Today we’d like to introduce you to Madala Arnold.
Hi Madala, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2019 I hit probably one of the lowest points in my life. My husband and I were new parents to our infant daughter, I was on maternity leave still. We were transitioning between relocating and plans to upgrade our living space when we became victims of a rental scam that depleted us of all our funds. This moment lead to over 4 years of homelessness, hotel living and food insecurity. We lost everything. All of our things were in storage. We lost our car. Despite our circumstances, I chose to always stay strong and push through. I immediately started my home based business continuing as a brow and lash specialist. In 2020, I took the leap of faith and pursued trainings for certifications to become a doula, a birth photographer and personal trainer. Building a business from scratch while struggling to keep a roof over our heads in the hotel and food in our bellies was quite an experience. Anyone who’s lived in a hotel can tell you how stressful it is from the constant rate changes, the unfavorable environment, high cost of living with the pressures of meeting weekly deadlines so that we can maintain at least this consistency for our growing daughter. Within a year and a half we managed to get into a car again. I continued to pursue my new career as a Doula and began to shift out of esthetician work and fully as an independent Doula. In 2023, we finally broke out of the cycle of hotel living and moved into a permanent home. All while adapting to my new profession as a birth Doula and overnight postpartum caregiver. This role requires me to leave on the dime when I’m on call for a family and long shifts away from my family to take care of someone else. I’ve focused and worked hard over the last 6.5 years to build my brand and reputation while raising and homeschooling our daughter with the support of my husband holding down the fort at home and putting his dreams and goals on hold so I can flourish in my field. Now I am a successful and established Full spectrum Doula on my way to training and mentoring other Doulas to accomplish the same.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not. Anything worth having never comes smoothly or easily. Transitioning from one profession to the other already brings on challenges in itself as you learn, grow, and adapt. Doing that while trying to maintain a home, relearning normal bill structures again and raising a baby was super challenging.
As you know, we’re big fans of Dala the Doula. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a local full spectrum Doula and postpartum Chef. I support expecting families through all parts of pregnancy. But I specialize in helping families find their rhythm after having a new baby. My care is rooted in tradition where nourishment is integrated and prioritized but tailored to the modern family. Most know me for my high level of care and delicious cooking. But what sets me apart is that I don’t treat families like a paycheck. I care about people and I want to see everyone reach their goals and be successful in whatever they pursue and desire. I’m most proud of continuing to stay true to myself and letting that shine through the work I do. If you are new parents growing your family and looking to truly be held, guided and supported through one of the most transitional periods of your lives, I’m your person!
What’s next?
I plan to switch my structure to premium and high touch experiences that allows me to support families in several different layers that will really help a family grow into a confident unit. I also plan to start trainings, workshops and mentorship to prepare other doulas on how to be successful as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.Dalathedoula.com
- Instagram: HTTPS://www.instagram.com/dalathedoula
