We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katrina Harris a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Katrina, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from my life experiences and the lessons I’ve learned through challenges. From being a teen bride, a high school dropout, overcoming domestic violence, and even serving time myself, I’ve faced situations that could have broken me. Instead, they shaped me into who I am today—a wife, mother, philanthropist, and advocate for second chances.
I think a big part of my resilience also comes from my faith, my family, and the unwavering belief that my past does not define my future. I’ve learned to find strength in adversity and turn pain into purpose. It’s this belief that fuels everything I do, from empowering others to launching initiatives like Lady K’s Survivors Initiative. Resilience for me isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving and using what I’ve been through to lift others up.
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?
My life could have ended in those dark moments, but I decided to fight for something better. I went back to school and not only earned my GED but worked my way up to a master’s degree. I built a career in healthcare, giving back to others in meaningful ways. Today, I am also an entrepreneur. Together with my husband of 21 years, Derrick Harris, I help run Smokey Dz Barbecue, a family business that brings people together over good food and good vibes. But my real passion lies in helping others find their way out of the darkness I once lived in.
Through Lady K Harris LLC, I have created a movement focused on second chances:
– My Book, “Freedom Ain’t Free”: A raw, honest account of my journey and a guide for anyone feeling trapped by their circumstances.
– Lady K’s Survivors Initiative (LKSI): A nonprofit that supports incarcerated individuals, domestic abuse survivors, and anyone looking to rebuild their life.
– The Grace Plan Curriculum: A step-by-step guide to overcoming life’s challenges and finding purpose.
– Audiobook: Available in both English and Spanish, ensuring that the powerful message of Freedom Ain’t Free reaches diverse audiences worldwide.
– Coaching Program: Offering personalized guidance to help individuals uncover their potential, overcome obstacles, and achieve lasting growth.
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 or skills have been most impactful in my journey: resilience and adaptability, vision and purpose, and communication and connection. Life threw its share of challenges my way—being a teen bride, overcoming domestic violence, and navigating incarceration—but I learned to adapt and keep moving forward, turning adversity into an opportunity to grow. Resilience became my superpower.
I also developed a clear vision of the life I wanted for myself and my family, even when I didn’t know how to achieve it. That vision gave me focus and purpose, keeping me motivated through the hardest times. Finally, learning to communicate authentically and connect with others has opened doors I never imagined, whether through building community, running a business, or advocating for change. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to embrace challenges as opportunities, invest in personal growth through books, mentors, or courses, and start before you feel ready. Surround yourself with supportive people, take small, actionable steps toward your goals, and remember that your past does not define your future—you do!
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been truly stepping out on faith in spite of doubts. I had to confront the realization that my greatest challenge wasn’t external—it was Me vs. Me. This mindset shift allowed me to silence the fear of judgment and take bold steps toward my purpose. Releasing my book was a pivotal moment, as I let go of worrying about what people might think and focused on the value of my story. It was a deeply personal journey of faith, trust, and self-belief, and in doing so, I not only grew as an individual but also embraced the power of vulnerability to inspire others. This year has been a testament to what can happen when you trust the process and believe in yourself, even when doubts creep in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ladykharris.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladykharris/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katrina.harris.1023
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeepingItRealWithLadyK
- Other: https://linktr.ee/LadyKHarris
Image Credits
Ron Sanders, PMP, MAJOR Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.