Meet Deuene Hickman

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Deuene Hickman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Deuene below.

Hi Deuene, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?

As a serial entrepreneur, self-care is a non-negotiable part of my daily routine—it is the foundation that allows me to perform at my highest level, both mentally and physically. My approach to self-care is deeply intentional, so I take a very calculated approach to my health and well-being.

I follow a plant-based lifestyle and eat once a day, which helps me stay disciplined and energized without feeling sluggish. On top of that, I do a 72-hour fast once a month and a 48-hour fast every week, which gives my body a chance to reset and function at its highest level. I also juice daily, drinking fresh fruits and vegetables to make sure I’m getting the nutrients my body needs. Following up with essential vitamins and minerals such as sea moss, moringa, soursop, black seed oil, and other essential vitamins and minerals to keep my immune system strong and my energy levels up.

My mornings set the tone for my entire day. I wake up at 5 AM and sit in silence, allowing my mind to be still before the activities of the day begins. That quiet time brings me clarity, helping me observe my thoughts without distractions. After that, I shift my focus to gratitude, reflecting on the things I’m thankful for, which keeps me grounded and positive no matter what challenges come my way.

Monday through Thursday, I work out right after my meditation. Physical strength and endurance are just as important as mental clarity, so movement is a non-negotiable for me. Exercising not only keeps me in shape, but it also fuels my mind—I always feel more focused and ready to tackle the day after a good workout. I also make it a point to physically ground myself daily, connecting with the earth to restore balance and reduce stress.

This routine has had a huge impact on my effectiveness as a business owner. Prioritizing my health, mindset, and energy levels allows me to make clear decisions, stay productive without burnout, and show up fully for my businesses, my team, and my community. More than anything, it’s helped me build mental resilience, so I can handle challenges with a clear mind and steady focus. At the end of the day, the way I care for myself directly impacts how I show up in my work—and I’m committed to showing up as my best self every day.

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

I am the Founder and President of Quality of Life Inc., the Founder and CEO of Quality of Life Counseling Center, and Quality of Life Outpatient and the COO of SOUND. My mission and vision has always been to uplift communities, break negative cycles, and provide access to mental health and wellness resources for those who need them most with a focus on the underserved populations. With over two decades of experience in the mental health field, I have dedicated my life to empowering youth and families through counseling, mentorship, workforce development, and holistic healing practices.

My journey started with a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Fayetteville State University, where I was a student-athlete. I attended school on an academic scholarship which required that I complete over 600 hours of community service mentoring and tutoring at-risk youth. That experience ignited my passion for working with youth in underserved communities, later leading me to establish Quality of Life Counseling Center (QLCC) in 2013—a licensed mental health agency offering clinical and community-based services such as intensive in-home care, outpatient therapy, anger management, and mental health skill-building.

Although Quality of Life Counseling Center was making a significant impact in the community, I noted that many families still lacked access to critical services due to not meeting particular criteria such as lack of insurance, challenges with finances, etc. This gap in assistance aided to the vision of Quality of Life Inc. (QLI), a nonprofit focused on community empowerment through programs like truancy reduction, workforce development, therapeutic mentoring, and a unique mental health-driven approach to gun violence reduction. Quality of Life Inc. removed the obstacle of unmet criteria for our community and allowed our work to expand to more underserved communities that lacked the resources for mental health care.

One of the most impactful aspects of our work has been addressing gun violence through a mental health lens. Gun violence is not just a crime issue—it’s a public health and mental health crisis. At QLI, we work directly with at-risk youth, justice-involved individuals, and communities impacted by violence, providing counseling, trauma-informed care, mentorship, and conflict resolution strategies. Our approach focuses on early intervention, emotional regulation, and community-based healing to prevent cycles of violence before they begin. Through group sessions, therapeutic outlets, and workforce development, we help individuals build life skills, find purpose, and create opportunities beyond violence.

Our efforts have contributed to reducing crime, increasing high school graduations, and expanding mental health access for young people in high-risk environments. We collaborate with law enforcement, schools, and local organizations to ensure that individuals affected by gun violence receive the support, resources, and healing they need to break free from the cycle.

SOUND: Mind x Music + Business, empowers youth by blending mental wellness, creative expression, and business development to equip them for success. Through music, youth gain a therapeutic outlet to process emotions, build confidence, and develop a sense of identity. The program fosters resilience, emotional intelligence, and financial literacy, while also providing hands-on experience in music production, branding, and entrepreneurship. By integrating creativity with professional skills, SOUND helps youth turn their passions into purpose and create pathways to sustainable careers. With mentorship, workshops, and real-world applications, participants leave with the tools to thrive personally, artistically, and financially.

What excites me most is witnessing real transformation—whether it’s a young person securing their first job, a family finding healing through therapy, or a community coming together to support one another. Right now, we are expanding our youth empowerment and workforce development programs for youth as well as growing our mental health and trauma-informed care initiatives to reach more people.

At the heart of my work is a commitment to creating spaces for healing, growth, and empowerment. My brand isn’t just about business—it’s about impact, purpose, and changing lives. And I truly believe this is just the beginning.

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?

Three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are discipline, positive thinking, and gratitude. These traits have shaped how I approach business, wellness, and life.

I believe discipline is the foundation of success. It’s what keeps me moving forward, even on the days when my motivation is low. Running multiple businesses requires consistency—whether it’s waking up at 5 AM for meditation, sticking to my fasting and wellness routines, or making sure I show up fully for my team and community. I would share with someone early in their journey, start by building small, consistent habits. Success isn’t about making big moves overnight—it’s about showing up every single day and putting in the work. Set clear desires, create a routine, and hold yourself accountable.

In regards to positive thinking, I believe that your mindset shapes your reality. In business and in life, challenges are inevitable, but how you respond to them determines your growth. I’ve faced setbacks, obstacles, and moments where things didn’t go as planned. But instead of dwelling on problems, I’ve learned to see solutions, opportunities, and lessons in every situation. I would share to others to train your mind to reframe challenges as opportunities. When something doesn’t go as planned, ask yourself: “What can I learn from this?” Surround yourself with uplifting people, feed your mind with positive content, and be mindful of your inner dialogue. The more you focus on possibilities instead of limitations, the more doors will open for you.

Finally, gratitude keeps me grounded, focused, and fulfilled. No matter the measure of success, I acknowledge and appreciate my journey, the people who support me, and the impact I’m able to make. It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of your destination and forget to appreciate the journey, but gratitude reminds me why I started in the first place. Gratitude has truly helped me be “present”. I would share with others to start a daily gratitude practice. It could be as simple as writing down three things you’re grateful for each morning. Express appreciation to the people around you. Gratitude will help shift your focus from what’s missing to what’s already abundant in your life, and that energy attracts even more success.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I believe collaboration and partnerships are essential to the work we do at each organizations and we are always looking for like-minded individuals, businesses, and organizations that share our commitment to mental wellness, youth empowerment, and community transformation. We are actively seeking collaborative partnerships with donors, sponsors, and like-minded organizations to help fuel our mission of empowering youth through mental wellness, mentorship, and life-changing opportunities. By working together, we can expand our reach, impact more lives, and create boundless opportunities for success.

I believe strongly in the village mentality, where communities come together not only to drive change but to sustain it. Many nonprofits and community groups offer incredible services, but no single organization can do everything alone. Our goal is to fill in the gaps where other organizations may lack resources and, in turn, partner with those who can help extend our impact in areas where we may need additional support. By building a strong, interconnected network, we ensure that no youth or family falls through the cracks—because we can always do more together than we can alone.

We are looking for businesses, donors, and organizations that align with our mission of mental wellness and youth empowerment and are eager to support our programs through in-kind giving, donations, sponsorships, and volunteer efforts. Every dollar given, every hour volunteered, and every resource shared directly contributes to changing the trajectory of youth and families in our community. Your support doesn’t just sustain our programs—it transforms lives, offering hope, healing, and a brighter future for those who need it most.

If you are interested in partnering, sponsoring, or finding ways to collaborate, I’d love to connect. Please reach out to deuene@qualityoflifecc.com and follow us on social media @qualityoflifeincva to explore ways we can work together to create meaningful change and lasting impact. Let’s join forces to ensure both our current and future generations can achieve their desired “quality of life”.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.qualitylifematters.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qualityoflifeincva/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qualityoflifeincVA
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deuene/
• Other: https://www.qualityoflifecc.com