Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexaundria Groves. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alexaundria , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I have learned to adapt to various environments where I might be the only one who looks like me. I do this by making the uncomfortable feel comfortable. I extend myself more than usual, engage in meaningful conversations, and do not try to fit into any specific mold. I have realized over the years that my happiness must be a priority as a form of self-care. I respect myself enough to try new things and meet new people. Often, I have found that many things I enjoy doing do not necessarily align with the interests of individuals in my life. Therefore, the best thing for me is to show up in those spaces, build relationships, and live in my authentic truth. It is not always easy at first, but it is definitely worth it.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a servant leader, who loves life and is a go-getter. Currently, I work with an urban school district where I assist in establishing partnerships and implementing programming for college and career readiness. I am an advocate for my students when they feel like they don’t have a voice. A significant part of my job involves communication for the department, where I enjoy creating creative messaging that positively impacts the community I serve. I also manage a good social media presence for those who are online. Additionally, I serve as a connector between businesses and creatives, helping them establish their brands and services. Moreover, I am one of the founders of Michiana Modeling Workshop, LLC, which assists current and aspiring models in their journey into the fashion industry. We have been in business for two years, and I am proud of the strides we have made. This month, we are beginning our third cycle, and we are excited about the opportunity.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I firmly believe that learning about my leadership, communication, and collaboration styles has played a crucial role in my personal growth and understanding of people as well as myself throughout my journey. Therefore, I would encourage anyone who is reading this to invest in themselves by taking classes or educating themselves about the differences between these styles and how to improve upon what they already possess. It is essential to have difficult conversations with oneself because it can lead to one’s personal development. Although we tend to be our own worst critics, we also possess the power to change what we may feel is hindering our growth.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Typically, my body sends me signals before I start feeling overwhelmed. Over the years, I have learned not to ignore these signals. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I simply disconnect myself from all distractions and spend some time with myself. This means avoiding social media that I find distracting or irrelevant to my work, limiting my consumption of certain types of food or news, and re-evaluating my relationships if necessary. I find that practices like yoga, deep breathing, long showers, listening to music, cleaning, juicing, or watching movies with my kids help me feel grounded. Everyone has their own unique ways of feeling grounded. The key is to do what comes naturally while maintaining healthy boundaries.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.michianamodelingworkshop.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theemoheganbeauty?igsh=dWEwemlla3VpMWNw
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexaundria-g-48026b231?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Keaonna Jean Photography Al Braken Photography Keondra Atwater Makeup Artist Brandon Joplin Photograpy
