Today we’d like to introduce you to Keshia Lockett
Hi Keshia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My Journey Into Birth Work and Doula Training
My passion for birth work began when I was a teenager. I was always fascinated by the strength and beauty of childbirth and initially planned to become a nurse. However, as I learned more about the gaps in maternal healthcare, especially the lack of continuous, compassionate support for birthing people, I felt drawn to a different path.
I became a doula and quickly realized how transformative this work could be. Supporting families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum was more than just a job, it was a calling. Over the years, I witnessed firsthand how having an informed, skilled, and culturally competent doula could make a significant difference in birth outcomes and experiences. I knew that more doulas were needed, especially in communities that face higher maternal health risks.
After years of attending births, I discovered my true passion: training and mentoring doulas. I wanted to help others step into this vital role, equipping them with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to provide high-quality support. In 2023, I launched my doula training program, Empowered Doula Training, to educate and guide the next generation of birth workers.
Today, my focus is on teaching, mentoring, and building a strong community of doulas who are ready to make a lasting impact. My training goes beyond just the basics, it empowers doulas to become advocates, business owners, and leaders in the birth world. Through this work, I’m ensuring that more birthing individuals receive the care and support they deserve, ultimately transforming birth experiences one family at a time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Overcoming Challenges on the Journey
Like any journey, mine hasn’t been without its challenges. When I first started, gaining clientele was one of the biggest hurdles. Establishing myself as a doula and building trust within the community took time, patience, and persistence. I had to learn how to market my services, connect with expecting families, and navigate the business side of birth work, all while staying true to my passion for supporting birthing individuals.
Now, as I transition into focusing more on training and mentoring doulas, I’m facing a whole new set of challenges. Stepping into a leadership role and being more visible in the birth community requires a different mindset and approach, but it’s been an exciting and fulfilling shift. Each stage of growth has pushed me to evolve, and while the road hasn’t always been smooth, every challenge has been an opportunity to learn and expand my impact.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Empowered Black Doula, LLC?
At Empowered Doula Training, we are dedicated to educating, mentoring, and equipping doulas with the skills and confidence needed to provide exceptional support to birthing individuals and families. We specialize in comprehensive, evidence-based doula training that goes beyond the basics, our program emphasizes advocacy, cultural competency, trauma-informed care, and business sustainability.
What We Do & What Sets Us Apart
We don’t just train doulas—we empower them to become leaders in birth work. Our training provides:
✔ In-depth education on pregnancy, labor, postpartum, and newborn care
✔ Practical, hands-on techniques for birth support, comfort measures, and breastfeeding assistance
✔ Advocacy training to help doulas navigate hospital policies and support informed decision-making
✔ Business development guidance to help doulas build successful, sustainable careers
✔ Ongoing mentorship and community support, ensuring doulas feel supported beyond training
What sets us apart is our holistic approach, we train doulas not only to support births but also to stand as advocates for better maternal health outcomes. We focus on closing the gaps in birth equity, particularly in Black and marginalized communities where maternal health disparities are the greatest.
What We’re Most Proud of Brand-Wise
We take pride in creating a community-driven, supportive, and empowering space for doulas. Birth work is more than a career, it’s a movement, and we are proud to be shaping the future of maternal care by training doulas who are compassionate, confident, and ready to make a difference. Seeing our trainees go on to support families, advocate for change, and build successful businesses is what drives our mission.
What We Want Readers to Know
If you’re passionate about birth work, Empowered Doula Training is here to guide you on your journey. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your skills, we offer high-quality training, mentorship, and resources to help you succeed. Our goal is to ensure that more families have access to knowledgeable, skilled, and culturally competent doulas, transforming birth experiences one family at a time.
To learn more about our training programs and offerings, visit www.empoweredblackdoula.com.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Amy Schmidt from Wicked Atlanta Marketing LLC assisted with marketing and SEO. Amanda, the Creative Director and Designer at Millien Media, handled the rebrand.
Pricing:
- In person & Virtual Training $950
- Training & Mentorship $1500
- Self paced course $649
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.empoweredblackdoula.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweredblackdoula/profilecard/?igsh=MThrbm5uN29pNHdzMw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19JcaJRhJZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@empoweredblackdoula?si=LWrsEDb-sjuhUaNw
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/empowereddoulatraining?igsh=NmhnbTloaHh4ODFr
