THE SUNFLOWER FIELD

IN LIFE, WHEN WE HAVE THE CHANCE TO GIVE ANOTHER WOMAN THEIR FLOWERS, WE SHOULD.

THIS PORTION OF MY SITE IS DEDICATED TO SOME OF THE AMAZING WOMEN WHO HAVE MADE AN IMPACT ON MY WORLD THROUGH THEIR PRESENCE, WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT, OR SIMPLY THEIR TENACITY AND EXAMPLE.

FROM ONE SUNFLOWER TO ANOTHER, THANK YOU!

WELCOME TO THE SUNFLOWER FIELD!

1. Please tell me your stats...Name, age, family, where do you live, profession, etc.

I am Crystal Atkins, age 33, residing in the great Pineville, La, single mother of two

amazing children. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Board Approved

Clinical Social Worker for multiple agencies.

2. Describe your niche. How did you connect to this area of interest?

I have been told for a duration of time now, “Crys you’d talk to wall if it would talk back to you.” My niche has always been listening to individuals and empowering individuals to change and promote growth within themselves.

3. Tell me who you are in 5 words/phrases. But, the catch is that you can't use the words mother, partner, friend, daughter, sister, or anything that describes your role at work. =)

I am Charismatic, Inspiring, Comical, Compassionate, and Diligent.

4. Most people aim to leave their mark on this world. How are you building your legacy and how do you hope to be remembered

I began building my legacy in 2017 with Financial Literacy. At one point in my life I worked four jobs with a side hustle. In January 2021, I developed a free financial course called ‘Financial Literacy Game Plan’ . I hope to be remembered by my teachings related to finances. I hope individuals will take a closer look at their finances, modify and maximize their earnings, and create generational wealth. When someone says my name I also hope they will also say, “Crystal helped me with my finances, fitness journey, or obtain my Clinical License.”

5. What is your hope for other women? What expectations and affirmations are you sending them light and love for?

My hope for other women is they find their passion and purpose. Once you find your passion and purpose you become unstoppable, like a fire lit up on the inside, blazing with ideas, and seeking genuineness from every relationship. My expectation is every woman will allow themselves GRACE. Finding my purpose took about three years. I pray you will be patient with yourself and allow GRACE when you stumble or miss a mark that you have set for yourself.

6. How can other women support your dreams and aspirations?

Other women can support my dream through sharing the information I have provided to them at some point along this journey of life.

7. What is your top self-care tip and your favorite self-care technique in this season of your life?

In this season of life I cannot list one self-care technique. This season has been far and wide emotionally, mentally and physically. My top self-care tips is Grounding a technique to create mindfulness. My preferred technique is focusing on breathing. The second type of Grounding I adore is listening to music, specifically Ari Lennox.

8. Give us the dets on your passion project(s) or business. Tell us all the things about your thing.

My passion in life is helping individuals from a Financial, Mental Health, Clinical, and Physical stance. As I stated, this season has been far and wide. I am forever grateful for God allowing me to fulfill each passion which produces happiness within. I have multiple projects brewing this season. I am offering individual financial literacy planning sessions. As a therapist I present on panels providing mental health expertise. I am a Board Approved Clinical Supervisor within the confinements of Social Work Practice. If any License Master of Social Worker seeking supervision I would love to discuss availability. Finally, I physically train individuals, there is a direct correlation between physical activity and improving mental health. My thing is to help one individual, so they may reach back and help another individual, my hope is the chain will continue and strengthen in numbers.

Crystal Atkins

LCSW-BACS; "The Financial Literacy Game Plan"

1. Please tell me your stats...Name, age, family, where do you live, profession, etc.

My name is Temika Rhines and I am from Oakdale LA by way of Mamou LA.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker / Therapist. I have been a social worker since 2009.

2. Describe your niche. How did you connect to this area of interest?

My professional niche is chronic mental illness. I cannot quite describe what connects me to this area of healthcare, but I can say that my heart and all of my brain chemicals are ignited when I come across the privilege to serve anyone with severe mental illness. My personal niche is anything vintage that comes with DIY. I have been called an “old soul” and I have found that to be true since I was a teenager. I also love to sew and recreate personal spaces in my home.

3. Tell me who you are in 5 words/phrases. But, the catch is that you can't use the words mother, partner, friend, daughter, sister, or anything that describes your role at work. =)

I am a free dancer. Just turn on the music and you will see. 😊 I am a sincere worshiper. I am thoughtful and thorough. I am becoming true to Temika. I am tenacious and aim to walk in integrity.

4. Most people aim to leave their mark on this world. How are you building your legacy and how do you hope to be remembered?

“Temika ain’t play no shit and she was the shit”.

“Temika lived her life to the fullest and was the greatest example of a person who became set free from the enslavement of traditional/societal/religious norms.”

“My momma was everything to me and taught me how to love, live and celebrate while in this life, reverence and respect God, pour out goodness and light to the earth while not taking any shit.”

“My wife was the woman that the Bible describes, as she was whole and loved all of whom she was, light and flaws."

5. What is your hope for other women? What expectations and affirmations are you sending them light and love for?

My hope for every woman is to be fully liberated in their mind, hearts, and soul. For the women who were born free and remain free, my hope is that their hearts turn toward those who are trapped within themselves, and they are compelled to help those who remain unseen by their own eyes.

Affirmations:

Full love is your portion.

Nothing is too good to be true for you.

Your cup is not only full for you but for the pouring onto others, as well.

Always feed your soul first.

Affirmations for the broken:

Your broken pieces are restored.

You are worthy of being poured into.

Your heart will be whole again.

You are worthy of light and love.

May you open yourself to the authentic kindness of others.

6. How can other women support your dreams and aspirations?

When you see me smiling or maybe quiet and appearing reserved, don’t assume that “I got my shit together”. Whisper a prayer to heaven on my behalf and if your heart is led to, tell me a word of encouragement. If you don’t see me and I happen to randomly fall upon your heart, whisper my name to heaven and ask the angels to see about me.

7. What is your top self-care tip and your favorite self-care technique in this season of your life?

Quiet time and good uncomfortable boundaries. Because I have lived a life that was pleasing and to the convenience of others since I was a child, my time was not my own. In this season of life, I have had to work toward carving out quiet time to just sit with me, my heart, my thoughts, my emotions and the Holy Spirit. I have learned from the self-care expert, Ms. Moran, that it doesn’t take a lot of money to take care of self, but it does cost intentionality, effort, and a consistent effort but it is so worth it. Setting boundaries after living a life of meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of others has been almost as uncomfortable as labor pains, but when I became ready, really ready to reclaim Temika, it was necessary, and it has also been very very worthwhile.

8. Give us the dets on your passion project(s) or business. Tell us all the things about your thing.

Since a teen and before I could understand the definition of Psychology, I was fascinated by the inner workings of the mind, the behaviors of people and I also knew that I had a servant’s heart. It was a school counselor who pointed me in the direction of psychology and later I would learn that she was spot on in her prediction of what profession would best suit me. So, my project/passion is to finally pursue a doctoral degree in Psychology. Having a servant’s heart has been the most fulfilling part of my spirit as I have learned to not allow the passion to be over utilized without replenishment. The best kind of support I can use is the genuine prayers of others in support of my long-awaited and heavily deferred dream of eventually becoming Dr. Rhines.

temikarhines@yahoo.com

Temika Rhines

BS, LCSW-BACS, CCM

Please tell me your stats… Name, age, family, where do you live, profession, etc.

My name is Asiana. I’m a single 30-year-old (just celebrated my birthday on January 26th- she’s an Aquarius!), living in Houston, TX. I’m a hairstylist specializing in the health of natural hair, but I do braid styles as well (quite frequently actually lol). And I just recently got my LLC for my business Asi’s Touch, so that has been EXCITING *pops champagne*. I am the oldest of 7 siblings (8 of us total- 6 girls, 2 boys). So yeah, I’m basically their therapist/best friend/mommy figure lol. But I wouldn’t have it any other way 😊

2. Describe your niche. How do you connect to this area of interest?

My niche? Hmmmm…well if you’re talking about my profession, then that’s simple…I absolutely LOVE OUR HAIR! I love everything about us, honestly (black women, just women in general). Our hair is so special, it tells stories and exudes beauty. I like to think, when I’m styling someone’s hair, that I am helping them express the inward love they have for themselves, outward. And I take great pride in taking care of our magnificent hair. Truly a work of art.

3. Tell me who you are in 5 words/phrases. But the catch is that you can’t use the words mother, friend, daughter, sister, or anything that describes your role at work =)

I am an intellect, a lover, a human, a creative, and a light. In no particular order.

4. Most people aim to leave their mark on this world. How are you building your legacy and how do you hope to be remembered?

Oooo, this is a good one. I guess the way I’m building my legacy is by simply being myself. And actively figuring out/embracing who exactly that is every day. With that, I hope I am remembered for my heart. As stated in the previous response, I am human which means I am flawed. But my heart is so pure and honest. That’s where the real magic is 😊 It’s big and beats so loud, but also so soft and not hard to find. I hope that the love I give to myself is enough to reach other hearts and let them know that they are seen and loved. <3

5. What is your hope for other women? What expectations and affirmations are you sending them light and love for?

My hope for other women is that we continue to stand tall in all the spaces we take up. I hope that we know and understand that we do not have to shrink ourselves to be accepted/acceptable. The real acceptance comes from within. How do YOU feel about yourself? BE WHO YOU ARE! And I guarantee you that whoever that is will always be enough.

6. How can other women support your dreams and aspirations?

I think other women can show their support to me by just listening! I’m realizing that the dreams I have for myself are less materialistic and more geared towards mindfulness. How can I be more like me? It’s nice to have people around who like to hear my heart and appreciate it (me) for what it is. Conversation is one hell of a medicine.

7. What is your top self-care tip and your favorite self-care technique in this season of your life?

My top self-care tip is to KEEP BOUNDARIES! We understand that self-care is an every-day/ all-day practice (not just when we have free time – we should take care of ourselves ALL the time). So, in order for us to be successful with this we have to be honest with our spaces. I think a lot of times we can get consumed with wanting to be nice, and liked, and showing up for people. While there is nothing necessarily wrong with this, imagine if you gave yourself away all the time. What would you have left for yourself? You cannot pour from an empty cup. So, it’s okay to say “no” and still be kind. It’s okay to say “yes, but this is how I want to do it…” and still show up for others. Recognizing what you have the capacity for will help your mental health in the most amazing way! Boundaries keep us grounded. And are the ultimate form of respect for ourselves and others.

8. Give us all the deets on your passion project(s) or business. Tell us all the things about your thing.

I don’t like to share too much all at once lol. You know, so I can give myself space to create without the pressure of expectations (boundaries 😊). But you can definitely follow my business page on Instagram @asistouch for updates on that! Asi’s Touch is my first baby, and I am sure there will more to come from here!

Follow Asi's Touch on Instagram @asistouch

Asiana Bradley

Asi's Touch, LLC

Ashantae Groomes

The Magnolia Natural Hair Salon

1. Please tell me your stats...Name, age, family, where do you live, profession, etc.

Ashantae Groomes, 36, Alexandria La, salon owner, wife/mother

2. Describe your niche. How did you connect to this area of interest?

I own a natural hair salon where the focus is helping women embrace themselves naturally, as God created them. I made the choice to limit chemical services to color only in hair school. Once I started researching just how unhealthy relaxers were for our bodies (not just our hair, but our BODIES) I knew I, in good conscious, could never profit off of potentially harming other women for the sake of misplaced standards of beauty. I stood on that, even when everyone told me I wouldn’t be successful doing it. Now here I am, a decade later, with a growing list of women who have joined, support, and love the movement!

3. Tell me who you are in 5 words/phrases. But, the catch is that you can't use the words mother, partner, friend, daughter, sister, or anything that describes your role at work. =)

I am a woman, flawed and fragile, perfect and strong. I can look at every woman and see a bit of her in myself. I strive to be grace, personified.

4. Most people aim to leave their mark on this world. How are you building your legacy and how do you hope to be remembered?

I hope to be remembered as a human, who loved genuinely. Who tried her best to help others see themselves the way that I saw them, as works of art handcrafted by The Most High.

5. What is your hope for other women? What expectations and affirmations are you sending them light and love for?

I think I covered that above

6. How can other women support your dreams and aspirations?

Each one reach one. The most beautiful and random experience I’ve encountered was in a store with my daughter. Her Twistout was popping and she knew it. As we walked down an aisle a black woman with natural hair stopped to tell my daughter that her hair was beautiful, then just kept walking. My daughter was a little shocked because, stranger danger, but the smile she tried to hide was as bright as the sun. All it takes is a small moment to let someone know that you see them. That could be the fire they need to shine a little brighter!

7. What is your top self-care tip and your favorite self-care technique in this season of your life?

CONSECUTIVE DAYS OFF! Get your rest, sis!

My favorite technique is spa days and, now, the gym.

8. Give us the dets on your passion project(s) or business. Tell us all the things about your thing.

My passion as of late is teaching what I know to other stylists. Helping them reach their full potential in their chosen craft. I was blessed to have talented women help sharpen my skill set. I want to help as many women as I can to become the best version of their ideal self!

You can find and support The Magnolia Natural Hair Salon at by following on IG and Facebook and booking at https://square.site/book/59VJ4S8ZF02Z0/the-magnolia-natural-hair-studio-pineville-la?fbclid=IwAR0HJ7oG2Nx7FozUYxUJ1xcftEe23XZzLNazbRdcXI8HWfJFMF6O6znLtNA

Datiskila Wallace

ABODE LUXURY HOME FRAGRANCES

1. Please tell me your stats...Name, age, family, where do you live, profession, etc.

Datiskila L. Wallace “Shawn”, 45, mother of 4, Pineville, La., Certified Hope Dealer

2. Describe your niche. How did you connect to this area of interest?

I allow my audience to see me in action. My day to day life is interesting. The products I use, the techniques I apply, and my DIYS show that anything is possible.

3. Tell me who you are in 5 words/phrases. But, the catch is that you can't use the words mother, partner, friend, daughter,

sister, or anything that describes your role at work. =)

A Wanderlust Unicorn spreading light in dark places.

4. Most people aim to leave their mark on this world. How are you building your legacy and how do you hope to be remembered?

I hope to be remembered as “The Human Experience”, through my transparency I wish to project the message that everything really is going to be ok.

5. What is your hope for other women? What expectations and affirmations are you sending them light and love for?

To see themselves beautifully, worthy, and handle themselves with care, compassion and grace.

6. How can other women support your dreams and aspirations?

Taking my experiences and learning from them. To try another POV before determining the worst. Stay in the game.

7. What is your top self-care tip and your favorite self-care technique in this season of your life?

Baths, I feel like my office is the bathroom. I control the tone of that space and do entirely the most 🤣

8. Give us the dets on your passion project(s) or business. Tell us all the things about your thing.

Whew, my passion is Women. I love women, I adore them and want them as happy and healthy as humanly possible. Women

are so beautiful, I want every woman to be seen and heard.

Please feel free to include any information about your niche, passion project, or business that will help those who read the interview to connect to and support you.

My Business is Abode Luxury Home Fragrances. A boutique of unique fragrances that remind you to love, and live it up in Luxury.

You can find and support Abode Luxury Home Fragrances at www.abodelhf.com