Today we’d like to introduce you to Georlean Woods.
Hi Georlean, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story starts in Cleveland, Mississippi with my grandmother Annie Bell Sanders. She realized that I had what she called a growing hand. She always had me growing vegetables, trees, herbs and hair. Everywhere we went the both of us were giving our crops, fruit and herbs to those in need or those who were sickly. I was only six at the time we started but I felt something so deep within my spirit that she was teaching me something that would last forever. Everywhere I moved I beautified my space with living plants that were not just beautiful but that could help the environment and people around me. My life’s journey has been to always reach out and help someone else.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My road or shall I say journey has been anything but smooth. I suffered from mental illness for years because of neglect, abuse molestation and just injustices that no child should have to endure. I was very intelligent in school but it never mattered the bullying still came because they called me poor and dirty . We all have struggles but the way we go through and get through them is what matters.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have worn many hats in my 53 years of life. I’ve worked at restaurants, stores, hairstylist for 40 years now, went back to college to get a degree in Criminology and then Criminal Justice. I’m a master chef, a master Gardner and a healer. What sets me apart from others is that I have a heart of gold. I will use my skills to help anyone who needs me within reason. I am most proud of becoming someone who others can look up to and feel comfortable being around. I am proud of my children for choosing their own paths in life and I am most proud of not allowing anything in this life to completely break me.
What were you like growing up?
I was very verbal as a child because no one could tell me the sky was blue without me wanting to research it myself first. I was the class clown and just an out going person. I was a gifted student and always helped others who were struggling. I played basketball and ran track for a while but my mom found out and removed me from both sports. Skating was my all time favorite and still is til this day.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: WoodsFriendlyCommunityGarden
