We caught up with the brilliant and insightful DeSerra Whitfield a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
DeSerra, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience is a testament to my mother’s teachings. She instilled in me the belief that the power within me is the driving force that propels me forward, encouraging me to relinquish control as nothing in life is ever perfect. She taught me to enter situations with the right mindset, and even when things veer off course, to unearth the strength to persevere. It became clear that fleeing from problems only led to a recurring pattern, the same problem would surface, just dressed in a different scenario. Rather than looking for an escape route, she emphasized the importance of tackling problems head-on, and finding solutions. Her guidance has been instrumental in shaping my approach to life’s challenges, fostering a resilience that continues to grow with each passing day.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a multifaceted individual, I don’t confine myself to a single professional category. However, I am currently nurturing my passion for photography. What started as a hobby and a therapeutic outlet for me has bloomed into a flourishing business, D. Whitfield Illuminations. At the heart of our business is the belief that creativity is a powerful, transformative force. We are committed to creating inspiring and empowering images for our clients. Our portfolio is diverse, encompassing creative personal and business branding portraits, dance photography, lifestyle shots, and more. Our mission is to serve as an illuminating source of inspiration for those looking to portray their unique identities through photography. Whether it’s an individual seeking to express their personality or a business aiming to tell their story, we ensure that our clients feel comfortable and enjoy the shooting experience, resulting in stunning photographs that serve as treasured memories. Currently, we are running a special on our branding packages. So, whether your branding needs are personal or business-related, rest assured, we have got you covered!
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?
Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship, or any journey for that matter, necessitates learning to be self-reliant. It is important to remember that your purpose may not resonate everyone. Your calling was tailored for you, and you alone; it wasn’t issued as a conference call. So, if individuals misinterpret you, bear in mind that this isn’t your problem to solve. This leads me to the next point: the necessity of letting go of fear, of the need to control, and of concern about others’ opinions. People will invariably have something to say, so why not give them something genuinely noteworthy to discuss? Have the temerity to believe in your potential to succeed, regardless of your circumstances.
Above all, remember to be authentic. Embrace who you are. Learn to find solace within yourself. If you don’t cultivate your own happiness, no one else can do it for you. Grant yourself grace and fall in love with your own evolution. Improvement begins by confronting the person staring back at you in the mirror. You must face yourself candidly to continue on your path of growth and self-improvement.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
I’m an avid fan of literature that nurtures personal growth. A book I continually revisit is “Crazy Faith” by Pastor Michael Todd. This book shines a beacon of hope when life’s challenges seem overwhelming, causing us to lose sight of our faith and purpose. It’s in these difficult times that the book urges us to plunge into our inner resilience, daring us to believe in the unattainable and choose optimism over dread.
A nugget of wisdom that resonates with me from the book is, “You won’t reach the promise without enduring the process.” This quote serves as a stark reminder that the road to our goals, although riddled with challenges, is a necessary part of our personal development and eventual triumph.
Contact Info:
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Image Credits
D. Whitfield Illuminations
