Meet Danicqua Starr

We recently connected with Danicqua Starr and have shared our conversation below.

Danicqua , 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?

From a very young age ; my unique style was an artistic expression that represented ; who I am. . I pride myself on my uniqueness , never desiring to be nor look like anyone other than myself . (being the main character in my story so to speak.)
I always perform on my own stage even to this day; I live in my own world doing the things that make me happy. My peace and happiness has always been my main focus even as a child.
My early childhood years living with my mother in the Aspen Street projects was traumatizing, depressive often a constant emotional roller coaster never knowing what to expect. My mother was a drug dealer whom had no time for me but would leave “shoe box money” for me to pay for what I wanted.
As an adolescent ; I learned to find pleasure in the small things in life that decreased my stress . I had a daily routine comprised of tv shows like : Different Strokes, The Jeffersons, and The Jetsons; after I would go to the arcade and play Mrs. Pac-Man until a hour until closing to go to Tony’ Pizzeria for my antipasto salad dinner and go home everyday.
I was always alone with no regards of time because nobody was home looking or waiting for me. Nobody cared nor was worried until things went wrong,in their lives then I was the problem or scapegoat that became a human punching bag.
I dove deep inside of myself and I found my imagination, creativity my world. I wished and day dreamed of being on stage , I danced and sang. I draped colorful towels about my head and curtains around my waist , and walked around in my mother’s shoes.
As I got older I became more eccentric eclectic with my thoughts, passions and the way I dressed. Each of my growing stages, it was a different expression of dress. My first watch was a green Swatch with the open face that displayed the nuts , bolts and spring pins moving around in it. High school just men boxers shorts a T shirt and sneakers.
Authentically being me is what attracts other people to me. My uniqueness my style because there will never be anyone like me in the room. I believe it’s God’s custom design for me. My weird or quirkiness intrigues people. The compliments that follow always seem to have others wanting too know more about me. I then became more of the center piece in the room despite being the only one there that looks like me.
I am also very compassionate, intuitive and have developed the ability to hold a conversation with anyone from any walk of life. I’m a great listener and people like to be heard and most importantly understood something I am always willing to do.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My brand is called “ Ouch7 “ it stands for Overcoming Unusual Circumstances honorable 7 Master. My company is targeted to help men women and children become whole again spiritually ; I call it “ picking up your pieces.” Ouch7 is holistic brand that services in relationship therapy. Topic on parenting, motherhood , fatherhood family and other relationship dynamics. We also have an Ouch 7 apparel line and other holistic products that will be available very soon.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

My resilience, compassion and self awareness are the qualities that has impacted my life the most ; they have allowed me to overcome my unusual circumstances while honoring God’s plans for my life.
In order to improve these spiritual practices you must be open and willing to be guided by God and move through this worldly world with integrity.
Your trials and tribulations have to be acknowledged ; that pain and suffering must be felt in order to heal. Your strength comes from not becoming bitter, fearful or angry with the doubts or lack of support from others due to their failures and limited knowledge of the power of God.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When feeling overwhelmed; I reconnect with my inner child. I love to color , paint, listen to music, play video games , complete jigsaw puzzles, swim , go to the park or watch romantic comedy films.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Wonderfullymade4this
• Facebook: Ouch7 apparel
• Youtube: Herbaltee777

Image Credits

Wyteba Starr
Ouch7 Inc.