We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alicea Joy Davis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alicea Joy , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I had imposter syndrome BAD! I believe it was a worse case scenario. I was painting by the water in a park in my previous city, and this wealthy looking lady and her small son came by to watch me paint. They asked, “Are you an artist?” and I answered, “No.” THIS was while I was in the middle of one of the most beautiful paintings I sold that week from the riverfront. It took a while before I called myself an artist, about a month of selling pieces I came along. I was studying with masters at the time. These artist had already named me an artist along side with them, but I had to believe in the gift God had given me. I overcame with words of encouragement from artist, my husband and my family!…and sales, of course! All the work I am blessed with brings others feelings of emotional mending so my clients encouraged me the most!!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As an entrepreneur, I am relaunching my clothing line in the spring. I will have unifying words and mood lifting images from my paintings for others to have a “GOOD DAY” in. We see what we wear all day long and it should make us feel great to represent what we believe in if it’s healing especially. There will be bright blues for those who are in the middle of their mental health journey and vivid colors for those who have overcome battles of depression or anxiety. Serious diagnoses like bipolar, schizophrenia, or any phobia have precious souls that I want to reach too. I’ve had all of those diagnoses and overcome everyday. My work shows my passion for the healing, definitely those with racial anxiety! My book, The Sky Is Not The Limit can aid in helping these individuals.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Resilience- When someone rejects your work, they are not rejecting you. If they are prejudice they are still not rejecting who you are, just the totally incorrect form of you in their heads so pray for them!!
Belief- If you have depression, believe you can get out of bed. Some therapist want you to come back as a regular for their paycheck and won’t release you with the words of empowerment that they know you need. Believe your struggles are temporary and healing will proceed in your life. It will get easier with God.
Consistency- Whether it’s once a day, once a week, or once a month, do SOMETHING that you would do for free and maybe one day, you might get appreciated financially by it so you can give back or build or take care of yourself better.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My husband always told me, “You can do whatever you put your mind to.” I was 50/50 agreeable because I have A LOT of goals. He prayed for me at church and one day I believed. Belief is when you can understand the actions are yours to do!! You are the only one with your DNA, your perception is valuable to someone. You need a few people in your corner, so stay close to those that share an appreciation for you and your vision.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Terrance Talton, Hope Graphics
Davide Anderson, Photographer
Make Up: Brandi Taylor
Natural hair by Yorka Tutstone
and From The Root Mobile Stylist
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
