Meet Kayana Sessoms

We recently connected with Kayana Sessoms and have shared our conversation below.

Kayana, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience as the owner of Hitha Healing House and founder of the Nurturing Roots maternal program is deeply rooted in the legacy of strength, tenacity, and unwavering commitment shown to me by my grandmother, mother, and father. Each of them displayed resilience uniquely, but together, their influence has woven a foundation for my leadership and vision.

From my grandmother, I learned the power of nurturing community, the quiet strength of consistency, and the ability to find beauty even in the most challenging circumstances. She showed me that resilience isn’t always loud but can be a soft, enduring force that sustains through time. My mother’s resilience was like fire—she was determined, unstoppable, and always passionate about making things better for those around her. Watching her navigate life’s challenges taught me to hold a vision and move toward it, no matter the obstacles. And my father gave me the gift of patience and perseverance, the courage to rebuild and adapt, and a work ethic that values integrity and follow-through above all else.

Every time I face a challenge with Hitha Healing House, I feel their influence guiding me, reminding me to lead with compassion, persistence, and dedication. Resilience has become my compass and my connection to them, and it drives me to create safe, supportive spaces for every mother and family I serve. Their legacy lives in every decision, every act of service, and every small victory that moves us forward together.

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 Kayana Sessoms, and my work centers on holistic healing and maternal health, especially for urban families in Detroit. As the founder of Hitha Healing House and the Nurturing Roots program, my mission is to create safe, nurturing spaces that uplift mothers, families, and youth through culturally relevant and community-centered care. I bring together maternal health expertise, Reiki, doula services, and wellness coaching to address critical gaps in accessible support and to empower families as they navigate life’s transitions.

What makes this work most exciting for me is seeing the transformation in our community when people feel seen, supported, and equipped to thrive. Hitha Healing House is a sanctuary where we foster resilience and healing through programs that go beyond traditional wellness. The Nurturing Roots program, in particular, provides crucial postpartum support and educational resources, aiming to improve maternal health outcomes and strengthen family bonds.

We have some exciting things on the horizon! We’re expanding our Nurturing Roots program to serve more families each year, and we’re developing a Botanical Healing Garden at Hitha Healing House—a community oasis designed for maternal wellness, outdoor classes, and family connection. Additionally, I’m preparing to launch an online store with curated holistic wellness products for maternal health and family wellness, and we’re increasing our social media presence to share more resources and inspire others. Every step we take is a celebration of the community we’re building, and I’m thrilled to continue this journey of transformation and healing with everyone involved.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, I’d say the three most impactful qualities have been resilience, empathy, and a commitment to continuous learning. Resilience became deeply personal for me when I faced one of the hardest years of my life, losing both my father and my first-born daughter as I was just beginning the renovations for Hitha Healing House. It was a time of profound loss and raw grief, but it also became a source of strength and purpose. I had to navigate immense emotional pain while pushing forward with my vision to create a sanctuary for healing—a place that would honor their memories and the inspiration they gave me. Through that experience, I learned that resilience is not only about bouncing back but also about honoring our struggles, allowing ourselves to feel deeply, and still finding the strength to keep moving toward the light.

Empathy allowed me to connect deeply with the people I serve, fostering trust and understanding in ways that elevate our work from simple service to genuine care. Lastly, a commitment to continuous learning kept me open to new ideas, evolving approaches, and the wisdom of others—always moving forward and refining my vision.

For anyone starting out, my advice is to embrace resilience as a process—know that setbacks are part of growth, and with every challenge comes a chance to rise stronger. Practice empathy by listening more than you speak, connecting with others’ stories, and truly valuing those you serve or collaborate with. And finally, never stop learning; be a student of your craft, your community, and your purpose. Seek mentors, read widely, and keep curiosity alive. These qualities, nurtured with intention, will shape not just your career but the impact you make in the world.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling a foundation of health and wellness, all while supporting my dreams and encouraging my individuality. From an early age, they showed me the importance of nurturing my body and mind, which continues to guide how I approach wellness today. Beyond that, they stood by my side, actively participating in my passions—volunteering with me and joining in on initiatives that light up my heart. Their unwavering support extended to giving me the freedom to make mistakes, always without judgment, and embracing who I am, even if my choices didn’t align with what they might have envisioned. This blend of guidance, acceptance, and encouragement has empowered me to move confidently on my path, grounded in wellness and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hithahealinghouse.org
• Instagram: hithahealinghouse
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayanasessoms/