We were lucky to catch up with D’Asia H. recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi D’Asia, 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?
Confidence and self-esteem, I believe, are constant work in progress. As we navigate through life, stepping into new environments and absorbing lessons, the journey of self-assurance is ongoing. My journey began in Connecticut, where, despite being in an urban setting, I consistently harbored a sense of destined greatness. As a dark-skinned black woman, I encountered discrimination and hurtful jokes from my peers, fostering a feeling of isolation and inadequacy. Fast-forward to high school, where I attended a Catholic institution with a minimal African American presence. Embracing my passion for beauty became a coping mechanism. Despite persistent discrimination, the inner voice of a young girl aspiring to be a star propelled me forward. Though challenging, this period indirectly compelled me to cultivate trust and belief in myself.
Upon entering college in Miami, I sought a change of environment and exposure to high-end fashion and creative influences. Over the past year, I have made significant strides in strengthening my self-esteem, consequently boosting my confidence in both myself and my career. Investing countless hours in self-improvement, I turned to life coaches, such as Dylan James on YouTube, for guidance. Implementing practices like affirmations, journaling, and meditation became integral to my routine. Additionally, prioritizing my beauty regimen and incorporating regular exercise into my life has deepened my connection with myself. While the journey toward high self-esteem and unshakeable confidence is undoubtedly long, the profound transformation it brings is undeniably worthwhile. The commitment to this ongoing process has not only fortified my self-esteem but has also enabled me to step confidently into my personal and professional endeavors.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a lifestyle influencer, I love to explore a variety of niches, with the exception of the culinary arts – I’ll leave that to the experts! On my Instagram, you’ll catch me wearing the latest trends and experimenting with creative makeup looks. Beyond the beauty world, my TikTok and YouTube channels provide a dynamic, vlog-style narrative of my daily life. From snippets of exciting adventures to quick insights into my world, these platforms provide a more intimate connection with my audience. I am particularly ecstatic about the upcoming launch of the Barbie Talks Podcast. This podcast delves deep into realms of self-growth, psychological and philosophical concepts, and pop culture. You can catch the engaging discussions on my YouTube channel and Apple Podcasts. It’s an exploration of the mind and soul that I can’t wait to share with all of you. In addition to my digital endeavors, I am passionately working on Brown Beauty Co. Our signature glam is a soft glam, with a promise of exciting products on the horizon. It’s more than just a brand; it’s a tribute to the diverse beauty that resides in every shade. As I continue to evolve personally and professionally, I’m always excited about what the future holds. Whether it’s through the lens of my influencer journey, the stimulating conversations on Barbie Talks Podcast, or the innovative products from Brown Beauty Co., I am committed to bringing authenticity, joy, and inspiration to everyone who joins me on this adventure.
Stay tuned for new and exciting events, product launches, and expansions! Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to continue this incredible journey with each and every one of you.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that significantly impacted my path are discipline, leveraging the internet, and building trust with myself. For those embarking on their journey, I offer the following advice: Success is intertwined with discipline. It’s not a skill that becomes easier over time; instead, as you develop skills and set higher goals, tasks become more manageable. Consistency is key – staying committed to your goals ensures that success becomes an inevitable outcome. Harness the power of the internet as an invaluable resource. Accessible knowledge is at your fingertips – from online certifications to free audiobooks on platforms like YouTube. Continuously strive to expand your knowledge base, staying curious and proactive in your pursuit of personal and professional growth. Truly savoring and appreciating success requires a foundation of self-trust. Create positive ways to build this trust, such as setting achievable goals and following through. Often, we focus on gaining the trust of others but forget the importance of trusting ourselves. Prioritize self-investment, recognizing that you can’t fill other glasses if yours is empty. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination. Stay disciplined, leverage available resources, and cultivate a deep trust in yourself. Your success is not just a destination but a continuous journey of growth and fulfillment.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
“Reflecting on my personal journey, ‘The Four Agreements’ by Don Miguel Ruiz has been a transformative guide that played a pivotal role in my growth. This book allowed me to humanize myself and become more conscious of its key concepts, such as: 1. **Be Impeccable with Your Word:** Words have immense power. Being impeccable with your word means speaking with integrity and avoiding gossip or self-deprecation. Your words shape your reality and the reality of those around you.
2. **Don’t Take Anything Personally:** – Recognize that others’ actions and words are a reflection of their own reality and not necessarily a reflection of you. By not taking things personally, you free yourself from unnecessary suffering and drama.
3. **Don’t Make Assumptions:** – Clear communication is vital. Making assumptions often leads to misunderstandings and unnecessary conflict. Instead, seek clarification and open communication to avoid misinterpretations.
4. **Always Do Your Best:** – Your “best” can vary from day to day, and that’s okay. The key is to consistently strive to do your best in any given moment. Doing your best minimizes self-judgment and regret, fostering a sense of accomplishment.
After reading ‘The Four Agreements,’ I felt a noticeable shift in my energy and how I presented myself to the world. The principles of this timeless book became guiding lights in navigating both personal and professional interactions. Embracing these agreements has not only changed my mindset but has also influenced how I navigate life’s challenges with greater authenticity and peace of mind. For anyone on a journey of self-discovery and growth, I highly recommend reading this book at least twice. It’s not just a collection of wisdom; it’s a transformative guide that has the potential to reshape perspectives and foster personal freedom.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: thebrownbarbiee/brownbeautyyco
- Linkedin: The Brown Beauty ( D’Asia Hargrove)
- Youtube: The Brown Barbie
- Other: Barbie Talks On Apple Podcast
