We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shadiqua Mcduffie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shadiqua below.
Shadiqua, 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?
Being the only one in the room is a reality I’ve navigated my entire life, both in school and in the workplace. Standing out has taught me resilience, adaptability, and a unique form of leadership that values my individuality.
From a young age, I learned that being different didn’t make me “less than” — it gave me a unique perspective. I embraced my voice, found strength in my identity, and learned to turn situations that felt isolating into opportunities for growth. This experience taught me to read the room carefully, build rapport quickly, and find common ground without compromising who I am.
This journey gave me the drive to start my own company, a place where many generations will eventually carry on my vision of inclusion and diversity. My goal is to create an environment where everyone feels valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. By laying this foundation, I hope to inspire future leaders who will continue breaking barriers and championing inclusivity in every room they enter.
Success for me has come from not only mastering my craft but also from understanding that my unique perspective is a strength. This mindset allows me to inspire others and break down barriers, showing that diversity is an asset in any room.
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?
At Tiny Luxuries, we’re all about creating products that add a touch of magic and excitement to everyday life. Our collection is designed to be playful yet high-quality, bringing joy and a little luxury to self-care routines. What excites me most about Tiny Luxuries is that we’re building a world of products that inspire self-expression and celebrate individuality in an inclusive environment. We want everyone — from children to adults — to feel welcome and inspired by our brand.
Our focus is to become a top brand recognized worldwide for creating beautiful, inclusive products that elevate daily routines. Each item is crafted with love and attention to detail, bringing a little enchantment to anyone who uses it.
We’re thrilled to announce that we’re officially launching on February 1, 2025! With this launch, we’re expanding our collection to include a range of fun and delightful products — from adorable hairbows and luscious lip glosses to nourishing lip balms, fragrant bath bombs, and more. Plus, you can follow us on YouTube and TikTok to stay updated and get a behind-the-scenes look at everything we’re creating. We can’t wait to share this journey with you!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, creativity, and adaptability.
1. Resilience: There were challenges, setbacks, and even moments of self-doubt, but resilience helped me push through and stay focused on my goals. For anyone starting their journey, know that obstacles are part of growth. Building resilience comes from learning to see setbacks as opportunities to grow. Surround yourself with positive influences and always remember why you started — it’ll keep you grounded during tough times.
2. Creativity: Being creative allowed me to turn ideas into products and experiences that resonate with people. Creativity is about thinking outside the box, whether it’s in product design, branding, or problem-solving. For those early in their journey, let inspiration flow from everywhere — stay curious, read, travel, and take risks with your ideas. Experiment with new approaches and trust your instincts; creativity flourishes in spaces where you feel free to express yourself.
3. Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and market needs has been essential. Business and customer preferences shift, and being flexible has helped me keep Tiny Luxuries relevant and in touch with my audience. If you’re just starting, develop adaptability by embracing change rather than fearing it. Always be willing to learn, improve, and respond to feedback, as it will keep your journey dynamic and open to new possibilities.
My advice is to approach your journey with an open mind and a willingness to evolve. These qualities may look different for everyone, but working to develop them will help you stay resilient, inspired, and responsive to whatever comes your way.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to constantly push and motivate me, instilling in me a deep-rooted belief that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. They didn’t just tell me I was capable — they showed me through their actions, sacrifices, and relentless support. No matter how ambitious or uncertain my goals seemed, they were my biggest champions, encouraging me to aim high and never settle.
They taught me that setbacks weren’t failures but opportunities to grow, and they were always there to pick me up and remind me of my strength. Their confidence in me was a steady source of courage and resilience, and it shaped the way I approach every challenge, from personal endeavors to launching my own business.
Having parents who truly believed in my potential made all the difference; it instilled in me a fearless pursuit of my dreams, with the assurance that I had a solid foundation of love and support to rely on.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/32WTtTdmdj1hirTL/?mibextid=K35XfP
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tinyluxuriesoh?si=ffoY1hod8QPY0Xld
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tinyluxuriesoh?_t=8r9PmuZoGeE&_r=1
Image Credits
Myself.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
