We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kirjah Hoops a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kirjah, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Throughout my entire life, i’ve worked tirelessly to achieve everything I have today. Growing up in foster care nothing has ever been handed to me. My childhood was marked by instability, but during those formative years, i acquired valuable qualities like resilience and strength. One critical lesson that has stayed with me is the importance of confronting life’s challenges head on. This realization led me to discover my passion: not only cultivating self confidence within myself, but also using my talents to inspire others to becoming the best versions of themselves
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?
I have always harbored a deep affection for the creative arts. While my primary occupation revolves around being a banquet manager, which I thoroughly enjoy. Ive worked for the Private membership club, The Gathering Spot (Black owned Business originating in Atlanta) the position allows me to provide people with elevated experiences through top-notch services, my passion extends beyond my 9-to-5 commitments. Growing up as a foster child presented challenges that taught me about self-love, security, self-worth, and confidence.
I recall the days before I entered foster care, when my father was both an artist and a photographer. I have vivid memories of accompanying him to his art studio, where I would watch in awe as he worked his magic with the camera. As a child, I was captivated by the beautiful colors he painted with and the delicate lines he drew. However, as I grew older, many of these cherished childhood memories began to fade, and my youth seemed to slip away, stealing my passions along with it. Foster care marked the final chapter in the theft of my innocence. Although my love for the camera remained unwavering, my self-esteem took a hit during those turbulent times, causing many of my childhood passions to fade into the background.
However, as I matured and had the opportunity to rediscover self-love, I realized that there was no better way to confront my insecurities than by facing them head on, or i should say “camera ready” as i step in front of the camera once again. This decision not only helped me boost my self-worth but also reignited my long-lost passions. I ventured into acting for TV shows & video shoots, sang in front of live audiences, painted intricate artworks and sold them, and recited poetry to find healing.
I’ve had the opportunity to explore various parts of the United States, from Ohio to California and Atlanta. now, I currently call Washington, D.C., my home. My mission is to demonstrate to the world that we can conquer self-doubt and pain through the very passions that define who we are. We hold the keys to unlocking our best selves. With this conviction, I have embarked on establishing my own business, EmpowerModa (Empower Moda). It is gradually evolving into a haven of creativity for those seeking to discover their self-worth.
now, it serves as a platform where you can access a range of my creative art services, as I continue on this journey to empower and inspire others.
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?
All my qualities have been instrumental in my personal growth is my ability to process my thoughts. Childhood therapy encouraged me to think outside the box, enabling a better understanding of my circumstances and environment.
My first quality is empathy. I make an effort to place myself in others’ shoes, promoting peace and fostering a deeper understanding. Empathy is a powerful force that radiates positive energy.
My second quality is humility. I’ve always recognized that I can’t claim to be the most important person because, from someone else’s perspective, they hold that distinction. This understanding has taught me the value of caring for one another.
Another crucial quality is assertiveness. I’ve learned how to earn the respect I deserve rather than simply demanding it.
These qualities not only facilitate my personal development but also provide opportunities to make a positive impact on my community. It would be a disservice not to harness these qualities for the betterment of my people and their future.
To those who are still searching for their path, I encourage you to take your time and truly get to know yourself. Ultimately, when you reach the end of your life’s journey, the only person you’ll be with is yourself. Ask yourself if you’ve given yourself every opportunity you deserved, if you’ve found your peace and happiness. Don’t arrive at that moment not knowing who you truly are—the person you’ll be spending your final moments with.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
The most significant area of growth for me would involve establishing the foundation for my own business and legitimizing my brand. This entails tasks such as obtaining my LLC, securing the right accountants and advisors, networking effectively, and making sound decisions. intending to allocate separate time for my personal life, my role as a banquet manager, and nurturing my personal brand. It’s worth noting that I am contemplating a return to Atlanta in 2025, as my job required me to relocate to Washington D.C. for business reasons. As an artist, there are unfinished matters in Atlanta that demand my attention. While I will be residing in Atlanta, I also have plans to travel the world in pursuit of building my brand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://empowermoda-cf0qf.zensmb.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queen_kirjah/?igshid=Y2I2MzMwZWM3ZA%3D%3D
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirjah.hoops/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirjah-hoops-08672a282/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/HoopsKirjah
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-HuJKNS23snyGWS6DHwRSQ
Image Credits
@yhimagesphotography @oriellachi_ @kamaubrothers @thephotoboothman @shotbybeast