Uplifting the Community with Grace and Grit

Women are the soul of the community

Tracie is a testament to grit, growth, and grace in a world where resilience often goes unrecognized. A proud Brooklyn native now residing in Virginia’s Hampton Roads, Tracie’s story is one of deep passion for helping others, particularly the most vulnerable members of our society: children and families. With over two decades of experience in the human services field and the recent launch of her agency, Harmony Heights, Tracie’s mission is clear: uplift, empower, and guide the next generation toward a brighter future.

The spark behind Harmony Heights was ignited years ago during her time as a case manager for convicted felons transitioning back into society. Tracie wasn’t just assisting with logistics like vital records and housing—she was providing life skills that her clients could carry for the rest of their lives. “I always had the vision of starting my own business offering services to children,” she recalls. Harmony Heights now fulfills that vision, offering programs to help teens transition smoothly into independent living with the tools they need to succeed.

She reflects on a moment that genuinely reaffirmed her purpose. Running into a former client who had turned his life around thanks to her help, he wanted to thank her for being “straight up.” These affirmations fuel her to continue her impactful work in the community.

“2024 had a rough start,” Tracie shares candidly. After struggling with a failing business model at her previous venture, She Chic Consulting, she was financially and emotionally drained. The pandemic had left her burnt out, juggling too much for too long. But as with any powerful woman’s story, the darkest moments often lead to the most profound breakthroughs. Tracie’s breakthrough came when she joined a church and learned the year’s theme would be “Release.”

When I saw the word ‘Release’, I was a ball of tears. God was speaking directly to me.

It was okay to let go. That moment of spiritual connection marked a turning point in her life. “God carried me through the first half of 2024,” she adds, with a sense of gratitude and newfound strength. With her faith renewed, she purposefully embraced the next chapter of her life.

The pandemic taught Tracie one of the most challenging but necessary lessons: balance. “Balance comes with boundaries,” she affirms, reflecting on her learning to say no. Like many women, she had spent years being “everybody’s everyone.” But as she learned to reclaim her time—taking herself out, prioritizing self-care, and leaning on her supportive husband, Jay—she discovered that saying no isn’t just okay; it’s essential.

“My husband has been a blessing,” Tracie notes. “He taught me not to stress over things I can’t control and that it’s okay to put myself first.” This realization has not only helped her recharge but also enabled her to pour even more love and attention into her work with Harmony Heights and her family.

Through her workbook, *A Girl’s Guide to Writing BOSS Goals*, Tracie empowers women to turn their dreams into actionable goals. One of the most fulfilling aspects of her work is the impact her book has had on other women. During a goal-setting session, she met a woman who had just retired from the military but felt “behind” because her friends were progressing in their civilian careers. Tracie’s wisdom shifted the conversation, encouraging the woman to recognize her 20-year service as a significant accomplishment and to celebrate it fully. Moments like this illustrate why Tracie’s passion for uplifting women will continue to resonate far and wide.

By helping women write and plan for their future, I know I’m playing a part in making the entire community better.

Tracie’s journey is far from over. Harmony Heights is just starting, and she’s excited to see how it will grow and evolve. But when asked about the legacy she hopes to leave, her answer is simple yet profound: “I hope my legacy is that my business takes care of its employees and clients and that people know my heart was genuine.”

In a world that often overlooks the power of community, Tracie is not just contributing—she’s building. Her compassion, authenticity, and resilience legacy grows stronger with every life she touches.

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