We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kierra Wooden. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kierra below.
Hi Kierra, 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?
I developed my confidence and self-esteem through a journey of being fearless and embracing the concept of taking risks. I realized early on that growth and learning often come from stepping outside of my comfort zone. This approach involved a lot of trial and error, as I was not afraid to try new things, knowing that not every attempt would lead to immediate success.
A crucial aspect of building my confidence was being transparent about my failures. Instead of hiding them, I openly discussed my setbacks and the lessons I learned from them. This transparency not only helped me reflect and find solutions but also made me more relatable and approachable to others. Each failure became a stepping stone to my success, as I continuously adapted and improved based on my experiences.
The social aspect of my life, both in real life and on social media, played a pivotal role in bolstering my self-esteem. I focused on building a positive and supportive community both online and offline. My community became a source of encouragement, especially during times when I felt discouraged. The uplifting words and motivation from people within my community were invaluable. They often reached out to express their pride in my efforts and acknowledge the hard work I was putting in. Knowing that others recognized and appreciated my efforts had a tremendous impact on my self-confidence.
This journey of embracing risk, learning from failures, and fostering a supportive community has shaped me into a more confident and resilient individual. It taught me the importance of perseverance, the value of honest reflection, and the strength that comes from a community. My confidence and self-esteem are continuously evolving, but these experiences have laid a strong foundation for ongoing growth and self-assurance.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
At my core, I am a storyteller, but what truly weaves all aspects of my storytelling together is my identity as a multidisciplinary artist. My craft spans across poetry, 3D art and animations, digital art, modeling, and extends into my role as a community activist. I am also the founder of a non-profit organization, Southside Cleanup NFP, which is a testament to my commitment to community engagement and positive change.
What excites me the most about my work is the profound connection I establish with my community and audience. It’s incredibly rewarding to see people engage with my art, to hear their interpretations, and to learn about the inspiration and positive changes it ignites in their lives. My art serves as a bridge, connecting diverse experiences and fostering a deeper understanding among individuals.
My artwork delves into themes of afro-futurism, celebrating black women and exploring our connection to femininity, motherhood, sisterhood, love, power, and sexuality. I aim to reclaim and transform the negative perceptions often associated with black women by portraying them in soft, feminine colors, with braided hairstyles, afros, and more. Each character I create is not just a figure; they carry a story, symbolized through their names and the narratives woven around them, conveying powerful messages of resilience, beauty, and strength.
This summer, I’m thrilled to announce that I will be hosting my very first solo exhibition in Chicago. The exhibition will showcase my 3D art and poetry, offering a unique insight into my creative world and the themes I’m passionate about. More information about the event will be released soon, and I am eagerly looking forward to sharing this experience with my community and with new audiences alike.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, the three qualities that were most impactful are determination, curiosity, and innovation. These qualities not only shaped my path but also propelled me forward, even when faced with challenges.
Determination: My journey was filled with moments of adversity and numerous rejections. However, I never let these setbacks deter me from pursuing my goals. This steadfast determination taught me that perseverance is crucial. There’s immense power in not giving up on yourself, even when the odds seem stacked against you. My advice to those at the beginning of their journey is to embrace resilience. Understand that receiving “no” is not the end but rather a nudge to find alternative routes to your destination. Your path may not be linear, and that’s okay.
Curiosity: This quality has been a driving force in my exploration and growth. By staying curious, I’ve been able to learn, adapt, and explore new avenues that I hadn’t initially considered. Curiosity led me to experiment with different mediums and themes, helping me to refine my voice and craft. For those early in their journey, I encourage you to ask questions, seek out new experiences, and dive deeply into the areas that interest you. The more you learn, the more tools you’ll have at your disposal to navigate your path.
Innovation: Innovation was key in finding unique solutions to challenges and in setting my work apart. It involved thinking creatively and not being afraid to break from tradition to forge a new path. This quality is about seeing possibilities where others see obstacles. To cultivate innovation, I recommend looking at your goals from different perspectives, experimenting with new ideas, and not being afraid to fail. Failure is often the precursor to innovation, offering valuable lessons and insights.
For those at the beginning of their journey, here’s my advice: Embrace the road bumps, adversity, and struggles as part of the process. You are in control of your journey. Be proactive in making things happen, even if it means starting from scratch. Don’t hesitate to ask for help; there’s strength in community and collaboration. Dedicate time to learn and study your craft, always looking for ways to improve and execute your ideas more effectively. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination. Your determination, curiosity, and capacity for innovation will not only guide you through challenges but also open up a world of possibilities.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Over the past year, my biggest area of growth has been in understanding the value of taking my time and recognizing my role in the broader context of the world. This period of introspection and learning has been profound. I came to realize that while I am deeply committed to making a significant impact on my community and inspiring future generations, it’s not necessary for me to have all the answers or to shoulder the responsibility of solving every problem.
This realization has been liberating and has allowed me to focus more on the quality and meaningfulness of my contributions rather than stretching myself too thin in an attempt to address every issue. I’ve learned that by doing my part effectively and passionately, I can inspire others to contribute positively in their own unique ways. This approach has not only enhanced my well-being but has also made my efforts more sustainable and impactful in the long run.
Embracing this mindset has led to a chain reaction of positive contributions, not just from myself but from those I’ve managed to inspire along the way. It’s a reminder that change doesn’t rest on the shoulders of any single individual but is a collective effort, with each of us playing a crucial role. My advice to others would be to recognize and honor your unique contributions without feeling the pressure to solve every problem. Focus on making a difference where you can, and trust in the ripple effect of your actions.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kierrawooden.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ho3micide/
Image Credits
Photo Credits: Brandon Appleton, Instagram: shotby_brandon Makeup Artist: Courtney Appleton, Instagram: courtney_sade Their joint Instagram: refinedyoustudios
