CentrAL INC! | Central Alabama Business Journal March/April 2023 | Page 57

women to watch

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YOU HAVE TO ACCEPT THE BLESSINGS FROM THE LESSON . DON ’ T QUIT OR GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS . AND IF YOU GET KNOCKED DOWN IT ’ S OKAY . EVERYTHING HAPPENS WHEN IT ’ S YOUR TIME .

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Krishula Edwards has a lot of letters following her name : MPA , MS , ALC , CCTP . The associated licensed counselor is also owner of her own mental health counseling and consulting company called Edwards Essentials and was the first in her family to earn a bachelor ’ s and then master ’ s degrees , too . She ’ s proud of her accomplishments but isn ’ t using them to enrich herself . Edwards is putting what ’ s she ’ s learned in school and her own life experiences to use to help others overcome past pain , leading therapy interventions and therapy sessions for individuals , families and small groups . “ I specialize in trauma , and I really try to help clients dig deeper into their core issues , which usually deals with a past traumatic event ,” she says . And her desire to help others extends beyond her business ’ doors , evident in the time and talents she donates as a volunteer with multiple community organizations .
Firm Foundation : My number one fan and supporter is my daddy . He is now my guardian angel and has been for the last 10 years . He taught me to be strong , independent and just be myself .
Future-Focused :
I am striving to increase my professional knowledge and training , to continue building my brand and company and to BECOME A MENTAL HEALTH EXPERT TO HELP OTHERS . I am striving to obtain more contracts and connections with organizations and companies to better serve them and show that I can bring a wealth of knowledge and insight to those in need of mental health services .
Photography by Grace O ’ Connor .
Helping Hand :
I always give back every chance I get . I feel like giving back is a high priority for me because I know first-hand what it ’ s like to not have . I volunteer at many local organizations including Meals on Wheels , Camp Sunshine and Hope Inspired Ministries . For many years I have mentored students in high school and in college . I am actively involved with the Mayor ’ s Young Professionals Council where I serve as president , am a member of Junior League of Montgomery and also serve as a member of the emotional support team for the Office of Violence Prevention for the City of Montgomery .

LOVE LIST

EDWARDS ’ ALL-TIME FAVES
SHOP : Be . YOU . tiful on Wheels
CUISINE : I love Caribbean food .
SONG : “ I ’ ll Do Your Will ” by Doc Mckenzie and The Gospel Hi-Lites
MOTTO : “ Be ‘ someone ’ for yourself , not ‘ somebody ’ for someone else .”
Top Tip :
I would tell a younger woman or younger person this : HAVE FUN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE LIFE IS FILLED WITH LOTS OF TWISTS AND TURNS .
Personal Best :
I AM VERY PROUD OF MYSELF IN EVERYTHING I HAVE DONE AND OVERCOME . I didn ’ t have much growing up , but I had love , prayer and family . I have gone through so much trauma and adversity in life , but I am still standing .
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