Spotlight Series: The Pink Couch

Hey, hey, heyyyyyyy!! I'm back in the saddle!! And guess what time it is?????? If you said time for another episode of the Spotlight Series, you would indeed be correct :) and like always , before I jump into a brand new episode, I give people a chance to catch up on any of the previous ones right over here ---alrighty, now we can get into today's episode with ease. Please help me out in welcoming this week's special guest, Peace Amadi!!

Dr. Peace Amadi (Psy.D) leverages her intellect, mental health expertise, colorful personality, innovative thinking, personal style, and creative appetite to bring out the best in the people around her. With the gift of vision, palpable compassion, and razor sharp instincts for strategy, she is a catalyst for purpose-finding and personal transformation in the lives of future world changers. Equipped with a doctorate in psychology (Psy.D) from Azusa Pacific University and BA in psychology from UCLA, Peace is a mental and emotional health expert, apsychology professor, a former beauty queen (Miss Nigeria in America), the curator of The Pink Couch blog & channel (an online community that promotes mental health, beauty & style), a social justice activist, the co-founder & director of The Ruby Project (a non-profit for abused women), an empowered speaker, writer, and coach, and an emerging media personality.  
An impressive resume, I must say :) but let me pass the mic over to Peace: 

1) What is the purpose of The Pink Couch?

The purpose of The Pink Couch is to encourage and empower women to pursue mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Many of us women do a wonderful job of pursuing beauty, which is great. I believe we as women have been created to reflect beauty and to attract opportunities. But we can't in the midst of becoming more beautiful on the outside forget to take care of what's on the inside. Our minds, emotions, and spirit need to be healthy before we can truly experience happiness and have the clarity, courage, and strength need to pursue our purposes here on this earth. 

2) Why did you create TPC?

I created The Pink Couch because I wanted to create a space where women could be informed about mental and emotional health issues, and dialogue about these issues in a safe place. I'm also particularly interested in seeing more black women and women of faith dialogue about these issues as there seems to still be some stigma attached to acknowledging and addressing mental health in these communities. As a black woman of faith myself, I hope to show women that its okay for us experience depression, anxiety, trauma, etc. and to admit it and seek support. Our lives literally depend on being able to do that! 

3) Where do you see TPC going in the future?

I see The Pink Couch community growing to reach women across the United States and internationally. I see a strong online platform as well as opportunities to connect and be empowered through events and other opportunities. I'm working now on a project that I can't wait to share. I will be able to in time!

4) What is one aspect about TPC that has brought you a lot of joy?

Seeing women engage with the content of The Pink Couch has brought much joy. A few months ago I wrote a piece about the myths of suicide. So many women thanked me for writing a piece about a topic that not too many people are willing to talk about. It gave me confirmation that I needed to continue shedding light on mental health issues that we all have either experienced either directly or indirectly. I am both excited and humbled at the opportunity to create a space where women can feel safe addressing issues they've been previously afraid to engage. 

5) What is one aspect about TPC that has been challenging to you?

Nothing about The Pink Couch itself has been challenging. What challenges me in general is organizing my days and hours so that I have the time to give to my various passion projects. Currently I'm a psychology professor, speaker, and founder/director of The Ruby Project - a non profit that supports young women with stories of abuse and trauma. It's challenging to balance the demands of my different responsibilities, but I'm not willing to let go of any of them so I guess I have to deal!

6) How would your life be different if you didn't have TPC?

Without the Pink Couch I think I would feel frustrated. It frustrates me when I see a problem and can't do anything about it. I'm grateful that I've been given the energy, creativity, and support to pursue projects like The Pink Couch. 

Thank you, Dr. Peace, for carving out some time out of your busy life to share the Pink Couch with the rest of the world :) If you would like to learn more about Dr. Peace, you can check out her blog,www.thepinkcouchblog.com. , visit her website: www.peaceamadi.com , or follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @pinkcouchgirl

Whomever shall be featured next?? Want it to be you?? If you'd like to be the next featured guest on the Spotlight Series or know someone that may, feel free to:

tweet me (@ambition4life_), 

follow me on Instagram (@rubiesandpearls_)  

or shoot me an email at thomas.jazmine@gmail.com.

Stay tuned for the next episode! Over and Out!