We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anetra Watkins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Anetra, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
At a very young age the cards handed to me I had no other option but to figure it out which made me question my worth, capabilities and if I had what it takes. It’s almost like I would get a blessing then self sabotage myself out of it because I didn’t feel adequate. I did it every chance I got. Literally. I would talk myself out of blessings, that’s how bad it was. I overcame the challenge by remembering that everything that I’ve experienced in life was for a purpose. I didn’t go through what I went though for no reason. No matter what I faced I always reminded myself of that. Listening to songs that inspire you, motivate you and uplift your spirit is always a plus in those moments. Especially when you feel low. My family mainly my sisters are always there for me and without them I am nothing. Sometimes you have to lean into what fuels your fire. What keeps you balanced and reminds you why you wake up each and every day and ultimately that’s what keeps me going.
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?
NoShade Luxury Eyewear provides eyewear to all ages, genders and ethnicities. The most exciting yet special part of our brand is inspiring the lives of others. Ultimately being the reason someone doesn’t give up. Impacting and nurturing communities through one pair of frames at a time. We’ve recently launched a special page on our website called “News” that provides updates of our latest products, inspiration and phenomenal people and organizations we’ve had the pleasure to partner with.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities that I strongly believe were the most impactful during my journey is being consistent. Some days you may wake up and want to give 95% and you honestly may have a day where you only feel 50% or maybe less we’re human and it will happen sometimes. Both days I realized showing up for yourself in those moments are critical. Throughout the journey you will also need to know when to pivot. They say if you want to make God laugh tell him your plans. Everything may not go the way you want it to yet realizing you’re exactly where you are for a divine purpose. Maybe there’s a blessing in the lesson, or something within you that needs to be developed before you arrive to your destination. Never forget when this happens, a delay is not a denial. Lastly, never be afraid to ask for help when you need it. There’s a tribe around you who loves and supports you. Whether it’s colleagues, family, friends or supporters. The entrepreneurship road isn’t always peaches and cream but the amazing people in your life make it all worth it.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My father instilled in us at a young age that “your family is all you got”. Those were his exact words. He passed when I was 8 due to asthma and I will never forget those. I value my family and will always be there for them no matter what.
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- Website: www.noshadeluxuryeyewear.com
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