The Fortress is a creative healing resource focused on personal growth and transformation. Through blogs, writing workshops/published work, birth work, philanthropy, and media, it provides guidance for overcoming internal struggles, unlocking potential, and creating a positive, supportive environment for change. Its core message encourages individuals to cultivate a better reality from within, promoting healing and self-discovery.

The Fortress was born out of a cultivated creative space for young black artists to release their bearings on burdens, trauma, and generational cycles that promote harder, not smarter, work. Basically, some college kids meeting adulthood, sexual maturity, race, hip-hop, and other cultural influences then talking about it in my room over music and fresh air and liberated (or “hipster”) bedroom aesthetics. Then came, podcast. Then came, service. Then came, workshops. Then came, doula. So you have, a small business that holds values upon matriarchal justice. I, Sharita A. Sims, am a daughter, of a daughter, of a daughter, of a daughter born and raised in New Orleans. I feel things. I represent and serve and for-see. I am here for the prioritized progression and protection of my kin folk.

The Fortress aims to get us free. However that may be.

Self-publishing personal + collectives works.

Consulting new publishers.

Facilitating writing workshops.

Event hosting/performances.

Assisting mothers + families with intentional and holistic prenatal/postpartum care. 

Aiding in nightlife sobriety advocation.

Advocacy for Decarceration.

Youth Advocacy.

Videography.

Photography.

Events.

Mentorship.

Booking:

Feel free to inquire in a message!

Booking varies and sliding scale is considered.

DOULA SERVICES INCLUDE:

  • Prenatal/Labor/Post-Partum Support

  • Minimum 4 Prenatal Visits

  • Minimum 4 Post-Partum Visits

  • Health suggestions in herbal and natural remedies

  • Pregnancy and nutritional suggestions

  • Massage, breathing, and relaxation assistance with partner/family

  • Resource List

  • Diet Suggestions/Shopping List/Meal Planning

  • Residential/Workspace Cleaning Assistance

  • Emotional, Mental, and Physical support

  • Continuous Contact Via Phone(Call/Text) and Email

    Sliding Scale  $300 - $1500

**Fees are sliding scale/need-based, dependent on depth of services. Please give descriptive details in booking message below about needs and desires for accurate pricing. **

As a Doula, the goal is to bring awareness, comfort, and support to the cycle of birthing and health in family dynamics. Through prenatal support (bringing assistance to the family with intentional practices and involvement) to helping families create safe and holistic environments for everyone through natural and mindful approaches. I assist mothers in living happy, healthy, and empowered lives as mothers and women.

From the students:

“Ms. Sharita is very helpful and a positive influence in our lives, even when it’s wild!”

11th grade, Performance Arts

“Aggressive. Demanding. Responsible. She got motion.”

10th grade Media Students

“She’s Sushirita.”

Elgin Armstrong, LSNO Class of ‘23

Student Testimonials:

Ms. Sharita shows me what it means to be a strong independent black woman. She teaches me how to speak confidently and proudly. She taught me how to think outside of the box and to push myself to show my full potential. - Reine M.

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She’s a great teacher and really pushes you to not half do your work but put all of your effort into it. She’s a great role model and I would recommend her to anybody. - Elijah G.

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Ms. Sharita is a great teacher. She isn’t one that wants to control her students or those around her. She is a fun person to be around and her spiritual being is phenomenal. Ms. Sharita is someone I would want to be around all the time. There’s never a dull day with her.

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Ms. Sharita shows me what it means to be a strong independent black woman. She teaches me how to speak confidently and proudly. She taught me how to think outside of the box and to push myself to show my full potential. - Reine M. • She’s a great teacher and really pushes you to not half do your work but put all of your effort into it. She’s a great role model and I would recommend her to anybody. - Elijah G. • Ms. Sharita is a great teacher. She isn’t one that wants to control her students or those around her. She is a fun person to be around and her spiritual being is phenomenal. Ms. Sharita is someone I would want to be around all the time. There’s never a dull day with her. •