Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Natasha Selena. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Natasha, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is an aspect of my life that I’m coming to terms with. Almost like depression, I’m learning to identify “it” and when/how it shows up in my life, and then adjust accordingly. This is one way I hope to overcome it. I experience moments when it’s around and others when it’s nowhere near a thought in my mind, so it helps tremendously when I’m able to notice its effects and catch it before becoming engulfed. Overcoming it is a practice of mindfulness – having a sense of awareness for where one’s mental state is at and knowing what best soothes or quiets the syndrome. I like to turn to self care in those moments, and find ways to pour into my mind or spirit. I believe community support and engagement can be great ways to overcome imposter syndrome as well.
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 do a little bit of everything. I’m a creative at heart, and right now I’m focusing more on how to go within to find that spark again. I’ve been in business for four years now and I began by sharing my gifts online, and eventually in community as a medium and healer before expanding into the field of Doulaism (credits to my sista Ife). Throughout this journey I’ve also shared creative expressions through digital and visual art, and poetry as well. These expressions are truly buds from my mental health journey, and I enjoy connecting with others who experience similar trials. My favorite part about myself and brand is my ability to bring people together with the intention of connecting with self and each other with a common goal of healing. I’ve hosted a few gatherings for women centered around healing and fostering a sense of community and it was soul fulfilling. I look forward to returning to these types of events in due time. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy learning from the plants that I encounter and the people I cross paths with.
I plan to alchemize this wisdom into tangible offerings that can assist us in our healing journeys ahead. Medicine such as tinctures, teas, baths, customs & rituals that we can do alone, and together when called for. Currently I am branded as RouteSeek – the name I emerged as before rebranding to Buttafly Botanica. RouteSeek serves as an apothecary & botanica. The name is a reminder to the beginning of my journey – that when you are seeking, for clarity, direction, guidance, whatever it may be – that you can always turn to your ROOTS to find your ROUTE. Honoring the ancestors and my lineage is an aspect of learning that is very important to me, as an individual and I enjoy how it reflects in my brand. RouteSeek is an umbrella for all my creative ventures. . Keep your eyes out for future rebrands, I feel myself shifting and as always I know my business / brand will follow suit. The foundation of what I do will always be centered around the healing and elevation of ones spirit, mind & body.
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?
1. The ability to be flexible. 2. Boundaries. 3. Persistence. One and two may sound conflicting, but I believe in any industry one must allow themselves to be flexible and flow with what works well, especially when working with groups of people. However, this is exactly why one must have a sense of boundaries as well. Too flexible, and people may take advantage, but too closed off and one could limit themselves or close themselves off from opportunities. Personally, I’m working on having a balance of these qualities and that’s where number three comes in. Regardless of what your journey is like, what it looks like, etc, we MUST be persistent in our pursuits. Sometimes we may miss our mark, but the key is to remain persistent in what you wish to achieve.
I almost envision it like the water cycle. Once we reach #3, it’s imperative to return to #1, and be flexible with ones self. We won’t always accomplish everything we wish to. However we must allow ourselves to be flexible enough to re-route and get back on a path that aligns with what we have set out to do.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
BRANDING! As mentioned before I feel myself shifting and I’m also craving different forms of creativity and expression from myself. During this time, I’m seeking the ways in which that will come about.
Contact Info:
- Website: taj.myflodesk.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/thecosmicraye
- Twitter: twitter.com/therouteseeka
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/hausofnomads
Image Credits
Alisha TheeAlchemist (Facebook)
