Daily Inspiration: Meet Akeya Harmon Collins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Akeya Harmon Collins.

Akeya , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Honestly, my story started in a really broken place. I went through some heavy life experiences that forced me to slow down and really face myself—grief, health challenges, and moments where I didn’t have control over how things were unfolding. And in that season, I had to lean on God in a way I never had before.

I didn’t come out of that overnight. It was a process. A lot of praying, a lot of crying, and a lot of journaling—just trying to make sense of what I was feeling and what God was doing in my life. That’s really where my healing began, in those private, honest moments.

For a long time, those journal entries were just for me. But a mentor of mine saw something bigger and encouraged me to turn my healing journal into a book—to share my experience with the world because there were other people out there who needed to hear my story. That really shifted things for me.

Over time, I started to see that everything I went through wasn’t just for me. It was shaping me, strengthening me, and honestly, preparing me to show up for other people in a different way.

Today, I’m walking in that. Through my work as a care manager, being part of the prayer group at my church in Pasadena, and through my book *Keys To My Healing: One Journal Entry at a Time*, I’m able to support people who are going through their own difficult seasons. I create space for them to be seen, to be heard, and to start their own healing process—because I know what it feels like to be in that place.

I’m still growing, still healing, still trusting God daily—but now I move with purpose. Everything I went through has become part of how I show up for others today.

Alright, 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?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.

One of the biggest struggles was actually finishing my book. It took me over five years—not because I didn’t have the time, but because I wasn’t always ready. There were parts of my story that were still too fresh, things I was still going through in real time. And I had to be honest with myself about that.

There were so many moments where I would sit down to write and feel it all over again—the pain, the confusion, the questions—and I would have to put it down. I walked away from the book more times than I can count. Not out of laziness, but because healing isn’t something you can rush.

But every time I stepped away, something in me wouldn’t let it go. It was like this deep tug—my gut, my spirit—just pulling at me, reminding me that I had to finish. That this wasn’t just about me anymore.

Another struggle was being vulnerable enough to share my truth. It’s one thing to journal privately, but it’s a completely different thing to say, “I’m going to let the world see this.” That takes a different level of courage and trust in God.

So no, it wasn’t smooth—but it was necessary. Every pause, every setback, every moment I thought about quitting was part of the process. And looking back now, I realize I didn’t just write a book… I lived it, healed through it, and grew into the person I needed to be to finally share it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I currently work as a Care Manager, where I support individuals and families through some of the most challenging seasons of their lives—whether that’s crisis, recovery, or major life transitions. A big part of what I do is helping people navigate resources, but more importantly, helping them feel seen, supported, and not alone in what they’re going through.

I also hold a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Change, which really reflects who I’ve always been at my core. Even as a little girl, I was told I was a natural-born leader—not because I was bossy, but because I naturally take initiative. I’ve always been the type to step into chaos and find a way to create order, structure, and direction. That’s just how I’m wired.

Looking back, every role I’ve had has reflected that. From being a nanny and tutor right out of high school, to a recreation leader, academic advisor, leading programs and study abroad groups, and now working in care management—I’ve consistently been placed in positions where I’m helping others grow, navigate challenges, and see something in themselves they may not have seen before.

That’s really what I specialize in—helping people find clarity in the middle of chaos and reminding them of their strength, even when they can’t see it for themselves. And honestly, that’s something I had to learn for myself first.

What I’m most proud of is the impact I’m able to make in people’s lives—not just through my work, but through my presence. I don’t just show up professionally, I show up authentically. I lead with empathy, faith, and real-life experience.

What sets me apart is that I don’t approach people from a place of theory—I approach them from lived experience. I know what it feels like to go through difficult seasons, to rebuild, to question, and to heal. So, when I’m supporting someone, it’s not just about doing a job—it’s about truly walking alongside them and creating a safe space where they feel understood—wholeheartedly and holistically.

What were you like growing up?
That’s a funny question because I feel like I was a mix of a lot of things growing up. I was pretty quiet, but at the same time, I was very adventurous in my own way.

I was really close to my older brother—we’re three years apart—so there was always that balance of being connected but also not quite old enough to do the things he was doing. He would go off to the Boys & Girls Club or hang out with his friends, and I had to figure out how to entertain myself. And honestly, that’s where my creativity really started.

My mom always says I was the kid outside in the yard pretending to cook, picking leaves off trees and using pots and pans from the house like I was in my own little kitchen—basically acting like my grandmother when she would be in the kitchen cooking greens. I had a big imagination. I loved Barbie dolls, creating little storylines, and just making something out of nothing.

I was also very expressive in my own way and wanted to try new things. I’d come home all the time telling my mom I wanted to be in a play, join the church choir or even play a new sport. I loved to sing and dance, and I would have her record me performing like I already had an audience. I just always wanted to do something.

Looking back, I was also considered advanced for my age, especially in the way I thought and expressed myself. I was always very aware, observant, and intentional with how I communicated, even as a child. I think that showed in how I interacted with people and how I processed things around me.

That part of me never really left. Even as a kid, once I started something, I had to finish it. It didn’t matter if I succeeded or not—I just needed to know that I tried and saw it through. That mindset has definitely carried into my adulthood.

I was also told I had an “old soul,” and I think that showed in the way I connected with people. Most of my friends were older than me, and I’ve always been drawn to oldies, old-school music, and things that felt a little deeper.

Looking back, I think I was a quiet observer, a creator, and someone who was always trying to find her place while staying curious about the world—and that still shows up in who I am today.

Pricing:

• I have a book on Amazon that i just published called Keys To My Healing: One Journal Entry at a Time
• Here is the link https://a.co/d/06sKiZLF
• it is $20

Contact Info:

• Website: https://a.co/d/06sKiZLF
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keyzcapri
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akeya-harmon-collins-m-a-7a9a52251