my story

how healing became my hustle

I began my journey into adulthood as an ambitious young mom eager to get off welfare. Armed with overdoses of Oprah, McDonald’s coffee, TD Jakes sermons, and sheer grit. I worked full-time, went to school full-time, and eventually, my grind earned me an MBA, a thriving career in technology at leading Fortune 500 companies, a fancy title, a six-figure salary, and a comfy middle-class lifestyle in Northern Virginia. On paper, I hustled my way to outward success. But, in real life, I failed at prioritizing Donielle.

For years I normalized my health and wellness being at the bottom of the list. But a life-altering event forced me to make drastic life changes. This pivotal transition is when I learned to make Healing my Hustle. Or, in other words, when I learned to prioritize my healing and wellness above all else. Now I’m on a mission to inspire women to make healing their hustle too!

The Journey

  • Motherhood

    At 19, I began my journey into motherhood, as an ambitious young mom eager to get off welfare.

  • My Ticket

    Education became my ticket out of poverty. Most of college I worked full-time and went to school full-time. My hardwork paid off when I earned my bachelor’s degree in 3 years.

  • The Hustle

    After college, I got hired as an accountant in the federal government’s Leaders in Motion Program (LIM). While working full-time, I earned an MBA with my son by my side.

  • The Big Move

    Next, I got hired by my first Big Four firm KPMG. Then, I decided to take a leap of faith, and move to me and my son to DC.

  • Career Goals

    The leap pays off. I get hired by my second Big Four firm Deloitte. Eventually, promoted to manager, and selected for their leadership program for high-performing managers.

  • The Healing

    I buy my first house, settle into corporate life, and my middle-class lifestyle. Then, a life-altering event forced me to re-evaluate my success. In time I learned to prioritize my healing above my hustle.

  • The Writing

    I made a few more career pivots. During COVID I decide to honor the time by resurrecting my passion for writing. I write two books on topics that soothe my soul healing — self-care and black womanhood.

  • My First Book

    After my son graduates from high school. I take more big leaps of faith. I move to Texas, I begin a new role in tech, and I publish my first book Healing is my Hustle!

a few things you should know

more about me

my favorite hobby

Finding new wellness and vegan spots.

my favorite drink

my favorite cities

most important lesson

Prioritize your healing and wellness above all else!

I’m pretty cliche, DC, NYC, LA, and Rome.

Iced Matcha Latte with Almond Milk.