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

Hi Sumayyah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wasn’t aware that I was starting a business as it was happening. I know you are probable reading this like “how is that even possible?’. Well I will tell you exactly how. What called me was a passion, it was an undeniable gravitational pull that kept sucking me in like an under current in the ocean. I was extremely happy to support folks in any capacity they saw fit and this is what determined my relationships that I was building at the time. They weren’t my clients, I didn’t charge anything, I didn’t have a tile or a name for my business. I was doing what sparked my joy. Very quickly my reputation proceeded me and I would add elements of a business to streamline my offerings and to make things more sustainable. Now over a decade in I sometimes look up and laugh at the fact that I am this successful business woman who has served hundreds, trained over a thousand, has an amazing team, and see not even the sky as the limit!

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a traditional full spectrum birth worker. In this contemporary day and age many people do not even understand what that means. I have learned through doing, through observing, through prayer, through lessons, through mentorship, through using all of my senses for many years. My business consist of various components: Direct services to folks in my community, coaching and mentorship, facilitating trainings and workshops, and creating content. I am most proud of the structure of my business. I believe because I did not enter this path with the intentions of starting a business I have created something unique and beautiful. For example, I have a beautiful Core team of Black and indigenous technology geniuses that support me in so many facets. We offer virtual trainings, coaching, mentorship, and community so they ensure it all flows and makes sense. We only work 15 hours a week each, we are all Mamas, we only do things that spark our joy space, and “I was putting the baby down to sleep” is a real reason to be 30 mins late to a team meeting. Our check in is often times longer than our logistics in a meeting and we love to laugh and go off on tangents. I am so proud that I have co-created a work environment that feeds us all in every way!

I get asked often, about how difficult was it or is it to run a business in this way, and my answer is always: When you are in the flow it will be easy as riding a wave. I do not try to force things, I practice the art of allowing. Taking the road of least resistance is a principle that I embody that I learned of from a book called “The Seven Spiritual Laws to Success” by Deepak Chopra. So, not t has not be difficult. I listened to my inner guidance system, do what feels good, and the rest I allow my ancestors spirit guides, and creator to work out.

My business is rooted in a deep spiritual practice. As a traditional practitioner this is the foundation of all that I do: Spirit. every aspect of my business is spirit-led. This is what sets me apart from many others. I pray to never walk astray.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I LOVE my city. There is so much to do and see. The first thing we would do is go to the Korean spa in San Leandro called “Psy Health town”. Then we wold eat pho at the local restaurant down the street. I love their beef brisket pho with extra chili oil! Next we would spend the next few days hiking in the redwoods, eating yummy food from all around the world, and hitting the beach to relax and catch up. A quick trip to Napa is a must do and wow old wrap up the week catching a great show. The Bay Area always has great food, shows, and nature to bask in!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I for sure what to dedicate my shoutout to my Auntie, Asatu Hall. She was the first Black midwife I ever met and took my hand to show me the way. I know that I am completely biased but she is the best midwife I have ever met. Something that I love the most is that she hasn’t allowed this worked to consume her. She is a woman of many talents and has taken a path that allows her to love on all the different gifts she has, which only makes her an even better midwife. Another person who has taught me lessons that only they could is my child. While, I do not believe you need to have ever been pregnant to be an amazing supporter of pregnancy and all of the ways that it may conclude I do think that my experience taught me some of my most profound lessons. I am a better midwife, business person, and human because of my child. Id like to dedicate my shoutout to them!

Website: www.sumistouch.com

Instagram: @sumistouch

Twitter: @sumistouch

Youtube: Sumi’s Touch

Image Credits
@albanyjalvarez_fotografia @on.mommas @karissamraya @amirazizphotos

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