We recently connected with Melvina Bryant and have shared our conversation below.
Melvina , so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
I persist despite haters and naysayers by focusing on my inner strengths and staying true to my purpose. I remind myself that their negativity often reflects their insecurities, not my abilities. I use my childhood experience of spending time alone, reading, and writing poetry to sharpen my focus and visualize my goals. I filter out unhelpful criticism, surround myself with supportive people, and turn negativity into motivation. Self-care, gratitude, and celebrating progress keep me grounded. Ultimately, I trust my journey, keep learning, and stay committed to moving forward, no matter what others say. I practice my faith by loving others and treating them as I would like to be treated. I sow, grace, peace, love, and understanding so that I will reap the same.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’d love to share a bit about my journey and what I’m currently focused on professionally. I’ve spent much of my life finding strength and creativity in solitude, which shaped my unique perspective and deepened my passion for meaningful expression.
Today, I’m channeling that passion into my work, which revolves around helping others find clarity and direction in their own lives, whether through real estate, community building, or other ventures. I’m especially focused on connecting with people who might feel overlooked or unheard.
I’m currently involved in several exciting projects that reflect my passion for personal growth, spiritual connection, and community support. I’m writing a new book titled “Don’t Compete, Don’t Compare, Don’t Complain, CONFESS,” which explores the spiritual concept of faith through the power of confessions. This book delves into the transformative impact of embracing your truth, finding your voice, and connecting with a deeper faith without the pressures of competition or comparison. It’s a message close to my heart, and I’m thrilled to share this journey with readers who are looking to strengthen their spiritual lives.
On another front, I’m launching Pooh Polly’s Beauty Station, a unique retail experience that focuses not only on the beauty of Black women but also on their health. This venture is more than just a beauty shop—it’s a space dedicated to understanding and addressing the specific needs of Black women, particularly those experiencing menopause. It’s about creating a supportive environment where beauty meets wellness, and I’m so excited to see how this new concept will empower and uplift our community.
My work also extends to giving back through nonprofit efforts. I’m actively involved in providing hygiene packs to the homeless, ensuring they have access to basic necessities and dignity. This initiative is about more than just the packs; it’s about reaching out with compassion and understanding, recognizing the humanity in each person we serve.
Additionally, I’m channeling my creativity into songwriting, particularly worship songs, to cultivate a more personal and intimate relationship with God. Through music, I seek to create a space for others to connect with their spirituality, express their faith, and find solace and inspiration.
All of these endeavors come together to form a collection of my commitment to personal growth, spiritual depth, community engagement, and genuine connection. I’m excited about where this journey is headed and eager to continue sharing my work with those who resonate with these values.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most important qualities that have shaped my journey are resilience, empathy, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Resilience: I’ve learned to stay strong and keep pushing forward, even when faced with challenges or negativity. The ability to focus on a final outcome, something I developed as a child through poetry, has helped me navigate tough times. For anyone just starting out, I’d say: embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and see setbacks as steps toward your ultimate goal.
Empathy: Connecting with others on a deeper level has been at the core of everything I do, from writing worship songs to launching a beauty station that truly understands the needs of Black women. To those beginning their journey, I recommend truly listening to others and striving to understand their perspectives. It builds trust and creates meaningful relationships.
Continuous Learning: I’ve always been eager to learn and grow, whether it’s through writing my book, developing a new business, or engaging in nonprofit work. My advice is to stay curious and keep learning—never stop seeking knowledge and new experiences. This mindset will help you adapt and thrive no matter where your path leads.
By nurturing resilience, empathy, and a love for learning, I’ve been able to stay true to my purpose and continue moving forward, and I believe these qualities can help anyone on their journey too.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
The most impactful book in my life has been the Bible. I began truly studying it at 19 years old, but my journey with it started much earlier. At 13, I was the only one in my household going to church, and it was during this time that I experienced a profound realization of spirituality. This early commitment led me to embrace the principles and practical teachings of the scriptures, which have challenged and deeply transformed my life.
For me, the Bible has been a source of profound wisdom and guidance. I’ve come to understand that wisdom is the principal thing—it’s the foundation upon which all understanding and discernment are built. Love is the most powerful force; it transcends all circumstances and binds us together in unity. Forgiveness is essential; it liberates us from the chains of bitterness and opens the door to healing.
I see hope as the eyes that look toward the hill, always seeking and striving for something greater. Faith is the ears that listen for the right actions to take, guiding us in alignment with divine purpose. And peace is the feet that carry us forward, moving us toward where we need to be in life.
These lessons from the Bible have shaped every part of my journey, reminding me to walk in wisdom, love deeply, forgive freely, and stay anchored in hope, faith, and peace
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.poohpollysbeauty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pooh.polly.beauty
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pooh.polly.beauty
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pooh-polly-s-beauty-station
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@poohpollysbeauty_station
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