Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelia Lomax.
Hi Angelia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started studying psychology in twelfth grade – AP Psychology. By the end of the year, I knew I wanted to use the information I learned to help people – that’s when I decided I wanted to be a Therapist. I went on to earn my bachelor’s degree in Psychology, master’s in Mental Health Counseling, and PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. During that process, I experienced burnout for the first time at a particular job. There were no organization-provided resources, my direct supervisor was empathetic but lacked the knowledge of how to truly support me, and all I knew is that I had to get out of there! So I resigned. A few years later, I started to realize that I was not alone in my experience. Furthermore, the company was not an anomaly in its unhealthy work culture, unrealistic expectations, and inability to adequately support a struggling team member. Enter, Hakili Health. With my personal and professional experiences, I knew that I could make a difference. That original purpose of helping people had a new vessel – workplace wellness consulting. One organization might be dealing with more burnout while another is navigating low morale. By providing tailored wellness programming, we address the unique experiences, helping the team members and organization at-large have a healthier experience.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a smooth road for the most part. I first started consulting soon after COVID. Workforce wellness started to be more important and I was called upon as a mental health expert. Many virtual fireside chats, wellness workshops, and panel discussions about the importance of prioritizing mental health. I have clients in Tennessee, New York, California because of the accessibility and normalization of virtual facilitation.
The only struggle I might mention is the misconception around what we do. A one-off workshop might make a difference. It might give some language to what people are experiencing, It might even provide some tips and takeaways. Sustainable change requires intentional programming. Allowing your team to experience curated engagements, discussions, and activities that address their concerns and equip them with tools to navigate their experiences makes a visceral impact. Resultant is organizations reporting cultural changes months later rather than just a mood spike in the hours or days following the workshop. Workplace wellness is not fluff! It’s not just and EAP and that’s it. Wellness programming makes your people healthier, which helps them perform better, which makes the entire organization more successful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Hakili Health?
Hakili Health is a boutique corporate wellness firm. We specialize in tailored wellness programming. Our engagements are not generic. We get to know our clients, understand their needs, and design a program that addresses their priorities. That is also what sets us apart from others. As a small firm, we take pride in building relationships and showing up in spaces that honor our purpose and values. As thought leaders with terminal degrees, we have been committed to mental health and wellness for nearly 30 years. From private practice, to professorships, to non-profits. The thread that connects it all is our passion for helping others be well!
And we want teams and organizations to be well. We offer a Wellness Jumpstart to introduce you and your team to who we are and what we do. If you already understand the importance of our work, the Sustainable Care Series might be best, as it offers 3 in-depth sessions on the wellness topic that is top priority. And for those who are committed to more systemic change, the Workforce Wellness Partner is a year-long, multi-level engagement option that includes a wellness retreat and ongoing access/support. Our approach is holistic. That is why in addition to the various engagement tiers, we offer wellness activations that embrace the intersectionality of mental and physical wellbeing.
We are based in Memphis, and offer both in-person and virtual services.
The point is this, around COVID people were leaving jobs where they were burnt out or felt under-valued. Some people still do that. But most people cant just quit so they experience what is called quiet cracking. They are physically at work but not really engaged; burntout so barely producing; using every single PTO and sick day they have; having uncharacteristic disagreements with colleagues. And even when leadership cares, they don’t always know what to do about it. That’s where we come in. Because sending them the number to the EAP is only part of the solution. We conduct needs assessments and actually get to know the organization so that we can focus on what will truly make a difference.
What matters most to you? Why?
People. I care about people because they deserve to be cared about. People experience so much and my passion is helping them to navigate life in the healthiest way. Whether its Hakili Health, wellness content, student support…everything I do is based on helping people be well. On helping myself to be well. Well as I would say, vibe well. There are so many different ways to experience wellness. So whatever matches your vibe, do that…vibe well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hakilihealth.com
- Instagram: hakili.health
