Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Zaidi of DMV

We recently had the chance to connect with Zaidi and have shared our conversation below.

Zaidi, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I lose track of time in creating. Whether it’s impromptu photoshoots in nature or making something, when I get to a pause or a stop, so many hours have passed, and I find myself proud. Proud for beginning, for allowing processes to unfold naturally, and for remembering myself enough to take a moment to step away. That’s where I’ve found myself.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Zaidi, known for Bearded Lady Art. Bearded Lady Art started as a simple IG page that could house all of my nomadic adventures and art that was created in the process. Now, it’s a brand.
What’s unique about me would have to be my ability to do and create many different art forms. I enjoy making, and I am always in service to communal healing. Currently, that looks like traveling throughout South Africa and other parts of the Continent documenting Black Women and Femmes gaining somatic tools and practices for self healing. In these spaces I sometimes offer writing prompts but, my favorite thing to do is photoshoots of the women at the end of it all. I’m grateful to be of service in this way, providing them with a beautiful view of themselves that they may not have known was visible.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I don’t really know my earliest, but I certainly know my most recent. It matters that I have only felt powerful for a few years. I’m 44.
This past August, I went home for a few days to visit parents. My home is quite conservative and religious and fill in the blanks. Well, it was my last day, and my mom definitely knows what I mean when I say I’m going for a walk, and I come back smelling like my favorite flowers. This is how I visit best. And I wasn’t visiting regularly for a long time. So this is how it works for us.
I feel great. My dad is out back frying fish and French fries. Also, it’s his birthday. This is important because the guests start showing up.
To bring it to a head, within 10 minutes of getting inside from a very nice flavorful walk, I’m seated at the head of a table with my older brother (my childhood bully) standing on my left, my mom (never ever played that), the First Lady of their church for over 20 years now, and yes, the pastor.
Not one time did I feel insecure or nervous or on pins and needles. I updated them on my travels, ate my fill, and got up, offering my seat to whoever wanted it.
It wasn’t until I made it to my room that I realized I’d held court with every fear and anxiety riddled memory that I’d carried most of my life, and never felt the least bit uncomfortable. The work proved itself that day.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me stillness and patience. It taught me that actual suffering is the lack of awareness. Not just awareness as a general concept, but self awareness through struggle, to then understand humans as a whole. When I did my first interview with you, I was in that season. I am now a much quieter, slower individual. In some cases this makes me a better listener. Probably all.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is definitely the real me. Who has time, seriously? I almost started my intro here with, I am exactly who I say I am. What I mean is that I have worked extremely hard to be my best version and because people I love and care about are paying attention, I have to be consistent. Especially, when I don’t think anyone is paying attention. It’s a good practice. I’ve tried some alternatives, and they just aren’t sustainable.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want people to tell others how my presence brought ease to them. I’ve considered being a grief sitter recently. Not sure that’s a thing, but all of the patience and stillness I’ve been practicing helps me to be with people better; to see, listen, check in once in a while, and basically be a reminder that they’re not alone.
I wouldn’t mind being remembered this way. Even if only by a few.

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