We were lucky to catch up with Darla Bishop recently and have shared our conversation below.
Darla , 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.
Honestly, my journey to building confidence and self-esteem has been a wild ride. It all started with some serious challenges early on. When I was a freshman in high school, my mom was sentenced to four years in prison. In that moment, I wasn’t even sure if college would be possible for me. Everything felt uncertain, but I held on to the plan my mom had for me—to go to a great college and build a beautiful life through education. I had to believe in that vision, almost unrealistically, and find ways to make it happen. I learned to tap into every resource I could find, figure things out on my own, and keep moving forward, even when the odds seemed stacked against me.
Later in life, being a military spouse came with its own set of challenges. Constantly relocating meant juggling work, family, and trying to carve out my own path. It was sink or swim, and I chose to swim. Each move taught me to trust in my ability to figure things out, even when everything felt uncertain. Those experiences built a resilience in me that has been invaluable in my business and personal life.
A major turning point for me was deciding to pursue my DrPH degree. It took me eight years to finish because of all the moves and balancing everything else in my life, but I did it without taking on *any new debt*. That was a huge confidence boost. I got creative with scholarships, assistantships, and other resources to make it work. That experience taught me that confidence isn’t about doing things perfectly or quickly—it’s about perseverance and finding a way, even when it feels impossible.
Something that’s really shaped my mindset is hip-hop. There are so many business and life lessons wrapped up in that culture, which is why I started my #HipHopMBA series on social media. I break down insights from artists like Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, and Cardi B. Hip Hop taught me that confidence comes from owning your uniqueness and refusing to let anyone put you in a box.
On a more practical level, I’ve realized that having efficient systems in place makes a world of difference. Running my business, Finansis LLC, means I have to be super intentional with my time. I use tools and processes—like my Paycheck Playbook—to stay organized and keep moving toward my goals. Having those systems in place helps me feel in control, and that sense of control has definitely boosted my confidence.
But honestly, the thing that makes me feel the most confident is seeing the impact of my work. Whenever someone reaches out to say that my advice helped them get out of debt or feel more secure in their finances, it’s the best feeling in the world. It’s like, “THIS, this is why I’m doing this.” That’s what keeps me going and reminds me to trust in what I bring to the table.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m Dr. Darla Bishop, and my mission is to help people achieve financial wellness so they can live healthier, happier lives. My journey has been anything but traditional. I’m a Medicaid managed care executive, a financial wellness coach, and the author of How to Afford Everything. I’m also a military spouse, which has meant adapting to constant relocations, balancing career changes, and raising a family—all while staying committed to my own financial and personal goals.
But my passion for financial wellness didn’t start with a picture-perfect story. When I was a freshman in high school, my mom was sentenced to four years in prison. It was a tough time that made me question whether college was even an option for me. But it also fueled my drive to find a way to achieve my dreams. Through grit, resourcefulness, and relentless determination, I eventually earned a doctorate. This journey taught me the power of financial literacy and the freedom it can create.
Today, I use my experiences to guide others through the financial challenges they face. Through my business, Finansis LLC, I’ve created practical tools like the Paycheck Playbook, and I’m passionate about speaking to audiences on how they can transform their finances without sacrificing their quality of life.
What excites me most is seeing the lightbulb moment when someone realizes they can take control of their financial future. I’ve recently launched my How to Afford Everything 4-Day Challenge (learn more at howtoaffordeverything.com/challenge), I which has been a game-changer for people looking to jumpstart their financial journey. I’m also developing a new 6-week course to guide participants step-by-step in building a sustainable financial plan that aligns with their life goals.
On social media, I’m blending business strategies with hip-hop culture through my #hiphopMBA series, where I share insights from artists like Rick Ross and Missy Elliott on resilience, branding, and ownership. It’s a fun way to engage with my audience and bring fresh, relatable perspectives to financial wellness.
Looking ahead to 2025, my focus is on expanding my speaking engagements. I’m excited to partner with colleges, organizations, and companies to share actionable strategies for achieving financial wellness and enhancing overall wellbeing. If you’re looking for a dynamic speaker who blends research, real-life experiences, and practical advice, I’d love to connect!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, there are three qualities that have made all the difference: resilience, resourcefulness, and financial literacy.
1. Resilience
Resilience has been the backbone of my journey. Throughout my life, I’ve faced challenges that tested my determination. It’s about getting back up every time life throws a curveball and turning challenges into opportunities for growth. For those just starting out, my advice is to embrace discomfort and uncertainty. Whether it’s a financial setback, a career shift, or a tough personal decision—lean into it. Each challenge teaches you something valuable and builds the strength you need to keep moving forward.
2. Resourcefulness
Resourcefulness isn’t just about stretching a dollar—it’s about making the most of whatever you have at your disposal. For those early in their journey, think outside the box. Leverage free online courses, network to learn from others, and find creative ways to save or optimize resources. Being resourceful can open doors you didn’t even know existed and can lead to opportunities you might not have imagined.
3. Financial Literacy
Understanding how money works—and how to make it work for you—has been a game-changer in my life. Financial literacy has given me the freedom to pursue my goals without being weighed down by debt or financial stress. This is why I’m passionate about sharing these principles through my coaching and courses. If you’re just starting out, prioritize learning about money management early. It’s not just about budgeting; it’s also about investing, planning for the future, and making informed financial decisions. Start small if needed, but start somewhere. Building that foundation early on will give you more options and flexibility as you move forward.
Ultimately, these three qualities have shaped both my personal and professional journey, allowing me to build a life aligned with my values and goals. Whether you’re just starting out or feeling stuck, focus on cultivating resilience, resourcefulness, and financial literacy. These aren’t just skills—they’re transformative mindsets that can change your life.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! As I look ahead to 2025, I’m focused on expanding my speaking engagements, particularly with organizations that are committed to making a meaningful impact. My passion is helping people achieve financial wellness, and I love working with mission-driven organizations that understand the value of investing in their employees’ or students’ financial well-being.
I’m especially interested in partnering with corporations and universities, as I’ve found these institutions are not only invested in the professional and personal growth of their people but also have the resources to bring impactful speakers to their events. Whether it’s a corporate wellness program, a professional development workshop, or a student engagement initiative, I’m eager to collaborate on events that empower individuals to take control of their finances and build healthier, happier lives.
If you’re part of a company, university, or mission-driven organization looking for a dynamic speaker who can blend research-based strategies, real-life experiences, and actionable advice, I’d love to connect! You can reach me through my website at www.howtoaffordeverything.com or connect with me on LinkedIn. Let’s work together to create engaging, impactful experiences that leave your audience inspired and ready to take action.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://howtoaffordeverything.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my_finansis/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darlabishop/
- Twitter: https://x.com/my_finansis
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@my_finansis
Image Credits
Blake Matthews Paradiso Productions
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