We were lucky to catch up with Darlene Niara Arrington recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Darlene Niara, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
From the age of 11, I was introduced to dance by way of tap, jazz, african, hip hop, modern and ballet. From my knowledge at that time, if one was serious about training professionally then you began these dance styles somewhere between the ages of 3 and 5. Since this was not the case for me, I consciously believed that I was “behind” and needed to catch up to all the dancers I was surrounded by. In my mind I needed to work twice as hard just to match their skill level and in order to be recognized as a good dancer. I developed this identity as the ‘late bloomer’, and soon carried that thought process into other areas of my life. I began reading books on personal development and success stories from some of my favorite artists and celebrities and realized that most of the people I admired, were also late bloomers that decided to work harder than everyone else in the room. My work ethic comes from believing that there is always something else, something more that I can learn, and that it is foolish to think that I can possibly know everything under the sun. It also comes from mentally and physically training my own endurance to know that with perseverance, any goal is possible to achieve. You just have to refuse to give up.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
In 2018, my company Niara Army Fit LLC was birthed in an effort to provide more wellness tips, awareness and fitness-related resources into the Black community, particularly for black women. We have some of the highest rates of diabetes, obesity and heart-related conditions, that I wanted to provide my services and share what I’ve learned over the years to help change the paradigm and the stigma that’s often associated with people of color. I’m currently working on some online programs that cater to this need, as well as relaunching my book, Mask Off: How to lead by Example without Perfection, which I also self-published in 2016. I am also a mother to my 2-year old son, and I”m doing my best to be present with him as much as I can.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, if there were three qualities or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey, it would be self-development, understanding rejection, and self-awareness. I was always eager to learn more about myself, and once I did, I was able to figure out what my strengths were naturally as an individual, and what my weaknesses were. Once you become aware of these things, it inevitably becomes your superpower because if you grow to know yourself more than anyone else in the world, you can also give yourself the ability and power to make the changes that you see fit in order to become the best version of yourself. If I could give any advice to this generation of entrepreneurs or artists, it would be to take no shortcuts. Earn your accolades. We live in such a microwave era now where people think success should come in 20 seconds when in reality it can take years to build one masterpiece. let that masterpiece be you! Instead of chasing that success looks like externally, chase that feeling internally by identifying real friendships, what and who gives you peace, what makes you feel great about living. It is by doing that inner work is where you’ll often find your purpose and the success you are looking for.
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?
Ironically at the moment, I’m facing a bit of Imposter syndrome. Since becoming a mother, life has taken a huge turn as far as my role as an entrepreneur and performer. Prior to having my child,I was auditioning for musical productions, working full time on my brand and business, and promoting myself as an author. I haven’t danced or auditioned for anything in the last 3 years and it feels like the longest hiatus I’ve had from this part of my life. Some days I wake up and cannot see past my role as a mother. What’s helping me stay grounded in who I am whole-heartedly is exercising 5-6 times a week to regulate my stress levels, and to keep my grounded in my mind and body. Talking to friends who encourage me to take it one day and one goal at a time also keeps me thinking practically and optimistically. As my son becomes more independent by the weeks, I know that how I feel now, won’t last forever. It’s acknowledging that this season of my life requires me to give my son the majority of my attention and energy, and that’s perfectly okay.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.niaraarmyfit.com
- Instagram: @darleneniara
Image Credits
Qlick Photography – Qaasim Barefield Michael Okasia- just the blue matrix looking photo
