Meet Dr. Tracey Hicks-Kearse

We recently connected with Dr. Tracey Hicks-Kearse and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Tracey, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?

Self-care is crucial in maintaining my overall well-being and enhancing my personal effectiveness. The self-care practices I incorporate into my self care routines are physical, mental, and emotional practices. For physical self-care, I exercise regularly with walking and yoga to boosts my energy levels, improve my mood, and enhance my focus. For my mental self-care, I engage in reading books and scientific beauty articles to expand my knowledge, stimulate creativity, and it provides a mental escape. For emotional self care, I love to journal by writing about thoughts and feelings to clarify my emotions and reduce stress. Also, social connections in maintaining strong relationships with friends and family helps provide support and enhances my overall happiness.

Incorporating self-care into my daily life regularly has positive effects on personal and professional effectiveness. Regular self-care practices help prevent burnout, keeping my energy levels high and motivation strong. Also, taking time for emotional self-care strengthens my emotional awareness and empathy, which helps improve my communication and relationships in both personal and professional settings.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

AcARRE® is the first natural prestige innovative brand of multi-use bioactive treatment products for the beauty minimalist to age beautifully, based on modernized African and Pacific Islander ancestry elements delivering multi-level benefits, helping to bring balance the microbiome at the bacteria level, for healthy scalp and skin.

AcARRE® Beauty was created in 2018 on the foundation of utilizing plant biodiversity to create innovative multi-use bioactive treatment products that bring balance to the microbiome for healthy scalp and skin. AcARRE® is inspired by African and Pacific Islander ancestry using natural ingredients crafted for superior multi-use products that work in sync with the skin’s natural elements.

Developing products with the consumer in mind has been the driving force behind AcARRE’s multi-use products. They are made in small batches with ethically sourced ingredients, ensuring that AcARRE® products not only surpass expectations in quality and made with integrity showing a genuine commitment to social, economic, and environmental appreciation.

AcARRE® award-winning Founder, CEO, and Chief Chemist Dr. Tracey is an esteemed chemical engineer who has worked in product development and marketing for over eighteen years. While working for a skin and hair care company, Tracey was approached by a friend looking for a product that she could use on her scalp. At this time, Tracey’s sister also came forward requesting a high-quality multi-use product for her face and scalp. These inquiries planted the seed for Tracey to develop a product with multiple uses for skin and hair. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, the decision to begin her own company was a natural one, and soon AcARRE® Beauty was formed.

Shortly after starting AcARRE®, Tracey discovered she was expecting her first child. Becoming a mother, working full-time, and being a business owner, inspired Tracey to develop multi-use bioactive products made from natural ingredients for balance to the scalp and skin, for the beauty minimalist.

Creatively, she enjoys brainstorming on innovative ideas that have a direct impact on consumers and the influence that drives those changes. Taking her aspirations to another level allows her to pursue her passion every day.

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, whether it’s personal, academic, or professional, there are certain qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that stand out as particularly impactful. Three elements and advice for those who are just beginning their own journeys on how to develop or improve in these areas are:

1. Adaptability

Adaptability is crucial in an ever-changing world. Being open to change and able to adjust to new situations can turn challenges into opportunities. It fosters resilience and ensures that you remain relevant despite shifts in your environment or industry.

Embrace change by viewing change as a positive force. Engage in activities that push you out of your comfort zone.
Continuous Learning: Stay curious and seek knowledge. Whether through formal education, online courses, or reading, continually expand your skill set.
Reflect and adjust by regularly evaluating your experiences and learn from them. Be willing to pivot your strategies when necessary.

2. Communication

Effective communication is the foundation of successful relationships, both personal and professional. It enables you to express ideas clearly, understand others, and foster collaboration.

Practice active listening by focusing on truly understanding what others are saying before responding. This builds trust and improves mutual understanding.
Engage in public speaking by joining groups like Toastmasters or participate in speaking engagements to overcome any fears and improve your verbal communication skills.

3. Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze information objectively and make reasoned judgments. It is essential for problem-solving and decision-making in complex situations.

Question assumptions by challenging your own beliefs and the status quo. This will help you develop a deeper understanding of issues.
Solve puzzles and games with activities like chess, Sudoku, or logic puzzles that can help enhance your analytical thinking abilities.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

As I reflect on my journey and the hurdles I’ve overcome, it’s clear that I owe much of my success to several key individuals who have been instrumental in shaping my path These people have provided support, guidance, and inspiration, each contributing uniquely to my personal and professional growth.

One of the most impactful figures in my life has been my mentor. This person has been an invaluable resource, offering wisdom and insight from their own experiences. They have guided me through complex decisions, helping me to navigate the challenges of my career with a steady hand. Through their mentorship, I have learned the importance of resilience, perseverance, and the value of learning from failures.

Key Contributions:
– Providing career advice and industry insights
– Offering constructive feedback
– Encouraging continuous learning and self-improvement

My family has been a constant source of support and encouragement. Their unwavering belief in my abilities has given me the confidence to pursue my goals, even when the path seemed daunting. They have taught me essential qualities such as empathy, patience, and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance.

Key Contributions:
– Emotional support during challenging times
– Instilling core values and ethics
– Celebrating successes and milestones

My friends have played a critical role in my success by providing a network of support and camaraderie. They have been there to celebrate achievements and offer encouragement when faced with obstacles. Through my friendships, I have developed strong communication and interpersonal skills, which are crucial in both personal and professional settings.

Key Contributions:
– Offering diverse perspectives and advice
– Providing motivation and encouragement
– Creating a supportive community

Reflecting on these influences, it becomes evident that success is rarely a solitary journey. It is built upon the collective support, guidance, and wisdom of those around us. I am immensely grateful for the contributions of my mentor, family and friends, who have all played indispensable roles in helping me overcome challenges and achieve success.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Ilene Squires Photography
Brushive | Creative Agency
The TopNuch | Social Media Manager

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