Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alicia Samuel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Alicia, really appreciate you opening up about a very personal topic with the hopes that it can help someone out there who might be going through it. What can you share with us about your journey with postpartum depression and how you overcame PPD? 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.
Overcoming postpartum depression was a battle that I had to fight on my own, with God as my therapist and guide. There were days when it felt like everything was just too much—juggling a newborn, running a business, and managing my emotions, all while feeling like I was stuck in a situation I couldn’t change. But for me, it wasn’t about therapy or leaning on a large support system. It was about prayer, faith, and the determination to keep pushing toward my goals, even when I didn’t feel like I had the strength.
Time, prayer, and forcing myself to keep going were what carried me through. I had to suck up my feelings on a lot of days and just move forward, because I knew that stopping wasn’t an option. My son will be 3 this year, and if I’m being honest, I still have moments where I wonder if I’m doing enough for him or if I’m giving him the attention he deserves. There are days when the struggle feels very real—balancing my business, my personal brand, and being a mother—but I’ve learned that I have to keep putting my energy into positive things.
I didn’t have a circle of moms to talk to or friends who could come over and watch my son while I got some rest. My older children were my only real support system, and even though they were a huge help, I still felt isolated in my journey. I had to lean on my faith heavily during this time. God was the one I turned to when I felt like I couldn’t go any further. And as hard as it was, I found strength in prayer and in trusting that He had a purpose for everything I was going through.
Some days, I still feel like I’m fighting through it. The pressure of raising a child while building a business doesn’t just go away, but I remind myself that every day I’m taking steps forward. I still struggle from time to time, but prayer and focusing on the positive things I’m building—whether for my children or my business—help me keep going. It’s not easy, and it never has been, but I’ve learned to trust in God’s timing and lean on the inner strength I’ve always had.
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?
I’m Alicia Samuel, known as The Medical Assistant Expert, but I’m also an entrepreneur. My passion lies in empowering medical assistants and healthcare professionals to thrive in their careers or even start their own businesses. After 21 years as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), I took my knowledge and experience and turned it into a personal brand that’s focused on growth, empowerment, and creating opportunities.
Right now, what excites me most is the rebranding of The Medical Assistant Expert. After two years, I relaunched my website, and it feels like a fresh start for everything I’ve been building. I’m currently working on programs designed to help medical assistants and other healthcare professionals create a personal brand that can level up their careers or build a business. My course, From Scrubs to Success: Build Your Personal Brand in 30 Days, focuses on exactly that—giving people the tools to stand out, grow, and take control of their professional journey.
Another exciting project is my self-paced 30-day course, “Becoming Her: Starting a Diagnostic Lab Business,” designed for healthcare professionals looking to start their own diagnostic lab or drug testing businesses. This course walks participants through everything from building a business foundation to marketing and attracting clients. It’s truly a passion of mine to provide a roadmap for others to achieve their dreams, whether it’s career advancement or entrepreneurship.
What sets The Medical Assistant Expert apart is that I’m not just focused on skills—I’m focused on growth and empowerment. My target audience, whom I lovingly call “Healthcare Girlies,” includes medical assistants, phlebotomists, nurses, and nurse practitioners who are eager to create a personal brand or build their own businesses. I believe that we all have something special to offer, and my mission is to help my audience recognize their unique strengths and build a career or business that reflects who they are.
Right now, I’m also working on expanding my network through The MA Moguls™️, a career network for medical assistants. It’s a space where we can connect, share knowledge, and support one another on our journeys. The energy within this community is incredible, and it’s only getting bigger!
As I move forward with my personal brand and business, I want people to know that The Medical Assistant Expert is here to inspire, guide, and empower. This rebrand is just the beginning, and I’m so excited to share what’s coming next.
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?
Great question! Being as though my target audience is medical assistants and women in healthcare, I think it’s important to mention three qualities that have made a huge impact in my journey as a medical assistant and my transition into entrepreneurship: resilience, adaptability, and leadership.
Resilience has been essential. Whether you’re balancing long shifts or tough personal challenges, the ability to keep going is key. For those just starting out, remember that setbacks are inevitable, but it’s how you recover that counts. Every experience, good or bad, makes you stronger.
Adaptability is another game-changer. In healthcare, things can shift in an instant, and you’ve got to be ready to pivot. I encourage women in healthcare to embrace continuous learning. Being flexible and open to change will not only help you thrive in your current role but also set you up for future opportunities, whether in management or starting your own business.
Lastly, leadership. In healthcare, especially as medical assistants, we’re natural leaders. We’re at the core of patient care, keeping things running smoothly. I always tell people to develop leadership skills by focusing on how you can help others around you. Leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about showing up, being a resource, and uplifting others.
My advice for women in healthcare? Lean into these qualities. They’ll carry you through the ups and downs of your career, whether you’re just starting out or aiming to build your own business. Stay resilient, be adaptable, and lead with intention—your journey will only get better from here.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is a medical assistant or a woman in healthcare who is eager to grow, both personally and professionally. She’s someone who is passionate about her work but feels stuck in her current position, unsure of how to move forward in her career. She might be looking for more than just a job—she’s seeking purpose, whether that’s advancing in her field or starting her own business.
She’s also someone who understands the importance of personal branding and is ready to invest in herself. My ideal client may be feeling the frustrations of being overlooked for promotions, underappreciated, or unsure of how to showcase her value in the healthcare industry. She knows there’s more she could be doing but needs the guidance, tools, and confidence to make it happen.
What makes someone an ideal client for me is a willingness to learn and be open to change. It’s the medical assistant who wants to break free from limitations and embrace her potential. She’s ready to take that next step—whether it’s leveling up her career or launching her own business—and she’s committed to putting in the work to make it happen.
If you’re someone who’s ready to take control of your future, who’s tired of feeling stuck and wants to build a personal brand that sets you apart, then you’re exactly who I’m here for. Let’s build something amazing together! Connect with me on Instagram @iamthemaexpert or schedule a session with me at www.themaexpert.net.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themaexpert.net
- Instagram: @iamthemaexpert
- Facebook: TheMAExpert
- Linkedin: TheMAExpert
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