Somalia Alsobrooks: CEO, Anti-Sex Trafficking Advocate, & Founder of the Restored Voices Empowerment Ministry and Movement.
When we first met Somalia in 2016, we touched on her work as a PR professional with the American Chemical Society. Today the whole landscape has change based on two words God spoke to her in her prayer journal, which led this enterprising young woman to launch Restored Voices Ministry. Since that time, the ministry has grown tremendously and even become a movement. Then her mantra was, No More Missed Opportunities, now in 2017 it is, Year Of Accomplishment. In this season of accomplishment she has created a new business- See It In Writing, using her gift to help others succeed. We are overjoyed about how Somalia has progressed since our initial interview! She is living a restored life; after relinquishing the baggage of past hurts and self-esteem issues, she shifted to find true identity, joy, confidence and an abundance of freedom in God, while helping others do the same. Please read on to hear about where she currently is in this journey and we pray that it will inspire you in your journey to restoration. We are honored and blessed to highlight Somalia once again and to also share her new story of empowerment that is full of #StyleAndSubstance
See her original interview here
Somalia let's discuss what you do professionally and your involvement with Human Trafficking advocacy.
I am the Founder and CEO of See It in Writing where our credo is to, “Create a new you on paper for a more confident you in person.” We bridge your brand, business, passion, ideas, and profession to captivating language that gets you noticed, paid, and put in demand. Some of our incredible services include resume building and interview coaching, website content development, professional bios, copywriting, and more! I can honestly say that I love what I do… Helping others to succeed (with less stress) is a gift I enjoy reopening everyday.
Yes, I am also an anti-sex trafficking advocate and volunteer with Safe House of Hope in Baltimore, MD. I have been a part of their late-night street outreach team for about two years, which involves being on the frontline and the willingness to step into the world of trafficked survivors, pimps/traffickers, and buyers. I have often been asked if I am ever afraid, but really, I am more afraid of not fulfilling my purpose, than worrying about my safety. Call me crazy, but when you know you are called by God to take action on a specific issue, you have to move on it! I also provide one-on-one mentorship to survivors, so there is little to no room for fear, doubt, worry, or distractions.
What truly inspires you?
Loaded question! Being a champion in the lives of others and making a Godly impact in the world is what inspires me. No matter where I go, I am typically the biggest cheerleader in the room, and I love that about myself! It is always easier to share my Christian faith if first; I have shared my Christian LOVE.
How does your faith play into what you do professionally and how do you find balance in your two worlds - personal and professional - while staying aligned with the Father?
Wow, hands down it’s God’s grace. A while ago I came into the revelation that God’s grace isn’t the license for me to live recklessly. Rather, His grace is the fuel that enables me to accomplish the purpose that He has placed inside of me and to live in total victory while doing so. That said, my hands are in a lot of pots right now, but even when I feel overloaded, I refer back to the passage of scripture found in Nehemiah 8:10 which states, “… Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
As for balance... Enjoying every moment of LIFE is essential. Whether it’s a trip to my beloved Krispy Kreme, quality time with family and friends, or skydiving, taking the time to slow down when necessary is extremely beneficial and actually leads to better productivity!
Please share some advice with others who have interests in what you do and want to get involved with the movement, but don't know where to start.
The advice I would give to others who are interested in anti-sex trafficking work is to know your “why,” please! Know why you want to get involved and the role you want to play. Straight talk – If you come in with the “superhero mentality,” you won’t last long. Seriously. This was the mindset I had initially and quickly learned that I can’t be anyone’s savior. However, what I could be was a mentor, source of encouragement, and friend. If you get involved thinking that you’re going to be the hero that changes someone’s life overnight, it doesn’t work like that. The healing I see take place is a process and requires commitment from, both the advocate and survivor.
Once you know your why, get educated on the facts, volunteer with active organizations in your local community, attend conferences and trainings, and network with other volunteers and/or professionals who are already active leaders and advocates.
Keep in mind, everyone can do something in the fight against sex trafficking, and there are a plethora of ways to get involved. Whether it’s writing a care note to a survivor, donating to an organization, participating in the National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, or assisting with an outreach, the opportunities are endless.
Tell me about the challenges you’ve faced, how you've endured and what keeps you going?
As a business owner, there have definitely been days when I’ve wondered if I bit off more than I could chew. Right now, I’m a solopreneur. So that means I’m the CEO, Office Administrator, Communications Manager, HR, you name it! If something isn’t going right, I have to look in the mirror. That has been difficult as times, but it definitely helps to prevent complacency and quitting, which is not an option.
As for my advocacy work, I will start by saying I don’t know if I will ever forget my first night of street outreach. I was an emotional wreck on the way home. I had watched documentaries, attended multiple conferences and seminars, been through a series of trainings, etc., but actually being on the streets made the existence of domestic sex trafficking a deeper reality. However, I knew I had to reach a point of emotional control in order to be effective. I can handle a lot more now, but I still have moments when I break down… it can get pretty heavy. Ultimately, I draw strength from God and having amazing friends to talk to is a plus.
Moving on to some lighthearted frilly stuff - Fashion & Style! Which designers are you a fan of and what are your favorites stores for shopping?
A girl can never go wrong with BCBG, and I can typically be found in the isles of Lord & Taylor, Zara (I love that store), and NY&Company.
Are there any new trends or concepts in fashion that’s piqued your interest?
I love the shirts that tie up at the collar, floral prints, and there’s nothing like a tailored jacket… It’s a must in every closet.
I have a witty style question that I like asking all you stylish gals of faith, “What’s your Style Innuendo (the way you would like others to consider or view what your style is without you even saying a word when they see you)? How would you describe your overall style – dress, education, personality etc. and how has it evolved from say a few years ago until now?
I want people to see me and think “sophisticated swag,” hands down. Currently, my overall style is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! I’ve discovered a passion for God and for life over the last few years that has been life-changing. With that, came an abundance of freedom. So yeah, if you ask me, I feel like Superwoman.
This blog series is about transforming style from the inside out, therefore, how can one transform their style and faith in a positive progressive manner, and do so without compromise?
Matthew 6:33 is one of my favorite scriptures that states, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” In order to transform our faith, we have to transform our focus. If we seek and keep God first in all that we do, compromise cannot easily have place in our lives. Yes, it will try, but as women of faith, we have the power inside of us to maintain an absolute “NO” against those things that would taint our walk with God.
As it relates to style, I think it is important for people to remember who and what they represent. Remaining current and trendy is important, and going out looking your best matters! I say look in the mirror from EVERY angle when shopping, and make sure what you’re rocking doesn’t compromise your character or values.
What’s next on the horizon for you, what's the next phase for Somalia?
This is a big question...I love it! 2017 is my Year of Accomplishment, so the sun is just rising for me. There will be MAJOR business building for See It In Writing, which makes me feel like a kid on Christmas Eve. In addition to being a business owner, I am also the Founder of Restored Voices, a movement/ministry committed to propelling women to A) Recognize their identity and voice in Jesus Christ; B) Restore their faith in God; and C) Resound their voice of victory. This will be an incredible year for the movement and I look forward to building a dynamic sisterhood with countless women. It is important for me to encourage women to know that they are not voiceless. Like their fingerprint, their voice is the only one of its kind, and all of us hold a God-given greatness that the world needs to hear!
To top it off, I’m packing up and moving to Tampa, FL, where a new life awaits me, but you’ll have to follow me on social media to get the inside scoop on that. This year, I’m determined to work harder, prayer harder, love harder, and live life with no regrets.
To connect with Somalia and to learn more about See It In Writing, Restored Voices or to get involved in anti-sex trafficking advocacy, please connect with her:
FB: www.facebook.com/RestoredVoices and www.facebook.com/SeeItInWriting
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Restored_Voices
IG: @restoredvoicesand @seeitinwriting
www.seeitinwriting.com
www.restoredvoices.com (under construction)
