We were lucky to catch up with Kiara Arnold recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kiara, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Within my professional career, I’ve typically been the only Black woman on my team or a part of a very small number in a department. Over the years I’ve learned the importance of leaning into and owning who I am. It wasn’t always easy, and it can be very intimidating especially in male-dominated industries. I can only show up as me – and knowing that there is only one me has allowed me take up space and be proud of that. I rather walk that journey alone now so that the young Black women after me won’t have to face some of the same adversities I did.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Heyyy y’all! I’m Kiara, a fashion and lifestyle content creator, storyteller and the founder of Chic in Sneaks, a platform that encourages Black and Brown women to explore their own personal style while incorporating sneakers. On my platform you’ll see all things related to clothes, sneakers, wine, whiskey and overall vibes. I’m a 30-something navigating through life, running small businesses and putting it on display so you can have some real things to relate and connect to. I’m your long lost internet cousin!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I didn’t quit, I’m forever a student of life and I’ve cultivated a community that pushes me forward. Resilience is less about being strong and more about understanding you can’t do everything on your own. As someone that was raised to be very hyper-independent, I’ve learned to lean on my partner, family and friends in difficult life moments. What good is it to be the “go-to” person for those around you but then self-isolate when you’re experiencing tough times? Reciprocity is a blessing and I’m grateful to have that within my circle. Life circumstances have slowed me down in more ways than one, but I didn’t give up. I didn’t give up on my dreams, my goals or the things I know God has promised me.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Learning how to lean into and embrace life’s changes. I’ve experienced huge changes this year from being laid off, navigating grief, and relocating to a larger metropolitan city. Fighting change doesn’t make it easier on you or those around you. God has shown His faithfulness to me time and time again – so I’m grateful that my reset will only further propel me forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chicinsneaks.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/chicinsneaks?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@chicinsneaks?si=krYYmg4G4vZ5e8eR
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chicinsneaks?_t=8i8EtNtvPHa&_r=1
Image Credits
Joseph Evans III
