Mia “Incouraged” Hailes is the voice behind Inkouraged—an artist, author, speaker, wife, mother of two, and co-leader of the GENIN Youth Ministry at Queen Street Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA. Through poetry, storytelling, digital art, and faith-centered experiences, she helps others transform pain into purpose, restore their identity, and discover hope through Christ.

The name “Incouraged” was born from a defining moment during her time in the military—when fear was loud, but she chose courage anyway. During that season, she was led to the song Encourage Yourself by Donald Lawrence. What began as a song became a lifeline—a reminder to quiet fear, speak life, and strengthen herself from within when no one else could do it for her.

Today, that same principle lives through every aspect of her work and ministry.

As a wife, mother, mentor, and youth leader, Mia is passionate about helping people recognize their God-given value and purpose. Through her poetry, visual art, workshops, and writings, she gives voice to the unspoken—addressing mental health, trauma, identity, healing, and spiritual warfare with honesty, compassion, and faith-driven truth.

Her work does more than inspire—it creates encounters that challenge perspectives, promote healing, and encourage people to become who God created them to be.

What began as one decision to walk in courage has grown into a movement.

And her story—along with the lessons, struggles, victories, and defining moments that shaped her journey—will be shared in greater depth in her newest book, Restoreth My Soul.

Through every word, every visual, every lesson, and every message, Mia “Incouraged” Hailes exists to do one thing:

To help others find the courage to encourage themselves—and remember who God says they are.