We were lucky to catch up with Desiree Allums recently and have shared our conversation below.
Desiree, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
Persisting despite the presence of haters, nay-sayers, and negativity requires a deep reservoir of inner strength, resilience, and unwavering belief in oneself. My own journey of overcoming adult bullying, finding solace in faith, and cultivating a strong mental health mentality has taught me invaluable lessons on how to navigate through adversity and emerge stronger on the other side.
Growing up, I encountered my fair share of challenges, but nothing could have prepared me for the cruel reality of adult bullying. The onslaught of criticism, ridicule, and negativity from others threatened to break my spirit and undermine my self-worth. However, instead of succumbing to despair, I turned to the unwavering support of my faith. In the darkest moments, I found solace in the belief that I was not alone, that a higher power was watching over me, guiding me through the storm.
Through prayer, reflection, and seeking guidance, I began to develop a strong mental health mentality. I realized that the opinions of others did not define my worth or determine my destiny. I learned to silence the voices of doubt and insecurity within me and instead focused on cultivating self-love, self-compassion, and inner peace.
One of the most powerful tools in my arsenal was the practice of forgiveness. I chose to forgive those who had wronged me, not because they deserved it, but because I deserved peace. By releasing the burden of resentment and anger, I reclaimed my power and liberated myself from the chains of negativity.
In the face of adversity, I adopted a mindset of resilience and perseverance. I refused to let the haters and nay-sayers dictate the course of my life. Instead, I embraced every challenge as an opportunity for growth and transformation. With each setback, I emerged stronger, more determined, and more resilient than before.
Today, I stand tall as a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and mental fortitude. I have overcome the odds, defied the critics, and forged my own path to success and fulfillment. And while the journey was far from easy, it has been undeniably worth it. For it is through the trials and tribulations of life that we discover our true strength, our true resilience, and our true potential.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As the CEO of EmpowerHER Life, my role revolves around cultivating a supportive and transformative environment where women can connect, grow, and thrive. What truly excites me about our work is witnessing the profound impact of women coming together, forming genuine connections, and then leveraging those connections to embark on their own personal journeys of empowerment and transformation.
One of the most special aspects of EmpowerHER Life is the community we’ve built. Seeing women from all walks of life come together, share their stories, support each other, and ultimately empower one another is incredibly rewarding. It’s inspiring to witness the resilience, strength, and growth that emerge when women join forces to uplift and encourage each other.
On a personal note, my own journey through surviving adult bullying has fueled my passion for creating a space where women feel seen, heard, and valued. I understand firsthand the impact that negative experiences can have on one’s confidence and well-being, and I’m deeply committed to providing resources and support to help other women navigate similar challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.
In terms of new developments, I’m thrilled to announce our expansion into Houma, LA. This expansion represents an exciting opportunity to reach even more women and communities with our message of empowerment and holistic wellness. We’re looking forward to connecting with women in Houma and providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to live their best lives.
As we continue to grow and evolve, our commitment to empowering women remains steadfast. We’re constantly exploring new ways to expand our offerings, enhance our community, and make a positive impact in the lives of women everywhere. Whether it’s through new events, product launches, or community initiatives, we’re dedicated to empowering women to embrace their strength, find their voice, and live authentically.
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, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as being most impactful:
1. Resilience: Developing resilience was crucial in overcoming challenges and setbacks along the way. It’s essential to cultivate the ability to bounce back from adversity, learn from failures, and keep moving forward with determination and perseverance.
Advice: Building resilience requires practicing self-care, maintaining a positive mindset, and seeking support from friends, family, or mentors during tough times. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and focus on developing coping strategies that help you navigate obstacles with grace and resilience.
2. Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions, both in oneself and others, is a fundamental skill that can facilitate meaningful connections, effective communication, and conflict resolution. Emotional intelligence allows for greater self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills, which are invaluable in personal and professional relationships.
Advice: Invest time in developing your emotional intelligence by practicing self-reflection, mindfulness, and empathy. Pay attention to your own emotions and reactions, as well as those of others, and strive to communicate openly and empathetically in all interactions. Seek feedback from others to gain insights into your emotional intelligence strengths and areas for growth.
3. Vision and Adaptability: Having a clear vision for what you want to achieve, coupled with the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and opportunities, is essential for success. While it’s important to set goals and work towards them with determination, it’s equally crucial to remain open-minded and agile in navigating the twists and turns of life’s journey.
Advice: Define your long-term vision and set specific, achievable goals to work towards. However, remain flexible and open to new possibilities, as unexpected opportunities or challenges may arise along the way. Embrace change as a natural part of the journey and be willing to adjust your plans or pivot direction as needed to stay aligned with your vision and values.
For those who are early in their journey, my advice is to prioritize personal growth and development, cultivate resilience, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your potential and encourage you to pursue your dreams. Stay curious, keep learning, and never underestimate the power of perseverance and a positive mindset in overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Over the past year, my biggest area of improvement has been realigning my priorities to prioritize my faith, my family, and then work. This shift has brought about profound changes in my life, both personally and professionally.
Prioritizing my faith has provided me with a strong foundation and sense of purpose. By investing time in spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and reflection, I’ve deepened my connection to something greater than myself, finding solace, guidance, and inspiration in moments of uncertainty or challenge.
My family has always been important to me, but I’ve made a conscious effort to prioritize quality time with loved ones and nurture these relationships even more over the past year. Spending meaningful time together, whether it’s through shared activities, conversations, or simply being present with each other, has strengthened our bonds and brought greater joy and fulfillment into my life.
By placing work as the third priority, I’ve gained perspective and balance. While I remain dedicated and ambitious in my professional pursuits, I’ve learned to set boundaries, delegate tasks, and manage my time more effectively to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This shift has allowed me to approach work with renewed energy and focus, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
Realigning my priorities has changed my life in profound ways. I feel more centered, fulfilled, and at peace knowing that I’m living in alignment with my values and focusing on what truly matters most. By prioritizing my faith, family, and work in that order, I’ve found greater balance, purpose, and happiness in both my personal and professional life. This shift has empowered me to live authentically, pursue my passions, and make a positive impact in the world while nurturing the relationships and values that bring meaning and joy into my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.empowerherlife.network
- Instagram: empowerher_life
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093572930769
Image Credits
Nancy Valerie Photography
