We were lucky to catch up with Denika LaShae recently and have shared our conversation below.
Denika , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Let’s be honest.
Most people don’t start taking their mental health seriously until something shakes their world and leaves them no choice. This was certainly the case for me. For nearly two decades, I poured myself into different careers and business ideas, only to watch them fall short of what I hoped they’d become. The disappointment left me wandering—bewildered, discouraged, and sometimes feeling like I was marked by bad luck. I tried everything: photography, customer service, even military service. I was desperate for a steady path, something that would let me function like everyone else seemed to. But each time I came up empty-handed. Eventually, I could no longer ignore the deeper truth whispering beneath it all:
My mental health was a problem, and needed to be addressed.
Mental illness can sometimes feel “normal” when you’re the one living with it, which is why it’s often the people around us who notice something’s wrong first. I’m so grateful to my family for seeing what I couldn’t and guiding me toward treatment. Honestly, I don’t know where I’d be without them. Once I was finally able to address my condition, I discovered that I had been navigating the early stages of Schizoaffective Disorder—a condition that had been coloring my world in ways I couldn’t name but could certainly feel.
From unsettling hallucinations to persistent suicidal thoughts, I battled through a wide range of mental states that were incredibly hard to understand—let alone accept. I went through lengthy phases where I refused to believe I needed help. I wanted so badly to think it was just a temporary issue or a misdiagnosis, but as things got worse and my choices became more and more affected, I could no longer ignore the impact this was having on my life.
Now, my mental health journey is no longer something I hide from or power through—it’s something I unapologetically honor. It has shaped the way I see people, the compassion I lead with, along with the creative path I’m finally allowing myself to follow and I’m just getting started. This is where my journey as a mental health content creator began.
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?
As a multi-faceted individual who sometimes struggles with consistency and focus, I chose to take a different approach to content creation. Instead of trying to showcase every aspect of myself on a single platform, I decided to create multiple platforms—each one highlighting a distinct part of who I am, allowing me to connect directly with those who share an interest in that specific genre.
My platform, It’s Just LaShae, offers a more transparent side of myself, allowing me to connect with others in a relatable and often humorous way. LaShae the Hip Hop Poet honors my personal need for artistic expression and is created for those who resonate with my message and style. Shopping with LaShae focuses on practicing mindful and healthy shopping while still enjoying the fun of retail therapy and Workout with LaShae celebrates the importance of physical activity in supporting our mental health. There are several other platforms in development, but ultimately, all of them fall under one guiding mission: Mental health advocacy.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities that have helped me endure this journey are resilience, vulnerability, and courage. While I haven’t fully shared every part of my story yet, in 2026, I plan to be more authentic and transparent than ever before, opening up about my journey in ways I haven’t done until now. Advice I would give to those just starting their journey is simple: be fearless in the face of others’ opinions. No one’s path is perfect, so don’t let fear hold you back. Step out in faith and pursue your God-given purpose with courage and conviction. Our life experiences are bigger than ourselves!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
On my platforms, one of my primary goals is to collaborate with individuals and organizations who resonate with the mission of mental health advocacy. Whether you’re a mental health professional, a fellow advocate, or someone creating products that support mental well-being, my goal is to connect with those who are equally committed to challenging stigma and celebrating the diverse experiences of those living with mental illness.
I also want to explore partnerships that go beyond the traditional mental health space. As I continue my journey toward holistic health, I hope to eventually connect with herbalists, wellness practitioners, and anyone who embraces natural approaches to mental and physical well-being. Not knocking pharmaceuticals entirely, I just want to open the floor to create a space where the two merge and work together to bring as many people to healing as possible.
In world that often ignores our shared need for mental stability, I’m committed to helping normalize open conversations about prioritizing peace of mind with the hope of cultivating a more peaceful planet. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thelashaebrand.com
Image Credits
Sundé Marie Imagery LLC
Wayne Shot It Visuals, LLC
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
