Meet Fana Habtemariam

We recently connected with Fana Habtemariam and have shared our conversation below.

Fana, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

As a first-generation Eritrean American, I draw my resilience from my parents. They instilled in my siblings and I a profound pride in Eritrea and its extraordinary history, especially its resilience during a 30-year-long war for independence. Their journey—from seeking asylum to establishing a new life in America—exemplifies strength and determination, serving as a constant source of inspiration for me.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I have always been passionate about serving my community. In my earlier years, I was actively involved in nonprofit organizations such as Friends of Trees. When I launched my esthetician business, my goal was to continue this spirit of service by creating a positive impact in my community.
I have had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed organizations such as Self Enhancement Inc., African American Alliance for Homeownership, Black Girls Brunch Club, REAP, The Onyx Experience, and Mo Better Wellness. My mission is to promote the importance of self-care, particularly in communities where it is often overlooked, by emphasizing its essential role in overall well-being. Through my work, I strive to give back and inspire others to prioritize their personal wellness.

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, I believe the three most impactful qualities and skills have been:

Resilience: Overcoming challenges and staying focused on my goals has been crucial, especially given my parents’ example of strength. Resilience allows me to navigate obstacles with perseverance and confidence, even in uncertain situations.

Advice: Embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth. Cultivating a resilient mindset means learning to adapt, stay positive, and persist through challenges. Surround yourself with a supportive community that encourages growth.

Empathy: My desire to serve others has been rooted in understanding and connecting with people’s needs. Whether through my esthetician business or nonprofit work, empathy has helped me build meaningful relationships and make a genuine impact.

Advice: Actively listen to others and try to see things from their perspective. Developing empathy starts by being present and aware of the diverse experiences people go through. Volunteer, mentor, or simply engage in conversations that allow you to better understand different walks of life.

Continuous Learning: Whether it’s gaining new technical skills or broadening my knowledge of various industries, I’ve found that a commitment to lifelong learning has been a driving force in my success.

Advice: Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges or learn outside your comfort zone. Whether through formal education, mentorship, or self-study, staying curious and proactive in expanding your skillset will ensure long-term growth.

For those early in their journey, I recommend focusing on building a strong foundation of resilience, empathy, and continuous learning. Cultivating these skills will help navigate challenges, connect with others, and seize opportunities for growth.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I focus on pausing and taking a step back to gain perspective. Overwhelm often comes from trying to juggle too many things at once, so I find it helpful to prioritize tasks and break them down into manageable steps. Here are some strategies that help me cope:

Practice Deep Breathing or Meditation: Taking a few moments to focus on my breath helps calm my mind and reset my energy. Even just a few minutes of meditation or mindfulness can make a huge difference in restoring balance.

Set Clear Priorities: I make a list of tasks and identify what needs immediate attention and what can wait. This helps me focus on one thing at a time rather than feeling like everything is urgent.

Ask for Help: I recognize when I need support, whether it’s delegating tasks or seeking advice from a mentor or colleague. Having a strong support system is vital.

Engage in Physical Activity: Sometimes, a quick walk, stretch, or workout can help clear my mind and restore my focus.

Practice Self-Compassion: I remind myself that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and that I don’t have to be perfect. Giving myself grace allows me to stay calm and avoid burnout.

Advice: When you feel overwhelmed, try to give yourself permission to pause and reset. Prioritize self-care, break down tasks into smaller, manageable actions, and lean on your support network. And remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a strength.

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