We had the good fortune of connecting with SeQuoiya Lawrence and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi SeQuoiya, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
UMMM, I WOULD HAVE TO SAY DECIDING TO PUT MY MOM IN HOSPICE. MY MOTHER BATTLED A DISEASE CALLED MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS FOR 17 YEARS. THE DAY BEFORE MY 29th BIRTHDAY SHE GOT REALLY SICK AND WENT INTO SEPSIS SHOCK WHICH LED TO HER BEING IN A COMA FOR TWO WEEKS. I REMEMBER THEM TELLING ME SHE IS GOING TO NEED 24 HOUR ON THE CLOCK CARE BUT AT THAT TIME I HAD JUST BECAME PERMANENT AT MY JOB. I LITERALLY CRIED FOR AN HOUR WITH THE DOCTORS BECAUSE I PROMISED MYSELF I WOULD NEVER PUT HER IN A HOME, BUT AT THE TIME IT WAS THE ONLY OPTION BECAUSE I WAS THE ONE TAKING CARE OF HER. SHE WAS MY INSPIRATION BEHIND STARTING MY BUSINESS, SHE HAS BEEN GONE 5 YEARS NOW

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
So the name of my organization is called Bonita Butterfly Inc which was established in June of 2021. It is a 501 c3 non profit organization geared towards domestic violence of women and children.. Our mission is to guide women towards a brighter future away from all forms of physical, mental, emotional, sexual and substance abuse. I’m ultimately excited to see how everything plays out because my ultimate goal is to provide emergency and transitional housing. I also have programs I would like to implement such as mental health resources, parenting classes, financial literacy classes and business and career development just to name a few.

There are many challenges especially with me working full time. But the biggest thing I’ve taken from all this is you must have PATIENCE!!!!! Things are not always going to go your way but that’s life and you just gotta keep pushing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To be honest , I’ve lived in LA my entire life I’m the one that’s always trying to hop on a plane and get out of here lol.

But I just go with the flow no place in particular just a good brunch or lounge with good vibes

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
WELL THATS REAL EASY, MY MOTHER. I’VE NEVER FELT PAIN LIKE I FELT THE DAY SHE DIED . SHE ALWAYS TAUGHT ME TO STAND FIRM ON WHAT I BELIEVE IN AND TO BE STRONG IN ALL ASPECTS OF MY LIFE, so OF COURSE TO HONOR HER I STARTED MY NON PROFIT BONITA BUTTERFLY INC IN HER MEMORY. I MEAN BECAUSE IF HER I AM WHO I AM TODAY!

I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SHOUTOUT MY FAVORITE PERSON AND MENTOR WHO IS THE VERY PERSON WHO RECOMMENDED ME FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY; DR . SHARON ELEFANT. IF YOU ARE THINKING OF STARTING A NON PROFIT SHE IS YOUR GO TO GIRL. SHE HAS HELPED ME IN WAYS THAT ARE UNIMAGINABLE AND SHE’s ALWAYS A CALL, TEXT, or EMAIL AWAY IF IM UNSURE OF SOMETHING.

Website: Bonitabutterflyinc.org

Instagram: Bonitabutterflyinc

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