How To Have The Audacity To Boldly And Proudly Be You
Being your true and authentic self isn’t always easy as women often downplay or speak negative about not only their abilities, but their appearance as well. Today we’re talking about boldly expressing ourselves and pursuing BHAGs. Yes you read that right. You’ve heard of securing the bag, but Big Hairy Audacious Goals is actually a thing, and companies and individuals alike use it to, in essence, kill it out here! And you can too sis.
(BIG) - CROWN Day.
The CROWN Coalition, a national alliance founded by among other organizations, Dove, declared July 3, 2020, as National CROWN Day which is also the 1-year anniversary of the signing of The CROWN Act in California. The CROWN Act is a California law which prohibits discrimination based on hairstyle and hair texture
National CROWN Day will be a day of solidarity for the human rights of Black men, women, and children to wear their natural hair boldly and proudly, without the fear of being discriminated against in school or the workplace.
(Hairy) - Virginia amends Human Rights Act.
Back in March, Virginia became the fourth state in American history, after California, New York, and New Jersey, to ban hair discrimination, which unfairly targeted Black men and women when wearing natural hairstyles. The law went into effect last week on July 3rd, and amends the Virginia Human Rights Act to include a ban on discrimination "on the basis of traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists."
Natural Hair in Movies.
Unlike in the movie Napily Ever After, where embracing her natural hair implied that the main character, played by Sanaa Lathan, shaved off all her hair (which she actually also did in real life). In the movie Self Made, embracing one’s natural hair implied growing it and starting a business.
If you haven't watched the miniseries inspired by the life of Madame CJ Walker yet, I highly encourage you to borrow your cousin's Netflix account if you have to, to watch it. As you may have noticed, Netflix and other streaming services are ramping up their “representation” line up lately, lol. Although to be fair, both Napily Ever After and Self Made have been on Netflix for a while now.
Make Your Passion Your Business.
Similar to how the CROWN Act came to be by State Senator Holly Mitchell (who beautifully rocks microlocs by the way) made it her business to draft the Act so that it could be passed, Madame CJ Walker literally made natural hair care her business and grew an empire in the process.
I’ve always claimed and truly do believe that there’s provision in purpose. And as I’m sure you’ve heard before, passion and purpose are linked. So what it comes down to it seems, is having the audacity to pursue said passion.
“The doors will be opened to those who are bold enough to knock”
(Audacious) - What Would Chad Do?™
Influencer and business owner Vivian Kaye, who’s the CEO and founder of the 6-figure premium textured hair extension company KinkyCurlyYaki™, recently coined and trademarked the phrase “What Would Chad Do?™” If you’re wondering who Chad is, he’s the mediocre Caucasian guy who has the audacity to go after any-, and everything his little heart desires because he feels like he can’t be denied. And guess what? Yeah, dude is actually and likely getting half of, if not all the things he claims to be qualified for. All because of audacity.
But here’s the thing sis, YOU CAN TOO! It’s time we face our fears and open our mouths and start chasing and going after ALL the things. Cause closed mouths don’t get fed! It’s not always easy, trust me, I know!! Inferiority complex, low self-esteem, playing the comparison game, self-doubt, the list goes on. I wrote the book and bought the T-Shirt. Story of my life. But I’m hoping to channel more of “Chad” and just go for it.
Chad vs. Queen.
No one said it was ever going to be easy, but it is possible. If you haven't heard Vivian's personal story, she didn't get to where she is overnight, nor did it come easy. Her story is hers to share, so I won’t recount it here. I was fortunate enough to attend one of her in-person events where she chose to share. Just know that it cost her blood, sweat, and a whole heap of tears.
Another mentor in my head is Myleik Teele who's the founder and CEO of CurlBox, a subscription box for natural hair care. I’m making it sound basic, but trust me, it’s anything but! So much so that it’s sold out, Each. And. Every. Time. And she will tell you straight up, the journey to success is not for the faint of heart. She will also let you know that you will have to WORK. Even when you have a team behind you. It's YOUR passion and YOUR responsibility to ensure you thrive. Acting like Chad may encourage you to start, but being the black queen that you are, is what will actually sustain you and keep you going.
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(Goals) - Rock It!
Acknowledging and seeing a Queen when you look in the mirror, adjusting your crown, and ruling over your destiny is my hope and prayer for you. Coronavirus has disrupted lives and taken lives and the fact that you're still here accounts for a whole lot. National CROWN Day is about boldly and proudly rocking your coils. Similarly sis, rock the gifts and talents you have that the world is waiting for you to share. You got this! And when in doubt, just ask yourself "What would Chad do?™"
What’s one “Chad” thing you’re hoping to do this month? It could be asking for a raise, registering your business, launching your blog, saying NO when you don’t want to do something (as opposed to being guilt tripped into saying yes). Whatever it is, let me know in the comments below.
Grace & Peace,
Vi.