Today we’d like to introduce you to Kama Burton.
Kama, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Being in a relationship where I didn’t really have a voice, I had totally lost myself. I went from being this “carefree” young girl to a “controlled and abused” young woman overnight. Married at 19 years old, child at 20 changed my life. Little did I know that this thing we all call love would end up turning into fear. Fear to walk in my purpose, fear to speak my mind and fear to be who I was called to be. Little did I realize, after being what I call, “12 years a slave” as I was “sleeping with the enemy”, I would be redefined by someone’s insecurities.
I went through a very tough marriage and lost who I was. One day I realized it was because I didn’t love me. I’d become someone different. I allowed someone to treat me like I was less than human and NOT treated like the woman I was created to be. Domestic Violence, rather it be physical, mental, emotional, financial or sexual, it will bring a person self-esteem down to a little of nothing. That’s where I was. I had to realize that I didn’t love myself enough and that’s why I accepted abuse from someone else.
Out of my marriage, I didn’t realize there was piece of me that was holding on to “ME.” There was a part of me that still loved and understood who I was. During this controlled and very hard time, I actually completed some major tasks. I became a licensed Manicurist (my dream), a Notary Public, a REALTOR® and went to school to complete my AS degree and Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. I realized I still truly loved who I was first.
I knew I wanted to help those that has been affected by Domestic Violence, in 2015 I started a nonprofit called “Loving Me 1st.” Our mission is to help those that has been affected by Domestic Violence both directly and in directly. From there, I started a mentorship program for girls called “GIRLS CLUB” where I mentor young girls from 4th to 12th grade. They are taught life skills to help their build self-esteem, in order for them to define who they are before someone else does.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. When you go through parts of your life not knowing who you are, there are struggles. It took me years to be free to be “Kama.” I became very insecure, looking at other relationships wondering if I will ever be loved the right way. I became depressed to the point I didn’t want to deal with the outside world. In my Real Estate business, I would receive leads and push them to the wayside because I had lost my drive. I walked around in fear for a long time wondering if I am STILL being stalked. I constantly replayed the evil words that he would say to me and tell myself it must be the truth.
Trying to get my business back in order was tough and it took a lot, especially therapy, to get my mind back in order.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
In my business, I am Speaker, conduct workshops and started a “Girls Club” to help young girls and currently, that is where I specialize. In my community and on my Social Media pages, everyone knows I do two things, I’m a Broker-Associate and I have a mentorship program for young girls and it’s growing.
My proudest would have to be the Mentorship because I did not realize I would be where I am today with the “Girls Club.” The original goal was to help young women from 18 to 25 but God had a need for the younger girls. Self Esteem building starts at a very young. Many of our actions as adults are reactions and realities of our childhood.
What sets me apart is I am contracted in 7 schools, and I put on yearly Girls Conferences. In my business, I also host an Annual Tea to help fundraise for the nonprofit. We just started a scholarship fund as well. I connect with the community and bring all types of guest speakers in, both male and female, to educate and build my girls self esteem.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Definitely my determination to help others discover their true potential.
Pricing:
- Book – “I Feel In Love with His Promises.” $14.99
Contact Info:
- Website: lovingmefirst.org
- Phone: 951-575-9750
- Email: Kama@lovingmefirst.org
- Instagram: instagram.com/kamaspeaks
- Facebook: facebook.com/lovingmefirstinc
Image Credit:
Philicia Scott
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