Meet Zenequa Hanna

 

We recently connected with Zenequa Hanna and have shared our conversation below.

Zenequa , so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

My optimism comes from my faith and the belief that everything I experience has a purpose, even when it’s not immediately clear. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I see life through the lens of His grace, which reminds me that trials are temporary and that good can emerge from even the hardest situations. This belief anchors me when challenges arise and encourages me to keep moving forward, trusting that God is working things out for His glory and my growth.

Growing up, I learned to lean on my faith, not only during difficult times, but at all times. I have seen how choosing to trust God, rather than succumbing to despair, leads to strength and resilience. My optimism comes from knowing that I am not navigating life’s challenges alone—God’s presence is constant, and His promises are sure.

I have also seen how optimism impacts others. I constantly try to maintain a positive outlook on life and its changing circumstances. Whether it’s offering a kind word or a helping hand, positivity has the power to inspire and uplift. This understanding fuels me to live with hope, not just for myself but for those I encounter. It is this unwavering trust in God’s plan, coupled with a heart to serve, that keeps my outlook bright no matter the circumstances.

 

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I grew up on Sweeting’s Cay, a small, close-knit cay off the coast of Grand Bahama, The Bahamas. Life on the cay was simple and deeply meaningful. Fishing picnics with my family were my absolute favourite! And still is. Surrounded by the beauty of the ocean and the warmth of a tight-knit community, I learned the value of resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of looking out for one another.

Living on Sweeting’s Cay taught me how to appreciate life’s blessings and to approach challenges with a sense of optimism and faith. The experience of growing up in such a unique environment instilled in me a deep connection to my community and a desire to give back. It is a foundation that has greatly influenced my work ethic and desire to continuously learn new skills.

I am the founder of Grace Inspired, a postpartum recovery initiative based in East Grand Bahama, The Bahamas. Our mission is to support mothers during the often-overlooked postpartum period by providing care, education, and resources to help them heal and thrive. We aim to create a community of care that involves not only mothers but also their families, significant others, and friends.

What excites me most about Grace Inspired is our vision to revolutionize the postpartum experience. This isn’t just about meeting physical needs—it’s about raising awareness, fostering understanding, and creating lasting support systems. We believe that when mothers are supported holistically, families and communities flourish.

We’re thrilled to announce that our website, gracedbahamas.com, has recently gone live! It provides information about our plans, and we hope to launch products on the site soon with delivery. However, we need funding to bring these ideas to life.

We’re also on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, where we share updates and engage with our growing community. For inquiries or collaborations, feel free to reach us at hello@gracedbahamas.com. We’re looking for both local and international support to help us bring this vision to life. Together, we can transform the postpartum experience and create a culture of care and compassion for mothers everywhere.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have been particularly impactful: resilience, adaptability, and understanding the value of support systems.

Resilience was profoundly tested when Hurricane Dorian struck Sweeting’s Cay & the entire Grand Bahama community in September 2019. Our quaint fishing village was devastated, with nearly every building damaged or completely destroyed. The storm’s aftermath was a testament to the community’s strength and determination to rebuild. Witnessing this recovery reinforced my belief in the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity.

Adaptability became essential as I navigated the vastly different experiences of giving birth to my daughter in the United States in 2019, shortly after Hurricane Dorian, and my son in Grand Bahama in 2022. After hurricane Dorian, my husband and I traveled to the U.S., far from my home and community, where I had access to well advanced healthcare and support, which gave me a sense of reassurance. With my son, I was back in Grand Bahama, surrounded by familiar faces but with fewer resources and professional support in place. Adjusting to these contrasting circumstances required flexibility and resilience—learning to rely on the resources available in each situation while being resourceful and adaptable.

Understanding the value of support systems has been a cornerstone of my personal and professional life. My husband and my parents, especially my mother, were an immense part of my support system after the births of both my daughter and my son. Whether it was helping me navigate the early days of motherhood or offering emotional support during difficult moments, their presence provided a sense of stability and reassurance. This support, especially from those closest to us, underscores the importance of having people who not only care but actively help during life’s most challenging times.

For those early in their journey, I offer this advice: Embrace challenges as opportunities to build resilience. Life’s unexpected events, like natural disasters or personal trials, can strengthen your character. Stay adaptable; be open to learning and adjusting your approach as circumstances change. Finally, invest in building and maintaining supportive relationships. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. These qualities will serve as invaluable assets as you navigate your path.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I am actively looking for partners and collaborators who share the vision of Grace Inspired and are passionate about making a meaningful difference in the postpartum recovery journey. Specifically, I am looking for individuals or organizations in the following areas:

1. Healthcare Professionals
Doctors, nurses, midwives, doulas and other healthcare providers who specialize in maternal care and postpartum recovery. Their expertise will help shape the educational resources we offer and ensure we are providing the best care possible for new mothers.

2. Product Suppliers and Manufacturers
We are looking for partners who can help supply or produce high-quality self-care products for postpartum recovery, such as nursing supplies, herbal teas, and hygiene products. As we aim to expand our offerings, these partnerships will be key to growing our online store and fulfilling our mission.

3. Community Organizations and Nonprofits
We welcome collaboration with local and international organizations focused on maternal health, women’s rights, or family support. Together, we can amplify our impact and reach more families in need.

4. Volunteers, Mentors and instructors.
Individuals who are passionate about supporting new mothers, whether through mentorship, guidance, or providing hands-on care. Volunteers play a crucial role in our efforts to create a robust support system for women. Training for doulas, lactation consultants and other roles to provide care and physical support to mothers will be a vital asset for our team as well.

If you are interested in collaborating or partnering with Grace Inspired, I would love to connect. You can reach us through our website, gracedbahamas.com, or email us at hello@gracedbahamas.com. We are also active on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Let’s work together to revolutionize the postpartum experience in The Bahamas and beyond.

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