a very mean cut throat woman. I was on edge a lot due to the hostility in my house. HOWEVER, through that, I was able to find the gems in which was gifted and use them to build something stable for my children. What I came from is what built me for my purpose. I needed those challenges so that I could carry my children through their burdens. After All what they have to carry is way heavier than anything I could’ve ever endured in life.
What inspired your entrepreneurial journey ?
My children! Everything started with my oldest son, Anthony Jr. He has Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy. Later came my youngest Lyric Ja’Dore. He has Autism. My oldest help me discover my purpose and my youngest helped me gain the courage to morph it.
Tell me about what problem your business/ program/service solves?
My organization brings awareness to Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy. We focus on the families who care for the loved ones with disabilities. Typically, all the resources available are for the individual who has the disability, rarely for the families who care for these individuals. This is why there are severe family breakdowns and burnouts. Lack of assistance to those who care for the individuals.
What do you define as failure?
There is no such thing as failure, failure is a total illusion. Life is a process and you must be accepting to the teachings it brings in order to manifest your greatest desires. Failure is a scapegoat, anything you truly desire and work towards you’ll manifest. Anything you work to build that’s not meant for you will become your failure.
What have you felt you have failed at? What might you have done to prevent those failures?
I failed at being what others needed me to be for their comfort. I failed at harbouring relationships that weren’t worthy of my time. Hell, had I woke up sooner I probably would’ve spared myself some pain! Lmao, I had to keep going through that lesson until it clicked. Once it clicked, it was all she wrote. I set boundaries, and I stick to them. I don’t compromise for NO ONE. I give to me and I love me 1st before anyone else. Me gifting to me filters benefits not only me but others as well.
What kind of impact do you want your business to leave on those around you?
I want the impact to be them understanding that there is something better, something more and they have access if they just let go. I am living proof of that. I have been through the trenches. Hell, I still have growth I am doing, however, it can be done and I am solid proof of the possibilities.
What is your why? Why you did you start your journey?
My children. I am a mother! That sums it up. I have to go get what isn’t there or available to my children. I have to produce, hunt and secure for them. If not me then who. It’s my responsibility. I am their “mother” so when GOD says move a certain way to make sure my seeds and village stays safe, I move. This isn’t me, this is GOD! This is why my human being exists.
What hurdles did you personally face and how did you overcome them?
The only hurdle I faced was holding grudges and not seeing what toxic behavior I brought to the table. Not seeing how I was just as toxic as those I was blaming for a very long time. Those I blamed for where I was at that particular point in time. We always seem to blame others for why we aren’t able to succeed yet we forget we offer toxic mess too! Once I understood my role in my inability to “win” I started to change and through my change everything else around me started to change! Those that weren’t meant for me (family included) was removed, thing meant for me came and things started to look and feel different for the better.
Do you feel your business meets the needs of the market at the time of conception? Does it still?
Absolutely and will always continue to meet the need!
When did you realize entrepreneurship was right for you?
When I realized the level of care my oldest son would need for the rest of his life and when I had a mental breakdown at my 9–5.
Why did you choose entrepreneurship?
I didn’t pick it, It picked me. It’s so my children will have access to quality of life!
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs and small business owners who may not be achieving their goals?
JUST DON’T QUIT AND IF YOU FIND A ROADBLOCK DON’T BLAME ANYONE ELSE, LOOK AT YOURSELF AND ASK, DID I REALLY DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN OR DID I !@#$% IT UP AND REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT!!!!!
What would you say is your most driving motivation to keep doing what you to do?
My children’s and their voices. They need to be heard so here I am!! Doing what mommas do!!! lmao
What are you most excited or passionate about? (In both business and life or both)
Seeing my children enjoy the fruits of my labor. Watching my family break generational cycles from my growth. Its gotta start somewhere, why not let me be the one to help my dad complete the mission he tried hard to do himself!
What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your business? What are the goals that you hold personally?
Getting the public to see the importance of donations, sponsoring, becoming donors! Every dollar is needed so we can continue to service and expand!!! Families are in need and we can fill that void with help!
Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you’re committed to in your work and life? Tell me about them.
My parents. Life was raw! I learned REAL LIFE! I learned how the world would handle me through them. I learned how to hustle from them. I learned how to give from them. I learned how to stand from them. I learned how to be fearless through them. Even though my home was toxic, there were still gems tucked away in the dirt that helped me get here. My parents are dope asf!
Did you have any life-changing experiences that put you on the path that led you to be doing what you’re doing today? Tell me about them.
Yes, the birth of my oldest son Anthony Jr. That’s where this whole situation started from Dec. 15th 2005.
What’s next for you in your business? What can readers look forward to from you?
Just growth morphing what we’ve currently have in place. We are in a good place so now, it's just time to continue forward with the work. Just watch us grow and be apart of that!
