Meet Dr. Universe Konadu

Thanks for sharing your story with us Dr. Konadu. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was always a big dreamer and as cliche’ as it sounds, I knew I wanted to make a difference in the world.

After landing my first post-college education job in the field of social services, it was clear to me that I needed to do something creative to help close the huge gap between the youth and families who were being served and the quality of services they were receiving.

As a little brown girl who grew up in the inner city of Dallas, TX, the youngest daughter of a working-class mom raising two children alone, I knew firsthand how idle time and childhood trauma could lead to a path of self-destruction. Because my mother was the sole provider, she often worked 12-hour shifts seven days a week. This meant my sister and I would spend the majority of our afternoons and evenings alone, which would eventually leave plenty of time for mischief. We were what was then termed ‘latch-key’ children, meaning we used our own key [which usually hung on a shoestring around my older sister’s neck] to let ourselves inside and stayed there until our mother arrived. Or, at least, we were supposed to. All of that idle time would ultimately result in poor choice making and a derailing [for lack of a better word – I believe every experience has its purpose] of my life affecting my academics, relational dynamics, focus, etc. However, my introduction to the arts [spoken-word/poetry] would completely change that! Hence, my obsession.

Poetry (spoken-word) saved my life… literally!

One of my fondest memories is Reciprocity: a community space and food co-op cofounded by Tisha Creer and Emmanuel Gillepse that started a huge movement in Dallas, TX where artists/activists would congregate and share solutions to social problems through poetry, music, dance, visual-arts, spoken-word, open discussions and healthy vegan meals (I had no idea what vegan was back then). This was the place to be on Friday nights, and I was there every week! My Friday night revival! In my colorful toe socks… shoes off.

It was open mic night the first time I made my way through the thick gray incense smoke filled room lingering with the aroma of frankincense and myrrh. The butterflies were swarming. I ignored and embraced them with every bold step I took toward the list. I didn’t want to risk my name being called too soon. Therefore, I signed somewhere three quarters of the way down the page. As I sat in anticipation, a voice from the microphone called out U.N.I.VERSE (pronounced you and I verse). It was time. I stepped on the stage and something inside was ignited. Something came alive! For the first time since my elementary school’s oratorical contests, my voice and pain had a platform. All of those destructive emotions I’d been carrying since as far back as I could remember suddenly had a safe place to go to and be heard. Having that transformed me in unimaginable ways. Again, this is why I’m so passionate about the arts, and why they’re so close to my he(art). Poetry (spoken-word) is my SHEro!

I was that high school girl from the inner city going in on teachers and other school personnel, getting expelled, fighting and in the court system [once, for someone calling me a racial slur]; angry: unresolved past hurt that lingers. I was the teenager adults shook their head at because I had ‘so much potential.’ Well, the arts introduced me to that ‘so much potential’ and my life was forever changed… the entire trajectory of it. As a result, I found success in the arts very early in life when my self-published book of poetry [My People, My Poetry] was signed by barnesandnoble.com for major distribution, and I began traveling the world storytelling through spoken-word and music.

Fast forward: Nine years ago, I left Texas and followed my heart to New York City with $22 in my pocket, a dream in my heart and no real solid plan. Although I had no idea what I would do once I arrived, I knew taking the leap was the best path. My intuition had always been on point! About a year and a half after relocating, I was inspired to expand my vision by officially forming a social enterprise. I chose to take a full-fledged dive by registering my company and working full-time as CEO and Chief Creative Visionary.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been a smooth path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
New York City. Twenty-two dollars. No real plan. You do the math!

The only thing smooth in my life at that time was the chocolate protein peanut butter smoothie I’d make every morning for breakfast.

The journey was arduous and often times, lonely; a path definitely not meant for the faint of heart. Everything familiar to me had become but a distant memory etched in my mind of the Dallas Skyline in my rearview mirror.

I had to trust the process.

I accepted odd and freelance jobs to make ends meet and burned the midnight oil at least six nights a week, often 18-20 hours a day, building my business (with lots of help from my then new love interest who is now my life partner). At times, I struggled financially and even had my mother lovingly attempt to convince me to ‘move back home.’ That wasn’t an option! For me, there was only plan A.

I wanted to give up. Hell, I pretty much threw in the towel every other day. However, I’d pick it right back up the next morning and keep it moving. No matter how many valleys I found myself in (and boy were their valleys), I knew if I could somehow muster even an ounce of strength to continue moving forward I’d inevitably find myself at another peak. Just as with each journey before, after all the stress, worry and lots of tears, I’d realize once standing atop the mountain, everything needed for the voyage had already been supplied; I’d been adequately equipped beforehand. Even in the foggiest moments.

I’ve learned from experience that contrast is nothing to be afraid of. When we venture boldly beyond our comfort zones into the unknown – which is usually what we fear most, extraordinary things happen.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Why, of course! I’d love to tell everyone about the work we do. It’s one of my favorite things!

Before my 30-second elevator pitch, let me share some exciting news about our newest project. During Women’s HERstory Month, we’re launching the Universe Konadu Academy for Creative Professionals! In just a few weeks, our first course will be available to anyone interested in having an A to Z practical [and fun] step-by-step guide to starting a business; one that takes all of the footwork out of the start up process. After successfully completing the self-paced, lifetime access course, graduates will have a fully established business that’s ready for operations.*

Okay. Now, the pitch.

We are an organization catered to the divine feminine with a mission to inspire girls and women to re-imagine the trajectory of their lives. Our comprehensive approach is specially designed to empower those who have experienced trauma to audaciously take responsibility for, and reshape their future.

We focus on the ‘whole’ person (spirit mind-body), offering therapeutic services to girls and women through a variety of arts-inspired programs that support their personal and professional growth. The arts are used as a tool for healing and empowerment.

What sets us apart? Well, like grandma’s secret sauce, we’ve added some special ingredients to create our own unique flavor! Not to mention, we are a pretty fly team.

We are comprehensive, specialize in, and have a proven success track for working with women who have experienced trauma and ‘deserving under-served’ girls (because we know the power of words we prefer affirming adjectives to terms like at-risk and high-risk); encompass spirit mind body for total healing; have a Quality Assurance Team that conducts monthly assessments with the individuals and families we serve to ensure the highest quality of services; offer online mentoring; offer girls who successfully complete their program(s) the opportunity to attend any weekly class, at no additional cost, for as long as they’d like; offer an after-hours on-call emergency line as a means of extra support; offer paid relative internship opportunities for girls and UK bucks incentives for parent involvement (i.e. one month rent and/or utilities paid, grocery store gift cards, maid service or professional in-home childcare); have an exclusive sorority for UK alumni.

We teach art-as-therapy (not in the traditional sense – we have developed our own methodology), self-care practices such as meditation and yoga, nutrition & health wellness, academics, and independent living.

I am most proud, as a company, that we are dispelling the taboo surrounding people of African ancestry/black people and mental health. One of the best parts is we get to witness the transformation of those we serve right before our very eyes!

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Human connection. Yes! I feel human connection is most important to my success.

With so many distractions from streaming services to social media to apps that allow us to bring everything we need to our doorstep without ever leaving home or interacting with an actual person, it can be easy to get lost in the technology/artificial intelligence of it all causing major disconnect and isolation.

This is why often times when something tragic happens to someone close to us, whether in proximity or relational dynamic, we are completely dumbfounded and oblivious. We’re in our own world/bubble. We are so diverted from the present moment by virtual reality that we forget the value in making genuine human connections.

People all over the globe are hurting and everyone wants to know they matter.

Small things like holding the door open for the person behind me, giving a warm smile to the stranger passing by, greeting the grocery store cashier by name, offering a compliment, asking how someone’s day is going and really listening, etc. makes a huge difference. Not only in the life of the one who is on the receiving end, but also in the life of the one who is the giver.

So, yes! There it is. Human connection is pivotal to my personal and professional success.