Meet Kim Mendes

We were lucky to catch up with Kim Mendes recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

My confidence has always been an ongoing challenge. I find myself constantly asking “Am I enough” and there’s been plenty of times where the answer felt like a no. I battled with the war of loving myself
and found myself looking in the mirror attempting to be content with who was staring back at me. Was it my hair? The way I dressed? My voice or my skin? Everything seemed to have a flaw and I had no idea how or where to begin with accepting this person that was me.

I started with what I could control. I could change my hair or my clothes. I could change how I dressed and find pieces that made me feel good about myself. I was able to teach myself the art of hair braiding and change my image up as I wished. It feels materialistic but I don’t think it’s shameful to say that it helped. But confidence isn’t just what you wear its how you feel about yourself.
I couldn’t change my skin, I couldn’t change my voice, I couldn’t change who I fundamentally was as a person so what now?

I started photography. I started therapy. I started doing things that would make me feel good about myself and wildly enough my efforts slowly started to work. Therapy taught me there was nothing wrong with me, photography taught me that all the things staring back at me in the mirror were beautiful because they were me.
My confidence, in the most simplest of terms, comes from my constant effort of learning to love the things I can and cannot change about myself, and telling myself that yes, I am enough.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a variety content creator that specializes in photography and online gaming. I found this love by needing an outlet to combat depression and anxiety. My life needed a change and I had always had a love for media ever since I was a child. I began managing my ow photoshoots including set, design and makeup.

My goal is to create a safe space for people to be themselves and meet like minded individuals that share their interests.
It’s been an incredible experience that I’m endlessly thankful for. From the friends I’ve made along the way to the community I’ve created. I can only say thank you to everyone that has supported me and hope that I can continue to create and bring people together.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

If I had to say, I believe that the will to learn, practice and courage are the three things that shaped my journey.
It feels cliche but I needed the courage to start my journey. I had to quiet my doubts and take the step forward to begin. Going after what you love takes courage especially in a day where it may not be the most financially feasible option.
I needed the will to learn new skills. Media is an ever changing world and what works for one person may not be what works for the other. I needed to take the time to research my ideas and figure out the best way to execute them to bring them to life.
And of course with any new skill I needed practice. I’m a bit of a perfectionist. I wanted to exceed my own expectations and be the best at whatever I started. However, being the best is not an overnight feat. I needed to practice and develop my skills in order to make the end product something I could be proud of. So far I’d say I’m very proud of the work I’ve done but I can always be better.

If I could give anyone advice I’d say to be kind to your dream. It takes courage to dream and even more courage to chase after it. Learn new things that can amplify your vision and practice bringing it to life.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

My number one obstacle has always been my mental health. For as long as I can remember I’ve dealt with depression and anxiety and at times its felt like a hole that I couldn’t dig myself out of. I started therapy in my early 20’s and it’s been a blessing that I didn’t know I needed until I started. Therapy is what you put into it though, it doesn’t magically make the struggle go away but it gives you the tools to manage it. I give myself grace. I recognize that everyday will have its own challenges and I tell myself that the only thing I have to do is get through the day in front of me. I’ll worry about tomorrow when tomorrow comes.
For anyone dealing with mental health struggles, it feels daunting trying to tackle that mountain on your own. I wish I could say I was past it all but in truth, some days are just kinder than others. I keep pushing even when I don’t feel like it because the alternative (giving up) serves no one. The way I overcome my struggle is simply just allowing myself to exist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.itskimsanity.me
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itskimsanity
• Twitter: https://www.x.com/itskimsanity
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/itskimsanity