Meet Farris Matthews

We recently connected with Farris Matthews and have shared our conversation below.

Farris, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I developed my confidence and self-esteem by learning to embrace the very parts of myself I used to hide my voice, my story, and my imperfections. Growing up as a Black woman, I often felt pressure to be strong and polished, even when I was struggling. Over the years, especially while managing PCOS and navigating health challenges that affected my body and self-image, I realized that vulnerability is a strength…not a weakness.

I started affirming myself daily, setting boundaries, and surrounding myself with people who spoke life into me. But more importantly, I began speaking life over myself. I stopped waiting for permission to take up space, and I started creating space for others through my work, my platforms, and my presence. Confidence didn’t come overnight, it came from choosing to show up for myself, even on days I didn’t feel like it. That’s when I knew I wasn’t just building self-esteem—I was building legacy.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Farris Matthews, a proud Detroit native raised in a loving, faith-filled family and a product of the Detroit Public School System. My educational journey took me through Michigan State University and Central Michigan University, where I discovered both my voice and my passion for purpose-driven work. In 2014, I was diagnosed with PCOS by a compassionate Black male gynecologist at DMC—an experience that reshaped my view of wellness and inspired me to become a voice for women of color facing similar struggles.

My career began in mental health, where I cultivated a strong understanding of emotional intelligence and empathy. In 2019, I transitioned into finance, bringing that same heart-led approach to the world of numbers and client care. Entrepreneurship, however, has always been my passion. I launched a career consulting firm in 2016 and rebranded in 2020 as Thee Brand Fairy, a personal and business branding agency that empowers entrepreneurs to define, design, and dominate their digital presence.

In 2023, I became a proud dog mom through adoption—welcoming a 4-month-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix who’s now part of my heart and home. By 2024, I began vlogging my PCOS journey to educate and uplift women navigating hormone disorders, showing the real, raw, and resilient side of healing. That same year, I also launched my nonprofit, Silver Tech Connect Foundation, dedicated to helping seniors—especially in Detroit—thrive through technology, health literacy, and transportation support.

And because travel feeds my soul, I became a licensed travel consultant in 2024 and created Thee Travel Fairy, a brand that curates dreamy, stress-free escapes for women who deserve rest, joy, and luxury.

From branding and wellness to tech and travel, my work is rooted in one thing: purpose. I’m here to build, serve, and inspire—one woman, one business, one journey at a time.

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?

Looking back, the top 3 things that really helped me grow are resilience, adaptability, and self-awareness—and I promise, those are more than just buzzwords.

Resilience means learning how to bounce back and bounce forward. Life will life—PCOS, job shifts, family stuff, all of it. But don’t let one hard season define you. Feel it, heal it, then keep going.

Adaptability is major. Your path won’t always be linear—and that’s okay. I’ve gone from mental health to finance to entrepreneurship, and every pivot taught me something valuable. Be open to the plot twists; they usually come with lessons (and blessings).

Self-awareness is a superpower. The more you understand who you are, the easier it is to protect your peace, move with purpose, and not let people play in your face. Start journaling, go to therapy, unplug when needed—whatever helps you stay in tune with you.

If you’re early in your journey: take your time, trust your gut, and clap for yourself—even for the small wins. You’re building something beautiful.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

If I knew I only had a decade left, I would spend it fully. I would love harder, live softer, and be even more intentional with my time. I’d continue creating spaces where women especially Black women feel seen, heard, and healed. I would travel to every destination on my heart’s list, capturing moments with the people I love and mentoring young women to dream audaciously and move fearlessly.

I’d pour into my nonprofit, Silver Tech Connect, to ensure it outlives me. I’d keep building legacy through Thee Brand Fairy, empowering more entrepreneurs to find their voice. I’d document my PCOS journey so that someone else’s road feels a little less lonely. And I’d laugh, cry, praise, and pray through it all knowing I left light everywhere I went.

Because if I had 10 years, I’d make sure love, impact, and purpose were felt long after I was gone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theebrandfairy.com
• Instagram: theebrandfairy

Image Credits

Aaron Goodman Photography and Q11 Photography