Meet Ciera’ Harris of Black Girl Thriving

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ciera’ Harris.

Hi Ciera’, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? 
My goodness – I got a lot to say! 

I’m a Charlotte native, a proud NCCU alumna, a licensed ELA teacher, an entrepreneur, non-profit founder, a mom, and a lupus survivor. 

I was diagnosed with lupus in 2008 at the age of 16. I’ve had some very rough moments dealing with this disease, but I have not let it stop me from accomplishing anything! 

I have 3 degrees from NCCU. I was a double major in undergrad (Mass Communication & Political Science), and I also received my Master’s in Public Administration from there. S/o to my HBCU for the full ride!! 

I am the owner of 2 businesses – Black Girl Thriving (est. 2018) and Carpe Omnia Boutique (est. 2022). 

Black Girl Thriving is a Black women’s empowerment brand. I started it because I felt there weren’t many organizations in the area for Black women & I really don’t like working for other people (lol!). One of my signature events is The Mimosa Market that I host several times a year to showcase Black women-owned businesses. 

After planning for months, I officially launched Carpe Omnia on November 11, 2022. That same afternoon my grandfather died. 

I am the founder and Executive Director of The CLT Baby Support Alliance, a 501c3 organization dedicated to supporting new and expecting parents and caregivers of infants by providing free resources, programs and hosting free events in the Charlotte area. We are planning to expand to the RDU within the next year. I started it in April 2022, 4 weeks after the birth of my son. My team has grown since then, and we host free bi-monthy community baby showers. 

I’m a true NCCU Eagle, and although I’ve graduated one thing stayed with me – Truth & Service. I have a huge heart, and I love giving back and helping others. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve been through quite a lot, but I’m not looking for any sympathy. Since I was a child, I’ve a medical guinea pig. It all started in the 5th grade when I fell in a potato sack race & broke my toe. It triggered something in my body which caused me to develop a venous malformation on my ankle (aka a “tumor”). After several procedures called sclerotherapy (which I was awake for & it burned like nobody’s business) and a botched surgery at 16, I still have this tumor on my ankle, and hopefully, I can find someone to take care of it for me. 

Lupus has definitely been a challenge, but I’ve learned how to manage it. I’ve dealt with many health issues due to lupus – kidney disease, brain lesions, arthritis, skin issues. I have flares when I’m exhausted or stress (& having a toddler does not help this AT ALL). 

At 27, I had a stress-induced stroke. I drove myself to the hospital and spent a night in the hospital that cost $24k – I’m not paying that though! 

I’m currently dealing with some mental health challenges – PTSD from my dog attacking me last summer, postpartum depression, and severe anxiety. I strongly believe in prayer, but I also believe in therapy and antidepressants. Also, getting outside every day has helped me tremendously. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Black Girl Thriving?
Black Girl Thriving, LLC was created to inspire and motivate Black women and girls. It started as an online store and a blog, but in 2019 I decided to host my own events, and since then I’ve hosted many, many events by myself. I am a one-woman army. 

My signature events are The Mimosa Market – A Market for Black Women-Owned Businesses, The Sip & Stretch (aka Yoga & Mimosas), & the Mommy and Me Cake and Paint. 

What sets me apart from similar businesses/organizations is that I’m not in it only for the money. I genuinely love us and want to see us excel, so if anyone reaches out to me and says they can’t afford any of my events they can either pay what they can or just come for free. I don’t ever want anyone to feel excluded if they truly want to be there. 

I’m so proud of the community I’ve built from scratch. I have so many sweet, beautiful supporters from all over the world! I would not be here without them! 

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
We’re coming back to the RDU in the fall! Follow us on IG @blackgirlthriving 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blackgirlthriving.com
• Instagram: @blackgirlthriving
• Facebook: Black Girl Thriving