Gocha Hawkins Champions Healing for Childhood Abuse Survivors Through Foundation
(L TO R) "Wake Up With Dee Morning Show" Host Dr. Dee Dawkins Haigler "owner of Gocha's Tapas Bar and Gocha's Breakfast Bar and former cast member of WEtv's LA Hair and Bold and Bougie on Amazon Prime" Gocha Hawkins
Photo credit Dr. Dee Dawkins Haigler, Gocha Hawkins
Detroit-born entrepreneur behind Gocha’s Breakfast Bar and Gocha’s Tapas Bar Gocha Hawkins, joined the "Wake Up With Dee Morning Show" to speak with host Dr. Dee Dawkins Haigler about her Foundation and its mission to provide free counseling and support for children who have experienced sexual molestation and physical abuse.
Ms. Hawkins said she launched the nonprofit to give young survivors the safe space and professional help she never had growing up.
“I went to a lot of adults, and no one listened. No one believed me,” Ms. Hawkins said. “I didn’t want that to happen to other kids if I could help it.”
Ms. Hawkins shared that unresolved childhood trauma led to poor decisions she might have avoided with earlier intervention. She cited statistics that one in seven girls and one in eight boys experience sexual abuse and stressed the importance of creating environments where children feel comfortable speaking without fear of judgment or family denial.
The foundation offers free counseling, self-esteem workshops, and mentorship programs. Ms. Hawkins said the work is deeply personal and fuels everything else she does.
After a 30-year career as a hairstylist that included appearances on two seasons of WE tv’s “L.A. Hair” and the reality series “Bold and Bougie,” Ms. Hawkins opened her first Gocha’s Breakfast Bar in 2018 on Atlanta’s southwest side. She said she was frustrated that residents in the area, home to several mayors and prominent figures, had few healthy dining options beyond fast food.
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.
Featured Image Photo Credit: Dr. Dee Dawkins Haigler, Gocha Hawkins
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Appearing on WAOK’s “Waking Up With Dee,” Hawkins said she launched the nonprofit to give young survivors the safe space and professional help she never had growing up.
“I went to a lot of adults, and no one listened. No one believed me,” Hawkins told host Dee. “I didn’t want that to happen to other kids if I could help it.”
Hawkins, who has lived in Atlanta since 2010, shared that unresolved childhood trauma led to poor decisions she might have avoided with earlier intervention. She cited statistics that one in seven girls and one in eight boys experience sexual abuse and stressed the importance of creating environments where children feel comfortable speaking without fear of judgment or family denial.
The foundation offers free counseling, self-esteem workshops, and mentorship programs. Hawkins said the work is deeply personal and fuels everything else she does.
After a 30-year career as a hairstylist that included appearances on two seasons of WE tv’s “L.A. Hair” and the reality series “Bold and Bougie,” Hawkins opened her first Gocha’s Breakfast Bar in 2018 on Atlanta’s southwest side. She said she was frustrated that residents in the area — home to several mayors and prominent figures — had few healthy dining options beyond fast food.
The original Fayetteville location was quickly followed by a second breakfast bar on Cascade Road, Gocha’s Tapas Bar on Campbellton Road, and a food truck. A fourth concept, Gocha’s All Day, is under construction in Atlantic Station with a planned March opening.
Hawkins uses restaurant profits to fund the foundation and said her businesses have become places of healing in their own right. “We’re healing people in the restaurants,” she said.
She urged listeners to get involved through volunteering — especially licensed counselors — or donations. The foundation is also preparing Christmas initiatives and continues year-round programming.
“We’re always looking for volunteers … people to come and join the organization,” Hawkins said.
More information is available at GochaIlluminationFoundation.org and GochasBreakfastBar.com.
