We had the good fortune of connecting with Jannelle Allong-Diakabana and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jannelle, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After moving back to Colorado, I had an epiphany—my life’s purpose is to positively impact those around me. Everything I’ve experienced personally or professionally has prepared me to become a doula.

I was truly inspired by my own birth and postpartum experience and my doula, Crystal Swanson. I was inspired by my children, my husband, and my mom. I have friends and family that I served as a doula for, and I said hey, let me make this official. I worked with my sister on the branding, logo, colors, etc. I’ve collaborated with my cousin to host a podcast. There is just so much that we learned as older mothers that we wish we knew.

Every day, I learn more about what mommas don’t know about pregnancy or postpartum. Many of us are not having these conversations openly at home, the knowledge is getting lost over the generations, and women are dying from things that could be prevented or spotted easily by an outsider or health provider.

So I merged my purpose, inspiration, and a global challenge to start my business. I found my ikigai!

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What should our readers know about your business?
I’m a postpartum doula who nurtures new and growing families with grace, resilience, and intentional movement. I’m a holistic doula. I want you to celebrate the wins and navigate the challenges of the fourth trimester. So many people prep for the baby, get a nursery, cute clothes, top-notch baby products, and often unnecessary, and then they put themselves last. So when the baby comes, they’re not emotionally or physically prepared for the fourth trimester – AKA postpartum. Birthing a baby can be both beautiful for some and traumatic for others, and on top of that, you’re adjusting to a new life.

You’ll never be the same and won’t “bounce back.” That’s the point of motherhood and parenthood…the point is that it’s supposed to change you. The point is that you bounce forward.

A postpartum doula is that light in the dark, a guiding hand.

What sets my approach apart from others is that I want to empower you, not fill a gap. When our time is up, you and your family should be confident that you’ve got things in place, sustainable practices that will help you continue to win in the fourth trimester and beyond…because let’s face it, postpartum is forever. I don’t want you to be solely dependent on me, I want to be your coach so that you can take all that I bring and incorporate it into your self-care and parenting practices long after I’m gone.

I got to where I am today with the support of friends who are also small business owners. I also have an entrepreneurial spirit. I sought out mentors in my industry for ideas and guidance, took some doula specific workshops. My mom connected me with a small business consultant. And honestly, Legal Zoom is very easy to use. The lawyers and finance folks can guide you and make applying for everything you need.

You don’t need to train or be certified to be a doula in the US, but some states and healthcare providers are starting to require it so you’re able to support Medicaid or Tricare clients. So, I’ve completed a lot of training, such as the DONA International Birth and Postpartum doula certification course because I strongly believe every birthing person and family deserves doula support. The certification process is not super easy since you need to obtain evaluations from three clients as part of the certification, but some prospective clients would rather work with someone who is certified, so it’s an interesting circle to navigate.

Finding a mentor willing to incorporate you into their business and services is important, too.

It has not been easy, but my passion is what has been driving me. That ikigai I talked about. It’s enough to make the process more tolerable and increase my drive and willingness to get things done.

What I’ve learned along the way? Word of mouth is still the best and least expensive form of marketing. This industry is all about references more than social media and digital campaigns.

I want the world to know that I’m here for pregnant and postpartum people. I can empathize with them, and I will fight for them. I also support any family structure and will never tell you how to parent but encourage you to do what you believe is right for your wellness, your new baby, and your family.

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If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d definitely hike. Palmer Park is great for beginners and provides a nice view of the city. I’d also take them to the trails on the Air Force Academy base. There are some nice ones there, and you can trust that the area is pretty secure.

We’d definitely have to eat at Mother Muffs, Piglatin, and High-Grade Jamaican Restaurant and Bar (or their food truck). I’m half Jamaican so this is a necessity.

I’d take them to Manitou Springs to visit because it’s the coolest and quaintest place in my opinion. We’d also walk around Old Colorado City and visit the stores there. My favorite would have to be Mavi Turkish Arts.

Then we’d probably do some Yoga at Cambio Yoga.

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Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this to all the mother figures in my life who’ve sacrificed so much and executed mothering with grace, grit, and resilience.

Website: https://www.flowernfoxdoula.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flower.n.fox.doula/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557003115990

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlowernFoxDoulaLLC

Other: Spotify podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PiU9jMC7XkX5RMc3J6Oxs?si=5a1256d7170644c2

The Southern Colorado Doula Collective I’m a member of: https://socodoulaco.wixsite.com/southerncoloradodoul/meetourteam

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Image Credits
First image is by Melissa Krisco, fellow doula and photographer from Pueblo, CO

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.