We recently had the chance to connect with Rica Dee and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rica, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What battle are you avoiding?
The passing of my dad earlier this year has been challenging. He passed in March. I have refused to take a moment to truly grieve because I can’t afford to. Mentally, emotionally, and financially. I have to keep going or else I know I’ll break. I avoid thinking about it at all costs. My heart can NOT handle it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
The way life has been giving me roses and wrenches, I’ve decided to go with my heart and change direction from skincare. Recently, I have opened a food truck called Creole Hippie Cuisines. It is now the highlight of my life. Besides my two phenomenal teenagers of course. Feeding loved ones and strangers, is something I’ve always taking a liking to. There was never a time I wasn’t cooking family size portions to feed everyone. I get this love language from my parents and family in New Orleans.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship I have with my children has shown me more than what I could’ve ever imagined. And not just in the good ways. They have taught me to see what I need to work on as a mother, along with different ways to go about life in general. My daughter has always been extremely observant and outspoken. She sees what’s right and wrong with the world, and not afraid to let me know how she feels about it. Her viewpoints have shaped the way I think at times. Being older, does not always mean wiser. When children are allowed to be themselves, we as adults, can learn much more than what we thought we knew. My son is also observant. However, very quiet. He has taught me to take things in and know it’s not necessary to let people know your thoughts until needed. He’s the secret genius of the family. Sometimes I believe they are here to parent me, instead of the other way around.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of failing has held me back from reaching certain goals. There are aspects of my life that I haven’t went full throttle with, due to the fear of failure. The “what if” it doesn’t pan out the way I intend? For example, I would love to be a public speaker and an advocate for young girls and women of color who have delved into drug abuse or domestic violence. I have recently been chosen to speak to juvenile girls at the detention center on October 8th for a program called Sister To Sister. The fear of stumbling over my words, is definitely there. I have put off public speaking due to the fear of forgetting everything that needs to be said, or “what if” they don’t care, or “what if” I can’t help the way I would like. October 8th will be the first time I put my fear to the side. Or.. at least hide it well.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe the fruits and vegetables we eat can feel our energy. Even right before we consume them. I believe they can feel if we are grateful, toxic, selfish, etc. That’s what makes or breaks us feeling energized after we eat them, or lethargic. There are tons of people who eat fruits and veggies and still don’t feel or look their greatest. I believe it’s because the living food can feel their current energy. Most times, I thank my vegetables for granting us nutrients before tossing it into the skillet. We, as a society don’t realize that plants are still alive even after being picked from the ground, as long as they are green (or what ever vibrant color it’s intended to be). What you put out, is what you get in return.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If immortality were real, what would you build?
If immortality were real, I would build a euphoric community where THIS society’s standards wouldn’t matter. There would be no homelessness. Everyone is welcome. There would be no concern about race wars or someone’s sexual preference. There would only be moral rules, not dictatorship. The respect for nature would be number one. The community would have free flowing water and an abundance of crops that we would all learn how to harvest. People living freely, but responsible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://creolehippie.com
- Instagram: creole.hippie.cuisines
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