Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Baiyinah Brookins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Baiyinah, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience stems from several deep-seated understandings. First and foremost, I recognize that not everyone is afforded the opportunities that I have been blessed with. According to the World Bank, approximately 712 million people—around 9% of the global population—live in extreme poverty. Many of these individuals may never have the chance to fully realize their dreams and aspirations.
Additionally, my resilience is rooted in the awareness of my ancestors’ extraordinary ability to endure severe hardships while still finding moments of joy amidst their struggles. Learning about the ways in which others have triumphed over adversity only reinforces my determination.
As a neurotypical, able-bodied adult woman living in America, I benefit from numerous privileges that are not universally shared. I believe it is my responsibility to harness my God-given talents and skills to realize my visions to their fullest extent. By doing so, I hope to inspire others who share similar intersections of identity, demonstrating that they too are more than capable of achieving their goals.
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?
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the daughter of two entrepreneurs. In my youth, I always found ways to make money, from doing chores around the house and applying henna to friends, to helping out at my parents’ store. Entrepreneurship is in my blood and many of the skills I’ve been able to acquire come from my parents, specifically my father and his entrepreneurial spirit.
In April, I launched Mystics and Sages, a fair trade jewelry brand that showcases the artisanal jewelry of the Tuareg tribe. My love affair with Tuareg jewelry began when my father gifted me a small half-moon necklace encircled with black onyx beads after returning from a trip to West Africa. As I delved deeper into learning about the Tuareg, I discovered that despite facing challenges from colonial powers, outsiders, drought, famine, and modern governments, the Tuareg have maintained their resilience, which has contributed to their almost mythic quality. I launched my website in April of this year and am in the process of introducing new jewelry from our artisan partners soon.
You can learn more about our jewelry and artisan partnerships via our website https://www.mysticsandsages.com or follow us on Instagram @mysticsandsages.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities that have been most impactful on my journey are resilience, perseverance, and creativity. My advice for those who want to develop and improve is to take advantage of the digital age we live in and learn as much as you can about your craft, business, or industry. We are privileged to live in an era where we can access a wealth of information from the devices we carry in our pockets. If you don’t understand something, Google it; if you need to learn a new skill, check out a course on Udemy.com; if you need more information, look for books at the library. Utilize any and all resources at your disposal to sharpen your skills and strive to be the best version of yourself.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing that my parents, specifically my father, did was model what a healthy work ethic looks like. In an era of toxic grind culture, he knew how to balance the demands of business with family time and leisure. Make no mistake about it: he worked very hard, but he also balanced it with his travels around the world and showed up to take me to rehearsal for musicals. Despite the challenges that entrepreneurship presents, you can always make time for the things that are most important.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mysticsandsages.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysticsandsages/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557191363578
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baiyinahbrookins/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mysticsandsages
Image Credits
Photographer: Ryan Powell IG @rocknrollazero
Model: Rieko IG @riekosafiyya
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
