We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zhané Dupree. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zhané below.
Zhané, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Ever since I was a child I always had high energy. I was this ‘shy’, obedient little person on the outside; but whether I was physically playing outside or just even mentally curious about something… I’ve always had this consistent high energy. I needed to know how and why the grass was green & the sky was blue, and if you did not have the ‘correct’ answer for me, I was going to get them myself.
And I just remember being young and marinating on that specific thought and being curious about the world since then.
Other than the simple fact that I’d like to say I was born this way (ha)….Growing up in a community where people did not have a lot did or just couldn’t accompany their vision to see more, really put this battery in my back to want more out of life.
I grew up around less ‘role models’ and more people that I did not want to be like.
I was always book smart, but it took my adolescent years to recognize the artistic talents that I have, take life into my own hands, and run with it.
I just always felt like why stop there? There’s more to life. There’s more to see. There’s more to do. Why should you limit yourself when you are in a position where opportunity is handed to you or available. Better yet, go (?) The world is your oyster.
I believe that we all face adversity in this lifetime and no one leaves Earth without feeling pain. Over the years I have built a strong character and kept faith.
I do not want to live a life with any regrets or feel like I missed an opportunity when it was given to me, regardless if I excelled at it or not because the least I can say is that I was able ‘to do’. I was able to experience.
I see life as a gift.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a nail technician that is currently back in retail transitioning to a visual merchandising career in fashion. I love the creativity and flexibility that comes with both jobs.
I am my own boss. I love being in a positon that not only supports my freedom, but I can connect with the world around me. There is some diplomacy that comes with it that adds balance to my life purpose. That diplomacy is sharing. Sharing with others as they share with me. Wether if it’s from exchanging stories, preferences or outfits.
Any artist and/or creative can tell you that there is no amount of money that can replace the feeling of creating. Absolutely none. It is a gift.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Be universally open minded as possible, or at least have patience with yourself to get there because it does come with life experience. We share this world and we all live by different realities. Getting to know others as you would yourself will give you patience, understanding and expand your creativity.
2) Spending time in solitary encourages growth. When you elevate in good ‘spirit’, you elevate in fashion.
3) Being persistent and optimistic. You are going to experience failure in life. Maybe fewer than others, maybe more than others. Maybe you’ll have the consistency of going up, or maybe you’ll have the consistency of just going down and feeling like nothing is going your way. That is a growing opportunity. You shouldn’t take adversity too personal, as if the world is against you. Instead, figure out why. Be curious. Optimism invites hope. Don’t fall victim into being stagnant.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The biggest and number one obstacle I am currently facing is getting over my ego. As slightly embarrassed I am to admit that, it is true.
I realized as I was trying to expand more into my career path as a visual merchandiser, I felt very limited and it was not because of my talents… it was because of me.
I wasn’t being patient and I felt like I was owed, when in reality… nobody owes you anything. (Except loyalty)
I was moving too fast and life became somewhat uncomfortable for me involving my career, but that made me think about my life and re-evaluate myself.
I am learning to take a step back and relax and enjoy what I have instead of trying to rush. I am teaching myself patience day by the day.
Staying inspired keeps me going.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/zhane1of1
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/quassia.dupree
