We had the good fortune of connecting with A’Jah Moore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi A’Jah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My mentorship program, The Purposeful Girl, stems from my own story of struggling with my self-esteem and identity as a child. TPG first started as a YouTube channel in 2019 for girls and women of all ages seeking Christ-like community and encouragement. But in 2021, I had what I like to call a breakthrough moment in my own personal life, and my purpose became clear. I no longer wanted to allow my insecurities, struggles, or even past traumas to deter me from walking in my purpose, so I started hosting workshops in the DFW area titled “Accepted Not Rejected,” where I teach young girls how to grow in self-confidence and self-love and find their purpose. The funny thing about the name of the workshop is that it was actually an affirmation written on my mirror for myself, but after praying about what the name of the workshop should be, I felt like God told me it was it. Starting this has come with many bumps in the road. There have been plenty of times I’ve felt unqualified, unworthy, or even questioned along the way if this was really something God called me to do. But as I continued to trust God and step out on faith, I’ve been able to see actual fruit in the lives of those I’ve encountered and my own from the decision to say yes.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a middle school English Language Arts & Reading teacher! I’ve been a teacher for 3 years now, and I truly do love what I do! Becoming a teacher wasnt always in my plans. In fact graduting college, I was unsure of what exactly I wanted to do. I was working as a director for an afterschool program and had an epiphany moment. I realize I wanted to make a greater impact with the students, so I started pursuing my teacher certification.

What I believe what sets me apart as a teacher is that I have a way of being corrective but still showing love to my students. I believe it’s rare to embody both. I’ve learned that students crave discipline and structure they just don’t always know how to ask for it. Teachers are literally second parents to students and for me it’s important that while they’re in my caring I’m shaping them to become the leaders I know they can be. Something I’ve found is that kids care less about what you know and more about if you care. The most important things I want students to feel when they walk into my classroom are love and safety, and over the years, I can truly say I’ve been successful in that area. Now, don’t get me wrong, teaching isn’t always easy. If I had to compare teaching to a candy, I’d compare it to a Sour Patch Kid. Sometimes it’s sour, sometimes it’s sweet, but for some reason, you keep going back to it because you truly do love the kids.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting the city, I’d already have the entire weekend planned. First things first, we’re getting cute and going to brunch. I’d take them to a restaurant I’ve never tried before so we could experience something new together. After brunch, I’d want us to do something interactive like a pottery class, tufting, painting, or candle making, just something hands-on and fun. Later, we’d head to a cute area to walk around, do a little shopping, or visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden because a good photo op is always a yes. That night, we’d catch some live jazz at a lounge, go to dinner, and honestly, I’d probably want to stay out all night, just being a girl and having fun.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve been blessed to have such a strong tribe of people who have supported, pushed, and shaped me to the woman I am today. First shout-out goes to my mother, Tanya Hollins. Without her as an example of what it means to be God-fearing, an entrepreneur, hardworking, virtuous and so much more, I would not have the values I have today and been introduced to the Lord at such a young age. She truly has set a great foundation for me and the mindset I have today. She’s always there to provide wisdom when making tough decisions and reminds me of the person I’m called to be. Love you mom! I would like to thank my dad. His story inspires me. I’ve wondered where I get my unwillingness to give up and give in, no matter how hard life gets, and after reflecting, I’ve come to realize that I get it from him! Love you dad!

At the age of 17, my mother sent my sister and I to a summer camp called C4: Christian, Character, College, and Career, where I met my mentor and spiritual mother, April Bowman. God sent her at such a pivotal time in my life, and I truly don’t know where I’d be had I not been connected to her. She has walked with me through so many critical seasons of my life, and continues to pour into so many ways I can’t even count. She has always seen the woman of God that I was destined to be and never let me forget it in tough seasons! Love you Ms.April!

Last but not least, I have to give a big shout-out to my church & my pastors, Pastor Joshua and Charmecia Okpara! Since being at Faith Filled Church, I’ve grown in ways that I had prayed for. In wholeness, financially, mentally, emotionally, in leadership, you name it! Being a leader here, I seen such a shift in my life and literally felt like the Lord catapulted me into the place that I’m in right now. Where you’re planted matters! My Pastors have always spoken and continues to speak life over me. It’s so good and trusting to know you have people in your corner who don’t see you where you are, but they see where you’re going and continue to push you forth into that place! I love you guys!

Website: www.purposefulgirl.com

Instagram: ajahmoore_

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ajahm

Twitter: ajahmoore_

Facebook: AJah Moore

Youtube: www.youtube.com/ajahmoore

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