On this episode of Mompreneurs, Rachel Nicks speaks on her mission to end the Black maternal health crisis. The mom-of-two and founder of Birth Queen sat down with Mompreneurs host Nancy Redd to discuss how she got on this path and what she’s looking forward to in the future.

Nicks wears many crowns, balancing her time as a doula, actress and fitness trainer. Motherhood activated the maternal health advocate and businesswoman in Nicks, a mom to two beautiful boys. “The advocate was born in me,” she said. With Black women facing a higher risk of maternal mortality due to pregnancy-related complications — with most of these maternal deaths being preventable — Nicks was called to create Birth Queen to educate, support and empower Black women, parents and practitioners.

Birth Queen empowers and trains doulas, midwives and lactation consultants to facilitate a safe and supported birth experience for all women. “My goal is to end the Black maternal health crisis and to make sure that every woman and mother feels empowered on her motherhood journey no matter what color, creed or economic status she’s in,” said the Oakland, California native. “I’m very passionate about that.”

Nicks is currently developing doula programs in two New York hospitals that will provide support to women in the hospital setting. “To know that I have a hand in educating practitioners, right, doctors, nurses, but also making sure that there’s education and support for Black mothers to not only survive but thrive from within — it doesn’t get better,” she said.

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The mom-of-two is unapologetic about being her best self.

The fierce advocate is unapologetic about activating every side of herself. “I do not have mommy guilt,” she said. “I don’t feel guilty about being all of me. Because when I activate all of my pieces, I am a better person and therefore a better mother.”

She drew clear boundaries, which allowed her to do it all. “My boys respect my time and my work,” she said. “At the end of the day, they know mommy’s got it. And in order to get it, she’s gotta go to work.”

A running theme through Nicks’ journey is how important it’s been to lean on her support system and ask for help — which, for plenty of moms, is easier said than done. “Ask for what you need,” she said. “I’m super grateful for every friend, associate, family member who has helped push me along in this growth spurt.”

Nicks has two movies coming out and a brand new podcast.

The Juilliard-trained actress has plenty to look forward to, with two movies coming out this year (Albany Road and Elevation, a post-apocalyptic thriller alongside Anthony Mackie), launching her own fitness classes, and the growth of the Birth Queen including the Birth Queen podcast which went live in February.

The sky’s the limit for this mompreneur. “The cool thing about activating and advocating for yourself as a mompreneur is that there’s so much you don’t know is possible,” said Nicks. “That’s what should keep you motivated and excited.”

Every week, we celebrate beautiful Black entrepreneurs who are simultaneously amazing business moguls and awesome moms. We listen to their life stories and inspiring advice. Catch new episodes of Mompreneurs every Monday on MADAMENOIRE’s YouTube channel. Or listen to the podcast online at Urban1Podcasts.com.

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