Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Atoya Hodges.
Hi Dr. Hodges can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
As a child, uncertainty was my constant companion, never knowing where we would rest our heads or where our next meal would come from. The instability of homelessness and the pervasive specter of domestic violence shaped my early years. The raw reality is that at the tender age of 19, I lost my mother, leaving me to care for my 12-year-old sister. College dreams took a backseat as I moved back to our hometown, working two jobs and attending a local community college.
At 23, I found myself married and expecting a child, determined to break the cycle of instability and create a better life for my family. The journey was far from easy, and by the time I turned 29, I stood as a single mother, steadfast in my resolve to pave a different path for my children.
I made a vow that my children would not experience the hardships I endured. I immersed myself in education and career pursuits, driven by the desire to make a difference. In just four years, I earned two bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Accounting, followed by an MBA, all while working full-time and attending college during nights and weekends.
My dedication never wavered as I pursued a master’s in education, specializing in curriculum development and counseling. The thirst for knowledge led me further acquiring a Ph.D. in Religious Counseling and gaining certification in hypnotherapy. For the past 25 years, I’ve been an entrepreneur in the mental health sector and various other businesses, driven by my mission to create positive change.
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?
My journey has been a tumultuous one, marked by heartbreak and challenges that demanded I mature well before my time. Growing up in an environment marred by instability, I quickly learned to conceal my fears, insecurities, and needs. When my mother passed away, I felt a profound sense of loneliness, realizing I had to navigate life’s complexities on my own.
Survival mode became my constant companion, shaping the majority of my life. Then, in 2016, a former boss I once trusted came under investigation by the Feds for fraudulent activities. In a cruel twist of fate, I found myself ensnared in the repercussions. Over the course of three grueling years, I watched as everything I had painstakingly built began to crumble before my eyes.
The devastating aftermath saw the loss of two businesses, financial stability, my home, vehicle, and credit. It was a painful and soul-wrenching experience to witness the collapse of everything I had dedicated 25 years of my life to building. Yet, through the rubble and ashes, I found the strength to rebuild, leaning on the raw resilience that has defined my journey.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My venture, Atoya Hodges LLC, stands as a beacon of hope while EmpowerU Global Organization awaits its 501(c)3 designation—a testament to my dedication in shaking people from their established mindsets, traditions, and the ingrained psychological scripts from their past. I’m fervently committed to guiding my clients through holistic and spiritual counseling, enabling them to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery.
In my realm of work, I embrace the opportunity to not only educate but also facilitate self-help routines, foster realizations, instill order in daily life, and encourage enhanced nutrition and self-refinement. My specialization lies in nurturing individuals on a mind-body-soul-business continuum, shining a light on their paths.
The heart of my practice is rooted in assisting clients aged 35 to 60, those on the cusp of seeking life fulfillment. Through personalized 1:1 engagements and a robust Business and Success Mindset school, I equip them to not only develop successful businesses but also cultivate the necessary mindsets to run them effectively. Additionally, my approach encompasses holistic and spiritual modalities that empower individuals to apply these transformative practices in their lives.
One key element that distinguishes me from others in this space is my extensive 25-year entrepreneurial journey. Having kick-started over 100 businesses for aspiring entrepreneurs and guiding them to the coveted 7-figure mark, I offer a wealth of practical experience and a foundation for sustainable growth. My dual role as a mental health professional further enhances my ability to help shape the right mindsets for life success.
My approach is raw, rugged, and real, grounded in love and free of judgment. Working with me isn’t merely a journey; it’s a swift and profound shift in one’s perspective and life trajectory. My overarching goal is to impart wisdom on balance, peace, and inner beauty—fundamental qualities of a true leader.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
My childhood was painted with the vivid hues of nature, finding solace by the beach, where the vast expanse became my sanctuary. Music and dance were my heartbeats, a symphony that echoed the freedom I felt within. I was a spirited soul, unapologetically myself, fiercely embracing every facet of my being. In the tapestry of my family dynamics, I proudly wore the badge of the black sheep, the one who danced to her own tune, defying expectations with a playful grin.
Life was a canvas, and I painted my journey with vibrant strokes of charm, humor, and spontaneity. A sense of responsibility for my family always rested in the chambers of my heart, driving me to carve out a unique path. I found comfort in being the underdog, forever hungry to challenge the status quo, to rewrite the rules, and to make my mark as a game-changer in my own right.
Pricing:
- I have various free courses and books
- 1:1 sessions are sold in packages of 6,9,12
- EnpowerU business and self-discovery school is 3333 or 333 a month for 12 months
- 1:1 business setup and consulting for 12 months for $20,000 or $1750 a month
Contact Info:
- Website: www.atoyahodges.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamdratoya
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/dratoyahodges
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/atoya-hodges/
