Meet Felicia Williams

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Felicia Williams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Felicia, thank you so much for agreeing to talk with us about a deeply personal and sensitive topic. Postpartum depression affects so many in the community and hearing from someone who has overcome PPD might help someone who is going through it right now. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

When most people think of 2020, they remember the global pandemic. For me, it was the year I became a mom. My daughter was born on January 31, 2020, just six weeks before the world shut down.

My pregnancy wasn’t a walk in the park. At 37 weeks, I was diagnosed with preeclampsia and had to be induced. My husband was working in Texas, while I was in Philly, facing a 36-hour labor followed by six hours of pushing. My beautiful baby girl was born jaundiced with low blood sugar, and the nursing staff immediately pressured me into giving her formula, despite my plan to exclusively breastfeed.

I’m a detail-oriented control freak—an event planner by trade—and I had planned everything down to the last detail. But childbirth and parenting quickly taught me that some things are beyond planning.

I meticulously scheduled when to have my first baby. I told my husband we could only try to conceive at a certain time of year so the baby would arrive either before the spring event season or before the fall event season. I got that part right, but everything else? Not so much.

Then came the shutdown. My business, focused on event production, was hit hard. I had planned for my team to handle things so I could enjoy three months of maternity leave. I had plans A, B, C, and D. But I didn’t have a plan for a global pandemic.

By February, sponsors were pulling out, and my business was crumbling while I was still recovering from childbirth. Less than three weeks postpartum, I was back at work. By six weeks, I had to lay off my entire staff and return to work full-time, trying to salvage postponed events. Many clients just canceled outright.

Emotionally, I was a mess. My business was failing, I had complications with my newborn, and I was dealing with postpartum depression. I felt like a zombie. To top it off, my 6 year old step-daughter lived with us and my husband, who works in transportation, was often on the road, leaving me to feel like a single mom of two.

Now, let’s talk resilience and how I overcame PPD:

1. Prayer: I prayed a lot. Only God kept me sane.
2. Support System: My mommy friends were a lifeline, encouraging me every step of the way.
3. Self-care: My husband insisted I take at least 30 minutes for myself every day, even if it was just a long shower.
4. Journaling: Writing helped me process my emotions.
5. Letting Go: I stopped trying to get everything right and took it one day at a time.

In August 2020, we took a risk and traveled to Denver to stay with family for a week. Being grounded in nature and away from my phone allowed me to be present with my baby and family.

My motto became, “God will work it out for me, I’ll just take care of what’s in front of me right now.” This included prioritizing my own wellness.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Discovering Felicia D. Williams: A Story of Innovation, Impact, and Resilience
Meet Felicia D. Williams, an innovative marketing and event strategist with over a decade of proven experience. Since graduating from Howard University in 2008, Felicia has lived and worked in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, collaborating with various nonprofit organizations to amplify their impact through event production, brand strategy, and fundraising.

In February 2016, Felicia founded HiTouch Enterprises, a full-service Event Production and Brand Strategy firm based in Philadelphia. Under her leadership, HiTouch Enterprises has raised over $6 million for nonprofits, planned over 300 events, festivals, seminars, and youth programs, and spearheaded numerous strategic marketing and branding campaigns.

But Felicia’s journey doesn’t stop there. After undergoing heart surgery to repair a condition caused by Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, she founded GyngerTea®, a holistic wellness brand. Launched in 2020, GyngerTea offers an array of organic, all-natural tea blends sourced from the best tea farms around the world, as well as hand-poured candles. Felicia is a sought-after presenter on tea blending and candle making, sharing her passion and expertise with others.

Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Felicia is deeply committed to advocacy and community service. As the Founder and President of the Influencing Action Movement (IAM), she works tirelessly to encourage families, students, and other leaders to use their voices to advocate for quality education, reduce violence, hold government agencies and businesses accountable, promote women’s equality, and provide equal access to jobs and resources for minorities.

Felicia has held numerous leadership positions, including serving as the Past Chair of the Philadelphia Commission on Women and sitting on the Board of Directors for iChoose to Win, SCH Creative and Performing Arts, and Center for Hope. Her remarkable contributions have earned her several prestigious awards, such as the 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the African-American Chamber of Commerce, and recognition as one of Philadelphia’s Most Influential African-Americans under 40 by The Philadelphia Tribune.

In addition to her professional achievements, Felicia serves as a Deacon at Salem Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Marshall Paul Hughes Mitchell. She was ordained in October 2017, further demonstrating her commitment to faith and community.

Felicia holds a BBA in Marketing from Howard University, a Certification in Content Strategy from Northwestern University, and a Master’s in Adult and Organizational Development from Temple University. She resides in Philadelphia with her husband and three children.

Exciting Developments
Felicia’s work continues to evolve with exciting new ventures on the horizon. HiTouch Enterprises is gearing up for several high-profile events and strategic campaigns aimed at further supporting nonprofits and community initiatives. Meanwhile, GyngerTea is expanding its product line, with new wellness products and seasonal tea blends set to launch soon.

Felicia’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to making a difference. Whether through her business ventures, advocacy work, or community service, Felicia D. Williams exemplifies the power of using one’s talents and passions to create positive change.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: my faith in God, giving back, and relationship building and cultivation.

1. Faith in God:
My faith in God has been the bedrock of my life. It has guided me through every challenge, from the difficulties of my pregnancy and postpartum depression to the unexpected shifts in my business due to the pandemic. Prayer and trust in God’s plan have given me strength and clarity when I needed it most.

Advice: Make time for spiritual practices that strengthen your faith, whether it’s prayer, meditation, or reading scripture. Trust that God has a plan for you, even when the path seems uncertain. Let your faith be the source of your resilience.

2. Giving Back:
Service is the rent we pay for our time on earth. Volunteering and giving back have not only enriched my life but have also opened countless doors. I don’t give with the expectation of receiving blessings, but I have found that when I pour back into others what God has poured into me, the blessings come tenfold.

Advice: Get involved in your community and look for ways to volunteer. Acts of service can range from small daily kindnesses to larger commitments. Remember, giving back can bring unexpected opportunities and fulfillment. It’s about making a positive impact and trusting that the universe, or God, will reward your generosity in ways you might not expect.

3. Relationship Building and Cultivation:
Building and nurturing relationships have been crucial in my personal and professional life. Strong relationships provide support, open doors, and create opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Advice: Focus on building genuine connections with others. Invest time in nurturing these relationships and be there for people in their times of need. Networking isn’t just about what you can gain; it’s about mutual support and growth. Be authentic, listen actively, and show appreciation.

Advice for the Early Journey
For those early in their journey, here are a few tips on how to develop these qualities:

1. Trust in Your Faith: Let your faith be your guide. It will provide the resilience you need to overcome challenges.
2. Embrace Service: Look for ways to give back to your community. Volunteerism can lead to personal growth and open new doors.
3. Build Genuine Relationships: Invest time and effort into cultivating relationships. They are the foundation of support and opportunities.

Remember, the journey is as important as the destination. Stay faithful, stay committed to giving back, and always cherish the relationships you build along the way.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The number one obstacle I’m currently facing is transitioning from doing it all myself to leading a fully capable team that can operate independently. My business has grown beyond what I can manage alone, and even beyond just delegating tasks. I now employ six incredible women full-time and aim to expand to ten by the end of the year.

This growth requires a highly skilled team that can handle the day-to-day operations without me constantly having my hands in the pot. Strategically planning to elevate my business while also getting my startup, GyngerTea, off the ground is a significant challenge.

What I’m Doing to Overcome This Challenge:

Investing in My Team: I’m focused on building a team of highly skilled professionals who can take on more responsibilities and operate the business efficiently. This means providing them with the training and resources they need to succeed.

Strategic Planning: I’m dedicating time to strategic planning to ensure that both my primary business and GyngerTea grow sustainably. This involves setting clear goals, developing actionable plans, and continuously assessing progress.

Seeking Expert Advice: I’m surrounding myself with mentors and advisors who have experience in scaling businesses. Their insights are invaluable in helping me navigate this growth phase without burning out.

Leveraging Technology: I’m implementing tools and systems to streamline operations, improve communication, and enhance productivity. This allows my team to work more efficiently and reduces the burden on me.

Prioritizing Self-Care: While it’s challenging, I’m making a conscious effort to prioritize self-care. Taking short breaks, delegating effectively, and setting boundaries are crucial to maintaining my well-being and sustaining my productivity.

In essence, my approach is about working smarter, not necessarily less. I’m committed to finding ways to achieve my ambitious goals while maintaining a balance that allows me to continue growing both personally and professionally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hitouchinc.com
• Instagram: @theblacktealover
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialfdharris
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/feliciadharris/