We were lucky to catch up with Najah Elessie recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Najah , thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?
The word “empathy” is so important for me. My whole life is based on this word. It’s an incredible ability to be able to place yourself in someone else’s shoes. I had a life that included a lot of trauma and a lot of pain. But the GIFT that pain gives is empathy. The privilege to say, I went through something similar and I understand your pain point and I can meet you where you are. It’s so important to human connection, so important for humanity. It’s really a superpower.
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 an entrepreneur for the last 20 years I’ve had the opportunity to dive a little bit into many ventures. Owning my own home health business, being an EP on an incredible film, and now owning my very own skincare line. Building my brand has been my focus these last 3 years. Really enjoying learning more about skincare, connecting with other Founders and really learning what serving people looks like on a grand scale. O’daraEwa was born out of depression. A full line of products that are made with natural ingredients with lux packaging that makes you feel like you’re on an island getaway. I created this brand to help encourage self care through skincare. To turn my pain into purpose and I’m excited for it to become a household name. We are currently being sold in NWME Medspa in Dallas Tx, online and on Amazon. We are growing rapidly and I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Top 3 qualities that really help drive me on this journey are
1. Prayer- life is hard enough, you can’t go far without God. He knows what we need and how to get us there. Trust Him fully.
2. Integrity – really knowing your why and being able to stand on your values and knowing when to say no
3. Tenacity- don’t give up. It’s going to get hard, extremely hard at times but you have to lock in and don’t let the storms keep you down.
I would say find a mentor. Find someone who you can trust that can help guide you on your journey and study all you can to become an expert on whatever field you’re in. Never stop learning and growing.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Take a break. Black women in particular have to learn to take the cape off. I mean completely get still and allow yourself the time to process feelings both good and bad. I think being ok with not being ok should be normalized. Pause, pray, cry, and release. And never underestimate the power of community. We all need people in our corner.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Odaraexoticskin.com
- Instagram: @whatnajahdidinheels
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@whatnajahdidheels?si=A0zAcmZQ6JeHyHxC
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