We had the good fortune of connecting with Aytia Tarpley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aytia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The impetus for starting my business stemmed from recognizing a gap within my community. Broward County excels in educating the public about human trafficking and offering support to survivors. However, I observed a notable absence of survivor voices contributing to these discussions and providing training on the subject. As a survivor of human trafficking myself, I felt compelled to address this gap by becoming a prominent advocate and consultant. I believe that those with firsthand experience offer unparalleled insights into the issue.

I established my consultancy to facilitate easier access for individuals seeking guidance on human trafficking matters. Additionally, I sought to create a platform where my contributions are valued and protected. I am committed to ATC as a personal investment, dedicated to its growth and success. My motivation is further strengthened by my faith; I am confident that with divine guidance, I am equipped to achieve my goals and fulfill my purpose.

What should our readers know about your business?
At Aytia’s Consulting, our mission is to foster community education and empower service providers regarding critical issues such as sexual abuse, the challenges and opportunities within child welfare systems, and the intricacies of trauma. ATC brings a wealth of knowledge gained through personal experience, formal education, and professional expertise as a social worker and survivor mentor, particularly in areas including human trafficking, sexual abuse, and child welfare systems.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Okay, the first stop is breakfast at Waffle House. I wouldn’t be a Miami “Mami” if I didn’t take my friend jet ski riding on South Beach or ATV riding. Afterward, we could have lunch at Joe & The Juice, or skip lunch and take some aesthetic pictures at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. If it’s a Sunday dinner, we’re heading to Smitty’s in Lauderdale, or we could hop on the Jungle Queen Yacht to soak up the city vibes, or head to Shooters Waterfront. Lastly, I wouldn’t be a ‘Jesus girl’ if I didn’t take you to church.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, after God, of course, I would love to publicly thank Mrs. Jumorrow Poitier. She is the founder of SHEMEHER, Inc., and also serves as the Director of Community Outreach and Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator for the Broward County State Attorney’s Office. I remember meeting Jumorrow at a podcast taping when she explained her occupation to me before we started filming. I felt a warmth travel through my body, and tears began to flow because, since my human trafficking experience almost a decade prior, I hadn’t spoken about it. I had been good at suppressing and hiding things in my heart. The moment I met her, my pain surrounding human trafficking stopped hiding; it was present, and the tears rolling down my face made it evident. She was a lighthouse, a beacon, and I felt safe with her. Five years later, she is still that lighthouse and beacon, gentle and patient with me, giving me strict guidance and boundaries when needed. Most of all, she made me feel seen and heard. Her support has never wavered, and outside of God, who is the orchestrator of all things, she is single-handedly responsible for a major part of my success.

Second, a book that I will never forget that helped me on this journey is Love After Heartbreak by Stephan Labossiere, which was about forgiveness and healing a broken heart.

Website: www..aytiaconsults.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aytiaconsults/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aytia-tarpley-0bb7ba184/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aytiaconsults/

Image Credits
1st Photo : Training with BSO on Human Trafficking
2nd Photo; International meeting information officials on Human Trafficking
3rd Photo: Panilest of FrontlineResponse with other survivors.
4rd Photo: Selfie With Jumorrow Poitier

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