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

Hi Crystal, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My Biggest Motivation was knowing I was more than a 9-5 girl. I mean dont get me wrong, 9-5 folks are just as important as business owners. But, I always knew I was a free spirit in every form. Over the years life has knocked me around and stolen that freedom. But Im working my way back to her.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My journey started at just eight years old! I used to watch a TV show called “A Baby Story” and I was OBSESSED! I knew then I wanted to be a part of the birthing process! I made healthcare a part of my career my entire working life, but my true calling has always been childbirth! After years of shadowing, researching, and schooling, I found myself working alongside the best in the Labor and delivery field! But somehow, I still felt out of place. I officially met my first Doula while I was working as a NICU aide. She explained to me what her job entailed, and I was so intrigued! She allowed me to shadow a birth at her birthing center, and I got HOOKED! I did not realize I had already served as a doula to friends and families throughout my lifetime, and I was so excited to know it was a profession! I immediately dove into my research and took plenty of classes! I learned that there were several different levels and types of doulas, and I took on two other specialties (sex and postpartum). I truly love what I do, and I plan on doing it for the rest of my life!

Honestly, life be life-ing, lol we all know that. I have gone through so many tower moments and finding myself and finding my business. And Baby, it’s been an experience! But no matter what has happened I have always continued to try to stay true to myself. Sometimes I’m in and out when it comes to my business because I need to draw energy into myself and into my daughter in order to get through whatever moment we’re in, but whatever we’re going through I just keep going. Do what I need to do to keep my mind straight and keep the chaos at a minimum, whatever that looks like, lol. I’m literally going through some extreme Tower moments, but I’m never going to overshadow the opportunities that God has presented to me while I’m in the midst of the fire. Any true believer knows that you get tested the most when you’re doing your best, and when you’re doing your best, you’re setting yourself up to pass any test! JUST KEEP GOING!

’Im Crystal aka Doula Crys known by brand of “The Birth Homie/Homegirl doula!” I am a full spectrum doula who specializes in Sex, Birth, and Postpartum. My special focus is the Plus size community (since I’m a plus size girlie myself)! I’m a full-time mom, friend, sister, daughter ect! lol I am a lover of the arts and a true creative by nature! I’m a healer, a lover and a divine being.

The services I provide are more than just the basics. I provide a comfort element and let you know from start to end WE ARE FAMILY! I encourage my clients to be themselves, no code-switching! We stand up for each other in that way of “WE ALL WE GOT!”

I can honestly say, I’m most proud of my brand and what it stands for. I’m definitely the homegirl in many settings why should my business be any different!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, I love this! Well, No one can visit cleveland without Getting a polishboy and a Corned beef sandwhich from Slymans or harvard deli. Edgewater is on the list along with downtown CLE, W25 for the nighttime kick it. Masons Creamery for the best Icecream youve ever had in a bubble waffle cone! Eddisons for the best Pizza. Chagin falls for the scenery. A cultural exchange on Larchmere, One of the only black owned books stores in CLE. Coventry for live music at Bside or the Grog Shop and Vegan Milkshakes at Tommys. The art musuem, MOCA, Botanical Gardens. So many places!

I mean CLE is home of the hidden Gems thats my favorite thing about it!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to Shout Out My daughter Harper who motivates me not just with her little words but with her prescence and with her Love of life and every thing in it. I want to also shout out my villiage who Ha helped me become the woman I am good or bad, every experience was a lesson learned.

Website: https://www.thebirthhomie.com

Instagram: thebirthhomie

Image Credits
The Birthhomie

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutOhio 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.