Written By: Jessica L. Dupree
With all odds stacked against me, I had a mustard seed of faith, perseverance, and consistency for me to overcome everything that was meant to destroy me.
HamiltonDavis, Inc. co-founder and CEO Marie Hamilton-Abston is no stranger to challenges or success. Hamilton-Abston, alongside her business partner Essie Florence, has become the first Black woman in the state of Mississippi to open an Opioid Treatment Center.
At the age of 9, Hamilton-Abston watched her family fall apart when her mother lost a battle with addiction. She would later start her own business in the kitchen of her home charging clients ten dollars for the various hair styling services she offered.
“My mother became addicted when someone laced what was recreational smoking with a more serious drug. As a child that was very traumatic for me because I knew what it was like to have my mother in my life then I watched with time as she drifted away from me emotionally and physically.”
But Hamilton-Abston would overcome the odds stacked against her. From starting her own hair business at the age of 12 to overcoming a teenage pregnancy, she proved time and time again that she would not be constrained by life’s events.
“Being a mother is my greatest blessing and gives me every reason to strive to be the best version of myself I can possibly be. With all odds stacked against me, I had a mustard seed of faith, perseverance, and consistency for me to overcome everything that was meant to destroy me,” she tells Heart & Soul.
The history-making businesswoman and reality TV star recently sat down with Heart & Soul for a conversation on becoming the first Black woman in Mississippi to open an Opioid Treatment Center, building a multi-million dollar empire, and sharing advice to aspiring businesswomen.
Since opening up your first business 25 years ago you’ve built a multi-million-dollar health care empire. When did you realize that you would have a successful career in business for yourself?
25 years ago, I shared my vision with my brother of owning a multi-million-dollar business but did not know the industry or how I would make that happen. I am a firm believer in the power of the tongue and being able to create the life your heart desires. In the first year of my career, my work ethic was unmatched and I knew instantly I was gifted and had a special calling over my life. I wanted to succeed just as badly as I wanted to breathe and failing was never an option for me. I have favor over my life and everything I touch multiplies. I am a huge risk taker, I bet on myself, and I always win.
What inspired you to establish Opioid Treatment Centers throughout Mississippi?
My mother’s long-term addiction to drugs inspired me to do extensive research to determine a need and become educated in order to accurately and successfully write an opioid treatment policy to provide quality services with ethics and integrity. Establishing multiple Opioid Treatment Centers throughout Mississippi will help address the nation’s opioid addiction and overdose epidemic.
What is unique about the experience and treatment that you offer to at-risk youth and addicts through your mental health/Opioid Treatment Center?
HamiltonDavis Mental Health, Inc. licensed clinical staff is educated on Opioid Use Disorder providing withdrawal management services to people suffering from a chronic addiction to opioids / opioid derivatives. Our services support the person by utilizing methadone, buprenorphine (including buprenorphine-naloxone formulations), naltrexone, and other medications approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while the person participates in a spectrum of counseling and other recovery support services intended to assist the person with successful recovery from opioid addiction.
What is your advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Be clear on your vision because it’s vital in order to carry out your mission and values. Prepare mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially. Conduct extensive research and become educated on the industry.
Follow Marie Abston on IG @marie_monroe_certified.