We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mercedes Hickman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mercedes below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Mercedes with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I believe I obtained my work ethic from my mother. As a child I watched her work two and three jobs to ensure that my sister and I had the necessities plus more. I can say at times I didn’t like her working so hard, but as I got older I realized the sacrifices she made and the bigger reward that came along with all of her hard work and sacrifices. Now as an adult I apply those same principles. I’d like to think that the saying “work hard, play hard” was made about me.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a woman of many talents, currently i have 2 passion that I’m maintaining. I began my career as a social worker in 2009 with the Department of Family and Children Services where I was introduced to many unfortunate events. During my time working with children and family, I realized that mental health played a huge role in a lot of lives. While in school obtaining my Masters in Social Work, I purposely took classes that was focused on mental health such as substance abuse, diagnosing, basically the electives that taught the what, how and why’s of the human mind/behavior. It ignited my passion to continue to push myself to provide an impact on a different array of individuals. So after graduating with my masters from Clark Atlanta University in 2014, I found my true passion working in mental health/crisis work. I currently work as a Suicide Prevention Case Manager with the Veteran’s Administration. and the most rewarding part of my job is knowing that I genuinely make a difference in a someone’s life. There are times when things became a bit overwhelming at times as I’m taking on the problems of others while also dealing with my own day to day stressors. To decompress, my favorite self care is traveling. This brings me to the next title of a Travel Agent. I became a travel agent in 2017 and currently have my own agency called Mellow Escapes. When I started, I just wanted to earn the travel perks so I didn’t have to pay full price for my vacations, but quickly learned that it takes more than adding travel agent to your name to earn perks, LOL. Seven years later, I’m still at this travel thing. The best part about being in the travel business is creating vacation escapes for my clients and knowing that I’m adding to their own self care. My business slogan is Mellow your mind and let travel be your escape, meaning you work hard day in and day out, don’t stress, let me handle the stressful planning part so you can enjoy your vacation. For anyone looking to getaway for the summer, join us in Aruba for a Good Vibe and Tan Lines, July 11, 2024 – July 15, 2024.
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?
I believe three qualities and areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey are resiliency, determination and faith. For those starting their journey the best advice that I can give is keep going and never give up. Life will take you down a crazy path when trying to reach your goals, but your determination and resiliency will get you to the finish line. Remember always that greater is coming.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
It’s not hard to feel overwhelmed when you work in the field of mental health. When I feel overwhelmed I take “mental health” days. These days apply to work and personal life. Stepping away and focusing on myself for the day and doing things that bring me joy is the perfect reset when feeling overwhelmed. For those of you feeling overwhelmed, remember to put yourself first. I live by, “you can’t pour from an empty glass.” Self-care is your best friend and it can be something as small as listening to your favorite song on volume 20 on your drive home from work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mellowescapes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mellowescapesllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mellowescapes
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/?trk=homepage-basic_sign-in-submit
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mellowescapesllc1?_t=8b7RGsPmRvW&_r=1
