We recently connected with Kimberly Prince Scott and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kimberly, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I have always been one of the few females in the room. On top of that, being the only black woman has been a constant aspect of my life. However, I am an alliance builder, and with preparation, I have successfully navigated this terrain. Preparation, in this context, means having a deep understanding of the subject matter, knowing the details, and being able to discuss hypothetical scenarios. It also means being aware of what you need and where to obtain it.
Whether I am in a corporate, entrepreneurial, or private setting, I approach my role strategically with confidence, a firm handshake, and natural poise. These strategies have helped me overcome biases based on my identity throughout my career while staying true to my authentic self.
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?
As a woman with skinny legs, I was inspired by my mother to create my brand, Skinny Leg Tribe. When I was younger, my mother would take my Go-Go boots to the cobbler to have them tailored so they would fit better. Unfortunately, even with her help, I still experienced bullying.
Negative experiences from childhood can affect how we view ourselves and our self-esteem. The Office on Women’s Health warns that women and girls who have negative thoughts or feelings about their bodies are more likely to develop mental health conditions like depression and eating disorders. On the other hand, having a positive body image can lead to better physical and mental health. Encouraging self-acceptance can also help reduce bullying and judgment among children.
At Skinny Leg Tribe, we want to help our Tribe members thrive by promoting positive body image, self-worth, and gratitude for all aspects of their bodies. We believe that body bliss directly impacts your overall well-being.
Unfortunately, the term “skinny” is associated with a negative narrative that has been widely socialized. In fact, if you search for “skinny” on Facebook or Instagram, they will ask if you need counseling. The term “skinny legs” can also be offensive to girls and women with skinny legs because it can evoke negative emotions associated with body-shaming experiences. Our goal at Skinny Leg Tribe is to transform this narrative and celebrate our uniqueness!
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?
Clear communication, resilience, and a positive response to setbacks have been the key skills that have helped me in my journey. With video conferencing limiting our ability to interpret nonverbal communication cues, it has become imperative to address language, culture, and jargon barriers, especially when teams are from around the world. This helps avoid any misinterpretation of information and builds team collaboration when we actively listen and provide feedback.
When facing setbacks, it is crucial to pivot and not lose focus on your goals. For instance, when I started my business of designing boots for women with skinny legs, I encountered setbacks as suppliers in the footwear industry were hesitant to move away from the standard measurements. However, I was relentless in educating them on the market’s opportunities and showed them how a niche market segment had been ignored. This helped me to achieve my goal and create a unique product that catered to a previously unexplored market.
Managing stress is important for everyone, and I practice self-care to improve my resilience. This includes morning meditation, daily walks, workouts, and rest. I also try to eat clean and spend time in nature, particularly near bodies of water. With a positive mindset, I view challenges as opportunities and focus on what I can control. Engaging in physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and family activities helps me stay grateful and motivated.
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?
My mother was most significant in helping me develop essential skills for success. She taught me to be resilient, problem solve, and set achievable goals. She was a true example of the power of goal-setting, being the first in our family to attend college and earn higher degrees. Her success as an educator and in building a thriving real estate portfolio showcased her tenacity and determination. She was my role model and the inspiration behind my brand. Her dedication to finding solutions to problems, such as tailoring my Go-Go boots to fit my skinny legs, shaped my approach to my career and entrepreneurial journey.
She also taught me a valuable life lesson from Luke 12:48, “To whom much is given, much is required.” When my parents divorced, my mother worked hard to provide me with the necessary resources for success. However, there was a requirement – I had to be of service to others, and today, I continue to do so.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://skinnylegtribe.com/
- Instagram: SkinnyLegTribe
- Facebook: SkinnyLegTribe
- Linkedin: SkinnyLegTribe
Image Credits
Kim Leeson Rick Ray Chad O’Meally-Davis Rebecca Flores TrayC Clayborn
