In Pursuit of Happiness – Meet Hawaii Holloway, one of Bebo Mia’s Scholarship Winners!

My name is Hawaii Holloway…

… yes, just like the state! I am a queer, black woman born in Los Angeles, California. Growing up, I moved around a lot, splitting my time between living with my mother in California and my military veteran father, who raised me in both Michigan and Guam. About 4 years ago, I took a leap of faith and relocated to Durham, North Carolina, for my relationship. I have grown to love this community; it feels more like home than anywhere else I’ve lived. I truly believe that this is my forever home. 

“I struggled to find my identity and purpose”

Having a unique name made me feel like my life path had to be one that made a significant impact. I struggled to find my identity and purpose due to the lack of positive role models in my life. My mother worked hard to improve her situation and eventually became a business owner, while my father made a good life for himself in the military. I admire them both, but I often wonder, “Are they truly happy?”. I personally desire genuine joy and fulfillment in my life.

The Doula Acknowledging

 I’d often sit and ponder what profession would give back to my community with a huge impact. My first ideas were the obvious: pediatrician, public defender, and health education teacher. As I grew older, my love for healthcare, advocacy, and babies grew tremendously. It was when my cousin came home from college and explained what a doula was that I could put a name to the ideal profession. From 12 or 13, I knew that, whether or not I chose to have children, I wanted to be a part of that experience for others. Combining my love for childbirth, advocacy, community, babies, and healthcare information into one? Count me in!

Life before Doula

I launched into the professional world as a medical office assistant, which I liked, but I craved human connection. Despite what my depression would have me believe, I’m a social butterfly. I also explored massage therapy, but I couldn’t see it as a long-term career. I still expressed wanting to serve in birthwork but hesitated to put action behind pursuing my dream. I’m not sure if I was too afraid of failure or intimidated by being young and naive. In the meantime, I started baking as a hobby, which turned into my current business. Baking has helped me cope with my recent Bipolar 2 diagnosis. I thought baking was my holy grail until I realized my heart isn’t all the way in it. I still dream of birthwork. 

First steps into the Doula World with Bebo Mia!

A few months ago I created an Instagram page to post my birthwork journey, with “Doula in Training” in the bio. My initial plan was to learn independently, as I couldn’t afford formal certification and wasn’t sure when I would. I came across Bebo Mia in my search for a doula training program and was so delighted with what I saw. I wanted to be a part of this organization because I felt Bebo Mia connected with my personal values. Community, advocacy, diversity, inclusiveness, fellowship, genuine care, and support for clients and cohorts. To be alongside people who have started over from the ground, like myself, is truly empowering.

Applying for the Scholarship

I applied for the scholarship on a whim. I had been scouting and discussing it for quite a while. My partner urged me to “shoot for what I want” because I often let my fear of rejection or anxiety get the best of me. We have recently overcome homelessness due to our mental health complications, and through that struggle, I’ve learned a few things: 1. My mental health matters; stressing or worrying solves nothing! 2. My happiness isn’t tied to material things and is the only thing that matters. 3. Genuine support is scarce; hold on (and reciprocate) to those who truly rock with you. 4. Life is what you make it; speak positivity into your life. 5. You can always start over. Starting over is where I am in my life right now. I’m learning “no” doesn’t mean “never” or “stop.”  It’s simply “no.” I’m finding the courage to reach for what I want and embody the term “YOLO.” You only live once, so make the best of it. The support I’ve received from day 1 proves I’ve made the right decision.

Becoming a Doula is meant to be!

This doula scholarship is a manifestation come true, allowed me to make my dreams a reality, and most of all, created a sustainable lifestyle filled with joy. My primary focus is birth and postpartum care for queer BIPOC families. I hope to be a source of support for those who often don’t have it within their immediate families. After certification and establishing myself in birthwork, I have some broader goals: one of the biggest is to open a birth and postpartum center for new BIPOC families. This center would operate on a volunteer or sliding-scale basis, ensuring that families at any income level have access to care and resources.

Hawaii’s Doula Timeline: Her Plans for Supporting Others

Some of the services I plan to provide include childbirth education classes, lactation support, culinary classes, support groups, and childcare. I also envision incorporating birthing spaces where families can have their babies in-house, supported by local midwives. I believe postpartum care is especially crucial, as support immediately following childbirth can make all the difference. I want to be that support for those who might not otherwise have it. I am excited to see more of my manifestations come to fruition. Thank you, Bebo Mia!

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This is such an inspiring story, Hawaii! We are incredibly moved by everything you’ve shared, and we want to give you special congratulations for all that you’ve overcome and achieved. Your resilience, passion for birthwork, and commitment to supporting queer BIPOC families are truly remarkable. You are warmly welcomed to our Doula training program, and please know that we are here to support you every step of the way. We believe you will make a profound impact, and we’re excited to see your dreams become reality!

The Bebobabes