Episode 9: The UX Lessons Every Creative Needs | Gintel Gee | Designer & Advocate for Human-Centered Tech

Apr 17

Gintel Gee’s path has been anything but ordinary. Raised in South Central Los Angeles in a family that valued both excellence and hustle, she learned early on the importance of curiosity, service, and joy. Today, she’s a standout in the world of UX design, breaking barriers of gender and race while bringing authenticity and wisdom to everything she does. We talk about discovering your path, saying yes before you feel ready, why real life’s ups and downs build confidence, and what it means to design a life and career you love. Packed with stories, insights, and a little Beyoncé, this episode is a masterclass in finding your lane and owning it.

“If you’re not learning you’re kinda not living. Life is all about how you evolve over time. The world is always changing, there’s always new ideas out there and if you’re able to relate or see some potential in those ideas, that’s the best situation.”

— Gintel Gee

UX Design
User Exp eriences
Follic Beauty L ab
Demograph ics
Interns hips
Women’s Streetwear
Dime Piece Brand
Club Flyers
Web site Design
Cal S tate Channel Islands
Ins ane Asylum
Ho w to Know if your House is Haunted
Stu dent Senator
Po li tical Scie nce
S tudio Art
Paris
Portfolio
Grind Gallery
Venice Beac h, CA
Army Corpora l
Cosby Sho w
Minister
Be auticians
Entrepreneu rs
Fortune 5 00 Companies
Y-Co mbinator
Hello P ossibility
Ted Talk
Ted Talk R eferenced by Gi ntel
Charities
Wom en For Wo men
Finan cial Li tera cy
D exterit y
Pinteres t
Tumbler
Blog
Hair Typing
F ounda tion
Clam App (rea ds you st ories)
F enty
As trology
Doctor of Divinity
Mo rality
Ther apy
Braille
Fashionable Old Ladies
Bu rning Man
Hea lth Care & Health In surance Debate
Bre ast Cancer
Go Fund Me
Ren ter’s Insurance
Act of God
Sou th Centra l Los Angele s
Boyz N the Hoo d
Los An ge les Gang C ulture
Mus lim
Gentri fication
Slashies
A Woma nist
A Femin ist
Pri vileges
L.A . Wo men’s M arch
Women’s Move me nt
Thanksgivi ng
Jezebe l
Java Sc rip t
CS
Michell e Obama
Gand hi
Ma rtin Luth er King Jr
M alcolm X
Aff irmat ions
Blac k His tory Month
An ime
Gender & Equality Studies
Beyonce
Jay-Z
George Bernard Shaw
Reincarnation
Follow along using the Transcript
Chapters:
00:00 Gintel’s South Central roots
02:10 Early lessons in hustle and excellence
04:20 Discovering UX design
07:00 Navigating male-dominated industries
09:15 Why being ready is a myth
12:05 Lessons from community and service work
15:10 The role of creativity in problem solving
18:30 Standing out as a woman of color in tech
21:15 Designing your career with intention
24:40 Real talk on confidence and vulnerability
27:00 How to keep learning and evolving
29:15 Saying yes before you have the plan
32:00 The Beyoncé factor in self-belief
34:50 Balancing ambition with joy
37:10 Advice for creating your own path
I feel if you are not learning, that you are kind of not. Living life is all about how you evolve over time because the world is always changing. There's always new ideas out there, and if you're able to kind of relate or see some potential in some of those ideas, then that's like the best situation.
That's Gintel Gee and this is The Powerful Ladies podcast.
Hey guys, I'm your host, Kara Duffy, and this is The Powerful Ladies Podcast where I invite my favorite humans, the awesome, the up to something, and the extraordinary to come and share their story. These are people that inspire me and remind me that everything is possible. I hope that you will be left, entertained, inspired, and moved to take action towards living your most powerful life.
Gintel Gee is a badass carving her own path. Raised in South central LA by families with one focus on achieving excellence and one focused on finding hustle and joy early in her life. It became clear to her the importance to always be learning to serve your community and to chase what makes you happy.
She's a high performer who stands out in her industry of UX design by both gender and race. She's real, she's authentic, and she's wise on this episode, she shares how she keeps discovering her path by being ready, never happens. While we all love Beyonce, obviously, and that real life has both ups and downs, and that's where you find your confidence and true self, there's so much good stuff in this episode.
You need to listen through to the end. It has never been more of a challenge to pick an intro quote because the nuggets of wisdom just kept coming. All that is coming up. But first, did you know that there is a way that you can show a powerful lady some real love? You can be a Patreon of The Powerful Ladies Podcast.
Go to patreon.com/powerful. Ladies, there are over six choices for you to figure out how you would like to support us from $5 all the way up to unicorn support. Really, that's what's called you can be a Powerful Lady Unicorn. Who doesn't wanna be that? The great part is by your contributions. You get more cool free stuff and access to new and exclusive opportunities.
Everything from Hidden podcast to free merch to free coaching, what you can be a unicorn and get free coaching or win a trip to LA paid for by us. That sounds amazing. You want a hug, don't you? So go and support powerful ladies on Patreon today. Thank you.
All right. Well awesome. Thank you so much for coming in. Thank you. Yeah. Uh, so we, you and I met this past year. Mm-hmm. 'cause we were both working at our previous company together.
Yeah.
And I was just really struck by how poised you always were because Aw, well worry worked as like, it was a startup, so it was a little bit wild and crazy.
Mm-hmm. And things changed a lot and. You never kind of knew what was coming down the pipe. Mm-hmm. And we also were in a unique situation where when everybody came on board, like roles weren't defined. Nobody really knew who, what was, who was doing what. Right. And we were in the process of creating all of that and.
I loved that you were always like, excited to be part of the group. Mm-hmm. Definitely. And just wanting to like contribute. Mm-hmm. And despite all the chaos, you were always calm, like mm-hmm. Yeah. And you could see on your face, you're like, I don't know if I agree with that, but it's okay. You're working.
Yeah.
Yeah. You just gotta let it roll. Yeah,
exactly. So how about we start by just, uh, introducing yourself?
Well, um, yeah. Uh, my name is Gintel, uh, Gintel Gee and I kind of just define myself as a designer right now. Mm-hmm. Um, I do a lot of different stuff, uh, creatively. I know how to do everything from draw paint and um, now I'm kind of getting really, really deep in UX design.
Anything that's like based on user experiences and also. I am trying to build some of my own things right now. Mm-hmm. Um, I have one main thing called folic that I'm trying to do. Okay. It's like kind of just based on, um, just women of color mm-hmm. And different things that we experience with like our hair and our skin and stuff.
Yeah. So I just felt that there was a great opportunity for a web product that kind of took all that and um, made it really fun and almost like editorial. Yeah. But, um, but yeah, like I'm interested to, to actually like launch that mm-hmm. And get those conversations going.
Awesome.
Yeah.
Sorry, I just, my head like spun out into like 50 questions based on that small share.
So maybe we, maybe we just start by telling people what UX is. Yeah. And like what that means. 'cause I think it's made such an impact on. People know what graphic designers are. Mm-hmm. And they know what artists are. But you talk about ui, ux and most people's like, I start to cross. 'cause they're like, wait, what is this?
Like, are you, are you coding? Like, what's happening? Yeah. So let's just tell people what that, that world is.
Well, for ux it's basically, um, like you're just taking. The user and trying to really be empathetic about who that user is and how to just approach them through however you format and, um, organize your website.
Mm-hmm. And traditionally, like I used to work in marketing, marketing and branding a lot. So you would define somebody by their demographics, like how much they make.
Mm-hmm.
Um, were they, did they go to college? Things like that. Mm-hmm. And what UX does is it says like, okay, well those things are great to have, but that's actually, see how that person's day to day is, what are things that they really care about?
And, um, you approach it from there, which I feel is a lot more genuine as opposed to like, there's, you know, 60% of these people do this or whatever. Like, 'cause we aren't really defined by our education or how much we make. People could be really, really smart and um, do a lot of things that we can't really, you know, quantify based on.
You know, education and
the typical demographics. Yeah.
Household stuff, all that. Mm-hmm. Like, I feel like that's what a marketer would,
you know. Yeah. Want, but yeah. And, and the, the journey that people go through on the, on the website of like where they click and why and making sure that they take the actions that you want them to take.
Yeah,
exactly. Mm-hmm. Like you're trying to basically formulate a way to not make somebody go off of your website.
Yeah. Stay on a long time. Yeah. Click the buttons, you want to end up making a purchase, like mm-hmm. All the things that you hope they do so that. It, it makes your website worth it.
Right, exactly.
Awesome. Exactly.
What, what was the journey between going from being a, a traditional artist into that space?
Um, it was a really confusing journey because first, um, I was working at art galleries and everything and, um, I did that internship and then I did another internship for a women's streetwear brand.
And that's kind of where the art and the design kind of collided, because before everything was just about like expression and putting, you know, my, like my own ideas out in the world. And then when I started to design, then I had to like think of another person mm-hmm. Or a lot more people. Yeah. And, um, and then I changed things according to that because even when I was working for a D piece, I was the, the streetwear brand that I first started with.
Mm-hmm.
Um,
I had to kind of. Know their, like, know that mind. Mm-hmm. Like know that street wear girl and what she would like to wear and what statements and stuff really feel, uh, genuine to her. So it went from that and kind of a lot more brands after that. 'cause then I did a lot more fashion and, uh, club stuff.
I used to design, like club flyers and stuff like that. Mm-hmm. And I used to do their websites too. Um. But now it's just like website, website, website.
Yeah.
Yeah.
And, and was, did it just fall into place 'cause they needed someone to do it and you were able to, or did, did you actively pursue expanding into the ux?
Um, I kind of actively pursued it because I just saw the industry moving so strongly in that area. Mm-hmm. And. I just resonated really well with the principles of UX design. Mm-hmm. And everything I read felt like, like, oh yeah, that's what I'm trying to do anyway. Yeah. So, um, so yeah, I, I kind of just took in all those practices.
Um, so like, tell us where you're born, where you grew up, and like, just kinda give us a story of your life from like zero to 20.
Oh, okay. Cool. Um, I grew up in South Central la. I, I have like an older sister and two younger brothers. Um, I grew up in a single parent home. Mm-hmm. And, um, my childhood, it was, it was like up and down.
Uh, there was a period where I was like pretty, uh, just depressed because of my dad's sickness. Mm-hmm. And that was like from the ages of seven to 16. Mm-hmm. Um, so I feel like even though when I was younger, I was very like boisterous and my mom like always remembers me like. Yelling in church and stuff, but, uh, like from when I was like seven and my dad got really sick, I kind of really, uh, got very introspective.
Mm-hmm. And very just like to myself, I didn't really talk a lot to and to a lot of people unless like it was prompted. Mm-hmm. So I kind of got that, that like, uh, like I know you like mentioned me being very poised. Yeah. I, I feel like I got that, uh. That, uh, feeling where I just like kinda wait and let people speak back then, because I was in my head so, so much.
Mm-hmm.
And
I'm still very in my head.
Yeah.
Um, but yeah, so I I, I did that and I went to college. I went to, uh, Cal State Channel Islands, which was a really weird college. It was, it was weird because like it used to be an insane asylum. Really? Yeah, it was crazy. And
who thought it was a good idea to put a college?
I have no idea. So was it like, there must be so many stories of it, like being haunted and creepy. Yes. So were the classes in the building or did you sleep, like was it a dormitory?
There's a dorm that was newly built, so that was safe. Um, but for the rest of the campus there was a lot of like old Spanish style buildings and there was just like a part.
I remember when I was there, there was a part that they just didn't. Um, totally, uh, what's that word? Uh, renovate yet? Yeah. Mm-hmm. And I did like do one of those trips where we go in the old buildings and stuff while it was like super, super late. Yeah. I don't know why I did that, because it was like, we were in those buildings and it used to be a hospital, so you still see all those things.
Mm-hmm. Like murals and all that stuff. And, um, I remember we went into like. Two different rooms, and it was like really hot uhhuh. And I was like, nah, I'm, I can't do this. I'm not about to do this. So I just left and I was the only person to leave. So you're now by yourself leaving. Yeah. But I, I was like, like, fuck this.
I'm, I'm not, like, I'm not about to like, conjure up some spirit with you guys. Well,
especially when, like, you never know what's gonna happen. Like, exactly. Is it real? Is it not real? Is it gonna follow you home? Like, I don't know. Right. Like, do you, like there's so much you already have to deal with in life.
Do you wanna have to be like, oh, don't worry, that's just Fred, the guy I picked up that night, we went on that tour. Don't worry. Right. Ugh.
It's like so, so, so creepy. Mm-hmm. And I don't know why all those old buildings feel that way. I'm just hoping that, you know, ghosts aren't real. And it was just like uncomfortably warm in there, but it was like, I swear it was.
Maybe like 1:00 AM Uhhuh and it's, you know, it's nighttime. It's supposed to be really, really cold, but it was so hot in those old buildings. But that's what I mainly remember. I didn't, I didn't like fully uh, complete my college education. I dropped out after the second year, which was. Kind of crazy because I was like a, a student, um, uh, senator on, on campus.
Yep. So you were very active. Yes, I was super active and I was into all the admin stuff and just like, you know, talking with everybody. Yep. Um, but I just started to feel like if I continued to go there, that I would probably go more into my poli sci. 'cause I was a double major with political science and studio art.
Mm-hmm. So I felt like I would've definitely did more politics there Yeah. Than art. Mm-hmm. Because everything with art kept falling apart. Like, oh yeah. I would get, uh, I got like, like there was this, uh, I don't know if it was like a contest or something. Mm-hmm. But I felt like we had to be approved to go on this trip to Paris and we had to kind of like show that our portfolio was at a certain place and my portfolio was there.
They accepted me and everything, but it was. It was like, then to get the money to go there and spend the time there was just crazy. Mm-hmm. So I was just like, okay, I feel like all these, the big, you know, opportunities that I wanna get, I'm not getting mm-hmm. At the college. So, um, so then I just, that's when I decided to go into internships.
Mm-hmm. And that's when I interned at like, the Grind Gallery at the time. Um, it probably doesn't exist anymore, but it was like a gallery in Venice that, uh, a lot of like local artists kind of started at. Mm-hmm. But yeah, it, that, that was like a really great experience. The gallery owner was a little crazy, but he let me like open and close the gallery and put a lot of responsibilities that even though at the time I'm just like, you know, I'm a young girl and I don't know all the, like, complexities of like running a business.
Yeah. But, um, it taught me a lot. So I, I definitely appreciated that
when, um. What made you wanna decide to be a double major? Like the art part? Yeah. 'cause it seems like that's been a, a passion of yours your whole life. Yeah. How, what made you go into poli sci as well?
Well, I'm pretty stubborn and, um, when I wanted to go to school for art, I had a, my grandfather, he's like a army, uh, colonel.
Mm-hmm. And he was just like, you're so smart. Why would you just wanna do art? Like, you have to do more than that. Mm-hmm. Or just like, go into something else. And, um, I was just like, no, there's no way I'm gonna go to college and not major in art. So that's why I did a double major, but poli sci is pretty, like, almost as useless as an art degree.
So I was just like, okay, um, I'm, I'm just gonna do poli sci because it's something that I'm interested in. And it was something that when I told my grandfather, he didn't like, totally like, you know, go crazy about it. But he was just like, okay, well there's something else there. So I guess whatever. And, um, his wife helped me out a lot back then because she was just like, just let her do what she wants to do.
Like if she's going there and she's like, and classes that she doesn't even wanna be in, then that's even worse.
Yeah.
But, yeah.
But he must have been really proud of you to be at school anyway. Yeah, he,
yeah, he was. Yeah, he definitely was because I think like, like, um, because my dad being like sick early on mm-hmm.
I didn't really get to spend that much time with my dad's side of the family. And, um. It was like their, like my mom's side and my dad's side are like two very different black families. Mm-hmm. Like my dad's side is kind of like, I don't wanna say the Cosbys, 'cause I can't say that now,
but, which breaks my heart because that show like Yeah.
Was one of my favorite shows. Yeah,
it was. It was amazing. But
it makes me so mad that it's tarnished. I'm like, yeah, can we call it something else so we all can like remember how awesome it was without him. Like how do we, how do we reconcile that? The Sables maybe? Yes. Because like there's so many, there's so many great actors in it and like, yeah.
I don't know. It was just, it was groundbreaking. Mm-hmm. And it makes me mad that one idiot like, ruined it. Right. I hate it. Oh. But, um, sorry I went on a tangent. 'cause that really upsets me.
We're passionate about that. We're, we're, we're both passionate.
Um, um, so you're talking about the two separate families Yeah.
Your mom's side and your dad's.
Yeah. So yeah, my dad's side is very like, well educated. Everybody's like at the top of their field. Um, and, um, my mom's side is like very different because most people, like my grandmother for instance, she's a, she, well she was a minister. Mm-hmm. But she only had a third grade education.
Wow. Yeah. So there was a lot of, uh. Like the way that a lot of my mom's side of the family formulate their careers was kind of like around things that you can kind of not necessarily teach yourself mm-hmm. But gain some mastery and just from like your surroundings, your neighborhood, your
hustle,
like Yeah, exactly.
Hustle. So a lot of them are like beauticians and things like that, which right now, especially with the product that I'm trying to do, kind of answers to that too. Mm-hmm. Because I feel like there's so many entrepreneurs that are, you know, doing hair Yeah. And doing like very simple things like doing nails.
Yeah. And I feel like, uh, I. You know, if there is something that, that kind of like helps them out mm-hmm. And recognizes them, then that'll, that'll be awesome. 'cause it'll help them like, you know, be able to manage their business better.
It, it's honestly one of the reasons why I've started Powerful Ladies in this format.
Mm-hmm. And one, because there is a moment in my life where I got connected to this really awesome woman. Mm-hmm. And, uh, we had a phone call. She was super inspiring, and she's like, yeah, I'm going to this conference where I love going because I get to network and meet at least great people. Mm-hmm. And like, I always learn something that pushes me further in my career.
Yeah. And what I'm up to. And I'm like, awesome. And can you share that, um, seminar with me or workshop? And she's like, yeah, here it is. I go to Google it. You can only participate if you work as an executive for a Fortune 500.
Wow.
And I'm like, all right, that's cool. But there's so many women between. Doing nothing and being the CEO of Fortune 500 mm-hmm.
That are hustling and doing great stuff and are entrepreneurs and they're working their ass off, like no one's talking about them. Yeah. And where do they go?
And people don't recognize it either. Yeah. Like, there's so many people that don't recognize the quality and, and, and how hard it is to braid and do like Yes.
Different things. And that's why I was just like, okay, I understand that. 'cause I've, like, my aunt does it. Mm-hmm. Like, there's so many people that were on my, on my mom's side that did that. And, um, I just felt like there's so many ways that you could have like a really, really great business. It's just you're, you're kind of slacking off because you have to handle everything yourself.
Yeah. And a lot of, uh. A lot of like beauticians and stuff. Like they'll have an Instagram where they have to sell that way, and there's so many pain points in that. Mm-hmm. So that's why, um, yeah. And
so much competition.
Exactly. Like you're right there with all your competition.
Yeah. Like we talk about how, you know, it's so trendy right now to be an entrepreneur and do your own thing.
Mm-hmm. And I'm like timeout, like people, that's how people made money their whole lives until very recently. Yeah.
Like
the corporate structure and getting into that process that has become like, normalized of how you earn money. Mm-hmm. Like, that's not how it's always been. And I think that there's this disconnect between, you used to have to figure out how to earn your own money on your own mm-hmm.
To now you need like million dollars to have a startup. I'm like, no. Like, yeah. People start businesses every day and they're not getting credit for being entrepreneurs or for having a family business because it's not it in the glamorous. Spa. Like it's not going to a a y Combinator.
Right. And there's, there's so many things that you have to learn that make it harder for somebody that's coming from like a background where they, you know, just aren't, they did go to middle class or whatever.
Yeah. They didn't learn basic skills. Yeah. So that's also like a part of what I'm trying to do. And not just like my own projects, but just every project. Like, I don't wanna do things where it's just like, there's a bunch of red tape and there's a bunch of like, things people have to do in order to receive something.
Yep.
Like, I wanna make it as easy as possible.
Well, and no. And like, that's the, I am so glad we're talking about that. 'cause that's really a passion of mine. Like, previously I have a nonprofit, hello possibility. Mm-hmm. And the whole objective is to make it easier for people to do good. Right. 'cause it made me crazy 'cause we were trying to do a fundraiser and I'm like, you've got to be kidding me.
Mm. Like, nobody wants our money, nobody's able to help. We're too small, too insignificant. And I'm like, what? What? Like, we need everyone. Like we need everyone being their own hustler. We need everybody who wants to give back. Being able to give back, like Right. Why are we making it hard for people to earn a living or to give back.
Right. Like what? Stop. Yeah. And if you wonder why there's so much complication and all this other nonsense going on in the world and it's like, hmm. Maybe 'cause we just make it too hard for people to win.
Right, right. And I just think that like, even I was, I was looking at like a TED Talk, I'll Yeah, I'll link it to you later.
'cause I cannot remember anything right now. That's okay. But, um, it was this guy and he was just talking about how a lot of big businesses, they'll have a charity initiative mm-hmm. Where they're like, trying to give, I don't know, they're trying to solve some issue and they formulate and they're trying to like, you know, get all this money.
But how that, how those type of charities never really. Do anything. Yeah. Yeah. Like the, the benefit of having them is, you know, like you might as well just give away the money mm-hmm. And not like, you know, create all these things that somebody has to be in order to qualify for it.
Yeah.
So, um, yeah, it was, it was a really great Ted Talk.
I'm probably paraphrasing it terribly. That's
okay.
But yeah, he, he spoke about it really like in a great, great, great way, because that's kind of. What, uh, kind of sucked out the passion for me a little bit. Mm-hmm. At like the last place that we were working. Mm-hmm. Because I was realizing like all the charities that we were, you know, doing, even though they were like great charities, it was, it was all like something where somebody had to qualify for something.
Mm-hmm. And they had to be a certain type of individual to get, you know, money. And actually I think like the best, uh, charities are the ones where they don't give you those, you know, qualifications. Yeah. Those requirements. And they make it to where you could spend the money on anything. Mm-hmm. Because you'll actually like, and this is what he says in a TED Talk, you'll be surprised on what people spend money on when you just give it to them without any like, you know, oh, you have to do a, B, C.
Yeah. Like a lot of people will, you know, spend money to. Like invest in themselves, like learn things themselves that are online. Mm-hmm. Or, you know, maybe they need something that, you know, you can't really think of that need as, like maybe you're a, I don't know, a CEO or something. You don't know every single need that somebody has.
Mm-hmm.
And
some things could really help somebody if they just straighten, you know, something out.
Yep.
So I think that most cases are like that. Mm-hmm. So that's kind of where my mind is at when I try to do anything involving. Charity giving back.
Well, I would love for you to be on the committee that we're gonna build eventually to figure out how we take the Powerful Ladies charity forward.
Oh, cool. Because
for the past four years we've been, that's how it all started. Right. Women, I'd call my friends, ask 'em to host something around the world. Mm-hmm. They'd charge 10 20 bucks to have their friends participate. Could be a yoga class or dinner at my house. Mm-hmm. Something easy that you were already doing.
'cause we're all so busy.
Yeah. So
basically like have fun, be social, and give back all at once.
Yeah. Yeah. And
we would pull the money and the first year we gave, um, the money to Women for women.org. Mm-hmm. That helps women who have survived civil war in their country.
Oh wow. And
that was really cool. Like it's an amazing organization.
We got to sponsor nine women. And they do a lot of stuff. 'cause they're, they're very 360 in giving them emotional support, education mm-hmm. Training and even like things that we take for granted that people don't know. Like, um, basic financial literacy. Mm-hmm. And like how to open a checking account, how to save something.
What are some skills you have that can translate into how you can earn money.
Totally. So that, that's so important.
It's so important. Like we, I think there's also, the other thing I'm excited about for Powerful Ladies is to like start at zero. Like so often we talk about steps five to 10. Yeah. We don't talk to zero to four.
Mm-hmm.
And I made
a joke and I'm on the last podcast maybe us talking that. Like, I am not good at doing my hair. I am, I am lucky that my hair is pretty under control most of the time. Mm-hmm. But I go to all these great people, these great stylists, and I'm like, they, I leave and I look awesome. I'm like, what are you doing?
Like, my hair can do it. I can't do it. Right.
And
they tell me all these steps and I go and try and do it. I know that there's some level of practice and dexterity that I need to get better at. Yeah. But there's something still missing that they're not telling me that's so obvious to them. Yeah. That I don't know.
I should know.
Yeah. That's, that's, that kind of relates exactly to like, um, my web product and stuff, because I was just realizing. As like as a black woman, that it was so hard to find things that were for me. Mm-hmm. No matter what. It's kind of like you have to start her whole like, research project Yeah.
To, to, to understand your hair. Yeah. So, um, so yeah, I was, I was uh, kind of just looking around 'cause I kind of curated a lot of things for myself. Mm-hmm. Like on Pinterest, on Tumblr I am, I make sure that I re blog and rein things where it kind of looks like me so I could kind of see myself. Yes. And um, and that's kind of where the passion for my project came from.
'cause I'm like, why is it so hard for people to just be able to see themselves? Mm-hmm. Because like, if, if you have. Okay. I know, I know hair typing is probably something that a lot of people don't, um, know about unless you do have like kinky hair. But, um, like I would type my hair as like a four C, which means that it's very coiled.
Yeah. And which is
why it looks awesome when you're natural. Yeah. Thank you. You're welcome.
Um, so, so, uh, yeah. I wanted to do something where it's like, okay, you go to a homepage and you know, maybe, maybe you see like a lot of different hair things, but maybe you're just like, I'm trying to look for something that I could actually do and recreate.
So there's like a filter where it says like, you know, from type one A, which is like a really like straight hair mm-hmm. To foresee like, what is your hair type? Mm-hmm. And you could just pick whichever one you wanna see, and then there's all content just from that.
That'd be amazing.
Yeah. 'cause that's what I was like.
I was like, I pretty much do this on every single website that I'm on anyway. Mm-hmm. Like, I find people that are like-minded and that's kind of what most products do, even on like Facebook and stuff. Mm-hmm. You're trying to find groups and people that you relate to. Yeah.
Or
that you already know in real life.
Mm-hmm. But, um, yeah, I want like the web product to be like, okay, well here's all this hair stuff. Mm-hmm. And we try to make it as basic as possible. Here's all these other like information articles, whatever. But we wanna make it, you know, easy for you to just be able to see things that, you know, you actually wanna see.
Well, I, I can imagine too that if you aren't educated in the even classifications mm-hmm. Like to know, even know which one you are. Yeah. Must be like, daunting. Right. There's so many choices. Like that's how, like even now when you look at foundation mm-hmm. I mean, I'm happy that they finally have 50 shades.
'cause Yeah. Everyone is so different. Like, even Jordan and I we're sisters and we would need different Oh,
I didn't know that. Oh yeah.
She's my little sister. And so we would still need different products. Like Yeah. We, we look alike, but we don't. And yeah. And so like, yeah. I can't, every time I go in, I'm trying 50 things because mm-hmm.
I don't have a way to go into a normal path.
Right. And it should definitely be a lot easier, especially if we're like, I feel like there's so many websites. Like there's that, um, that app where they just read books to you.
What, like someone like, like bedtime stories? Yeah.
Okay. I need to find this. It's the Calm app.
Oh. And they, and they have like the, the rainfall and all types of stuff going on behind. But yeah. Like, I feel like if we're solving those type of issues Yeah. Like, why haven't we just like, been able to solve like, hair stuff and why are we just now like solving like, you know, foundation things? Because there's like industry leaders for sure.
Mm-hmm. Fenty is an industry leader. Yep. But all these other makeup brands, they're just like, oh, you have 50. Well, that's like put, like, but they're not doing the study of, you know, people's undertones and stuff either. Yeah.
So
it's like, no, we like, if you're gonna care about it, you have to actually. You know, do the research, do the work.
Yeah.
So yeah,
the, the analogy in my head is astrology. Right. There's like 12 basic buckets. Mm-hmm. But then if you really wanna be able to get your horoscope and you'd know like what time you were born and where was the new, you're ascendant,
you're your mercury.
Suddenly you need 50 other things. And you're like, okay.
Like now this is complicated. Yeah. I need to go see someone who has a degree in this. Oh my. So I, gosh, actually figure out, gosh, are, have your degrees
in astrology.
I'm sure that there are experts out there. Actually, there's, I got recommended a woman to be on the podcast who is Oh really? Another powerful lady's astrologer.
She's like, you have to have her. So she'll be on here eventually. That's
so crazy. Yeah. Because I, 'cause, um. I, I just found something that I'm like a, a family album that I made when I was younger and it put, 'cause I, for the life of me, I couldn't remember what time I was born. Yeah. And I know you need that.
So then it saw like, it had 1232 and I was like, oh yeah, I could finally see all the little, you know, signs that mm-hmm. I am whatever. And Venus and all that stuff. Oh yeah. Because I am, I'm interested in it. I don't take it too seriously because it's so complicated. Yes. But, um, I do like to just read it just to kinda.
It's fun. Yeah, it's fun.
It's like the same reason you go down the Instagram rabbit hole, right? Yeah. Yeah. It's entertaining. And you're like, Ooh, maybe that is true. Right, right. Like, if it's good, you're like, I'm keeping it. If it's not good, you're like, eh, that's not me.
Right. Yeah. I like, like, I love it.
Mm-hmm. It's, it's like I've, I don't know, sometimes I even try to, um, like I play this, I do this little game with my boyfriend where I'll like read a horoscope and I'll be like, how do you, does that connect to you? And then he's like. Yeah, sorta. But, but all the, to me anyways, all the wording kind of seems like it's easy to connect it with most people.
It's super generic. Yeah.
But I still love it. You're in a
relationship and it might be rocky. I'm like the rocky all the time, right? Like, what planet are you on? Where it's like smooth sailing for like more than four weeks. Like something's gonna happen. Right. Small or big. And then they don't never put a qualifier on size.
Yeah.
I, I, I like when they're just generally like, optimistic. Yes. Because then at least I could feel like, oh, you, you know, you're gonna meet somebody new. Okay, cool.
Yeah. You never know if it's romantic. Is it a new boss? Like who is it? Yeah. Yeah. I'm like, more money please. Always. Always. So, yeah. So, um, what I think it's really interesting how you're talking about coming from like two very dramatically different families.
Yeah. Yeah. What, what was that like growing up and did you. Did you, um, just what was it like?
Well, it was, it was, um, it was pretty, it was pretty interesting because I felt like I kind of got to see two different, um, mentalities in a way. Mm-hmm. Like totally, totally different perspectives. Mm-hmm. And, um, I mostly stayed with my mom, so I kind of ingrained more of her, um, lessons than anybody else.
Yeah. But, um, I just kind of like, from my dad's side, I just saw like this requirement of excellence basically. Like anything that I did, I wanted it to be something that I cared about, that I put a lot of effort into. Otherwise you might as well not be doing it. So, um, so that's kind of what I got from them.
And also just like. Education. Like I was always totally interested in almost anything. Yeah. And when I was really, really young, I wanted to be like a doctor of divinity. Ooh. Yeah. It was, it's this really complicated title that I think I just loved. 'cause it was complicated when I was younger, I was just like, Ooh.
It sounded
fancy.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. But it was just like this, um, person that I think in some instances would be able to see other books of the Bible. Mm-hmm. Because they're like deep into it. Yeah. But, um, but yeah, so I was interested in that because I wanted, I had like a really, um, big interest in morality mm-hmm.
When I was younger for some reason. And, um, from my mom's side, it was just like, it was just this, even though like it was harder to grow up, um, on that end because my dad's side was definitely more well off. There's just this sense of joy like. My mom and all of my relatives are just able to laugh and joke about anything.
Mm-hmm.
And I just always love that, like, no, you know, like there's no limit. Everything is funny. Everything is a joke. And, um, and yeah, like I really, really appreciated that. So, um, I kind of, when I, when I talked to, 'cause what happened from when I was like, I think 10 was that my dad's side of the family kind of checked out.
And I think it was because like seeing my dad already was really painful because the type of, he had multiple sclerosis, so like different parts of his, uh, functioning, like, you know, his, like he wasn't able to talk eventually. Mm-hmm. He, uh, he wasn't able to like. You know, move around or anything. He, he kind of, it kind of went pretty, uh, aggressive with him.
Mm-hmm. So, um, I kind of, well, not just felt, but I saw that like they were withdrawing from me because I reminded them so much of my father. Mm-hmm. And even after, when I was maybe 22 or something, I think that I did something with my uncle at like, some family thing. I forgot what the occasion was, but he, he looked at me in the face like directly and he was just like, wow, you look so much like my mom.
And, um, it was, it was like a big point for me. 'cause I was just like, that's like, it's like you look in my face and you see like all the relatives and things that are like, painful. So I've, that was kind of like my impression with that side of the family. And, and yeah. Even though I always like respected them, I did kind of.
Have like a little, I don't know, like I was, I was just like a little upset that they did kind of check out in that way. And then for my, um,
well, it's not fair, right? Like Yeah. To lose your dad and then to lose that whole half of a family. Yeah.
It
was 'cause they're, and you get it right 'cause they're in pain.
Right. But it's like, no, I'm in pain and I need you guys now more than ever. Like Right. It's, it's so frustrating to be a kid and see grownups like not being as big as you need them to be.
Yeah. And no one talks about that.
Like, no one talks about how like, you, like as a kid, it's like you see adults as this on a pedestal no matter who they are.
Even if they've been idiots. Yeah. You still think, oh, they're an adult. They must have their shit together. Exactly. And then they go through things and you're like, oh, they're just human and that's such a bummer. 'cause I need you to be exceptional right now.
Right. And I felt like. As a kid, I was already thinking that a lot.
Like I was just like, oh, these are the adults. I can trust them. Like, everything's fine. And I was dealing with some pretty painful things because of my, my dad's condition. So I kept looking to them and sometimes it would be reciprocated and sometimes it wouldn't. Mm-hmm. So that's why I kind of like value my mom so much and like, respect her so much because I mean, she was dealing with shit too.
Oh yeah. Like she, she had like more like, it was, you know, me, my, my sister, my brother for most of that. My other brother came a little later. But, um, but yeah, like, it was a really hard situation. And I think that also because of that, I probably, um, was more so like, I just wanted to be and make sure I had everything under control as, 'cause I, I knew like my mom's condition was already like.
Like, uh, not perfect. So I was kind of like that kid that was like, you'll never have an issue with her. Yeah. Like, I'm always doing what I'm supposed to do. And I feel like I kind of took that into my, my adulthood. Like I try to like, like everything's under control. Mm-hmm. And that kind of calls back to it like, like I never wanna be the person to cause like, uh, alarm.
Mm-hmm. So, yeah. I keep it pretty under control.
I remember taking a self-development course and they ask you like, what are the labels that you've applied to yourself mm-hmm. That you maybe like you can get freedom from giving up. Mm. And for me, a word was responsibility. Like I always, other people had labeled me that and I took it on as like, I have to be the responsible one.
Yeah.
And then to have a breakthrough in realizing that. Like I didn't have to be responsible. Yeah. Like, sure. I prefer to be that way. Mm-hmm.
Because
I, I think it just makes workability happen. Yeah. And it have integrity within it.
Right.
But to realize that I didn't have to be responsible all the time, like other people could be more responsible in situations.
Right.
Like,
it's given me a little bit of freedom to relax in some areas. Mm-hmm. And remember that. Sometimes it's more important to be having fun than worrying about like, is this responsible? Yeah. Which maybe compared to other people on the responsibility scale, like that might have given me 10% more craziness.
Mm-hmm. Like, I haven't gone off the reservation on it yet, but yeah. At least it, it, it allowed me to give up like having to be it
Yeah. Versus
choosing to be it, which is like a completely different power structure Right.
With it. And I had to like, yeah. That like, everything kind of calls back to something for me right now because I've been going to like therapy, uh, for the last few months.
And like my therapist has to tell me like, you need to chill out. Like, you were like taking on a lot of different things for different people that they don't even realize. Mm-hmm. And um, and yeah, it was, I, I think that I, I definitely needed somebody to tell me that because I was just like overdo a lot and just in so many different areas trying to like.
And I'm not even, I'm not only just thinking of like what I'm delivering, I'm thinking about like communication, how I talk to people, making sure that they're okay. Mm-hmm. And like a bunch of stuff. Like, I'm always just like, I don't know, thinking of every little detail.
Mm-hmm.
So I have to kind of let that go so I could give myself space to breathe.
You, you have to.
Yeah.
I, I, um, I think so often people who are high performers are always asking other people how they are. Mm-hmm. And it's so rare that anyone asks us, I'm gonna group myself into that. Like, yeah, definitely. How often? Like, I can probably count on my hands how often somebody asks like, how are you?
Or do you need help? Like,
that's crazy. 'cause I, every time I talk to anybody, even they hit me up randomly. I'm like, how are you? Yeah. Like I always, even in, I try to like get like the real answer too. I'm like, how are you actually doing? Yeah. And I, I pride myself too on being like one of those friends.
Mm-hmm. No, and like, I, I get it. Like I'm not, I'm not a high risk person. Mm-hmm. Like, most of the time I'm fine.
Yeah. But there,
but you have to check in with those people. Yeah. Like, you have to check in with everybody, and
when it's bad, it's really bad. Mm-hmm. Like when I, like, if there's ever an issue and I, and I'm telling somebody about it, it's hard because you, you feel like, okay, I'm telling you an issue.
I I really want you to listen to me. And I felt, I feel like most people hear that and they're like, oh, well you have everything under control usually, so I'm just gonna give you this, whatever advice that I'll give anybody. And I'm like, no, this is dire. Like, for me to ask you for help means that. I've probably Googled everything and tried like every little, you know, solution that I could, you know, ever think of.
And, um,
yeah. 'cause you're not a cry wolf, so like, when it comes up, it's, it's like a bigger thing.
Yeah. Like
you've, you've gone through everything that you could already take care of yourself.
Exactly. And yeah.
So message to everyone listening. Go check on your friend who you think is the most powerful.
Yeah. Check, check on your strong friend mm-hmm. That you go to every, every day or whatever. Whenever you have like a crisis. Like just say, Hey, how are you doing? What's up?
Yeah. No, exactly. Exactly. Um, besides taking on that level of responsibility mm-hmm. Um, and like keeping things under control, what were other impacts, um, with your father passing that has like kind of changed or directed your, the course of your life?
I feel like I've always kind of thought about, um. Edge cases and people that wouldn't necessarily be considered or thought of when I'm creating things. Mm-hmm. Like, um, I had like this other idea that I never did, but I wanted, not yet anyway. Yeah, not yet. Um, I wanted to do like, visual art pieces in braille so that, but like have like the part that they're feeling be like almost poetic to kind of go with the piece.
Like do things like that that like, I, like, I wanna be able to kind of think of everybody and, and, um, and do things that just haven't been, you know, done a certain way. I just feel like that's the most interesting to me, to just think of people. 'cause I, I love people that are extremes and that are eccentric and that you can't quite like.
Put in a box when you see them. Like, I love fashionable old ladies and I, they're
my favorite.
Yeah. I like, I love like those like really, really unique, you know, characters. Mm-hmm. So that's why I wanna think about and, and, um, who I wanna think about when I create things, people
in the fringes.
Yeah. Like I feel like we all feel a little bit on the fringe in, in different ways
if we're honest.
Yeah. Yeah. Totally. And I think like, um, that's one of the things I respect out of the, the Burning Man culture. Mm-hmm. Is that because it's encouraging you to like do
whatever? Mm-hmm.
Even if the people are start by pretending, like, just like I'll wear, they like, they'll call it a costume, which is like sacrilegious.
Oh
yeah. They're
like, these are not costumes. Like, so I get it.
Yeah. Like
it should be authentic, not a costume. But I think there's something about being in that space where. You're expected to push it a little bit.
Yeah.
And how you show up visually
Yeah.
That it opens up something that most people don't spend their time doing.
Yeah.
Like
there's a creative outlet where like everyone always comes back, at least from the group that I go with. Yeah. That there's like this extra boost of creativity. Right. And like really re reassessing like the thought patterns that you have typically. Mm-hmm. Which I appreciate. 'cause it, there's, it is so easy to fall into a routine and a pattern and focus on just making it through the day.
Mm-hmm. When like that that's not creative or powerful or Yeah.
Like
that doesn't light you up usually. Like
Yeah. I think you have to kind of like tear yourself down a little bit and get to the like bare bones and kind of see like what you're really made of. Because for me, even, even now, like choosing to be mostly freelance, I felt like I have to, uh.
Just lose con lose like some conceptions about myself that I had originally and some, some things that I thought about my career and where I wanted to go. I had to kind of be more real and, and actually think like, well what, what, um, at the foundation is most important for you? And right now I'm really into just like, doing things that I, that I connect to, like where the voice seems very familiar.
Mm-hmm. And I don't wanna do anything else but that right now. Like, I don't want to just join a company just 'cause I know like, oh, I'll get this and that. Like, I'll, I like, I don't want to just feel safe. I wanna feel like I'm doing something that feels a little more radical. Especially right now. Like, I feel like we're in the perfect climate to do things that, that feel more true to us, that we align with.
'cause a lot of times things are just like, okay. Yeah. Like. Like, okay, that's, that, that's what, you know, everybody is kind of saying this is going to keep it, the wheel churning, whatever. But if we're more honest and um, more truthful about like what we actually, you know, feel will be beneficial for the future, then we should totally contribute to that.
Uh, a hundred percent.
Yeah.
That's also why I think, you know, the, obviously the, the topic and debate about healthcare and health insurance is so big. Mm-hmm. But I've never heard anyone on a typical news station talking about how if we provide healthcare at a lower cost for anyone mm-hmm. That it's going to open up the doors for more people to feel safe to be an entrepreneur and start a business.
Yeah.
Like you can't, that's entrepreneurs that I talk to, that is the number one concern they have. It's not am I gonna make money? Because there's 50 ways to Sunday to hustle and get a client and start making money. Right. But people are worried about like, having healthcare.
Yeah.
And it's crazy that that would be a barrier because there's no reason for it to be
Right.
It's, and it's, it's huge. Like, I, like I recently, um, like my sister, she has, uh, breast cancer and like, she's working and everything. She has insurance, but it's still really hard. And I still had to like, get a, like I created a GoFundMe because she was very, she did not want me to give her any money. Um, even though, like I've helped where I can, but she was just like, I really just wanna like do something else or figure out another way.
So I was just like, okay, I'm just gonna make a GoFundMe and try to see, you know, how much I can get from there. And thankfully like it's helped a lot, but like she's already somebody with a job and insurance. So it's like why do we also need that? Mm-hmm. Like why isn't, like, why aren't you able to just live and be able to take care of yourself and be able to like have that, you know, that padding to fall on if something does happen.
Yeah. Like, because
that was like out of the freaking blue for sure.
Yeah. And like you would think that at a minimum, what all the money you're putting into pain insurance mm-hmm. And your company is paying as well, like should cover the big things.
Yeah. And
the fact that it doesn't cover the big things, like what are we doing?
Yeah.
I always felt like that's so messed up. Like anytime when I had like a big situation happen and I had like apartment, apartment insurance and stuff like that and I call them, there's always like some little technicality. So I'm like, okay, well. I have insurance and I'm paying for it. But yeah, when stuff happens, there's like, it doesn't really help help.
Like I always wonder like, would it just be smarter to put that money into a savings account?
Right. Like, I'd much rather be like saving 'cause Lord knows like, ugh.
Yeah. At least you know it's there. And you, and to your point, before you can do anything you want with it. Yeah. There's no restrictions. Like even like, it's so funny to me that like in California you have to get earthquake insurance.
You don't have to. Mm-hmm. But it's there.
Yeah. And
it's a fixed price no matter who you get it from. And. There's so many stipulations behind it.
Yeah.
Like what? I don't who ever approved an act of God not being covered by insurance. Right. Like, that's what I have insurance for. Right. Like, I need insurance for the act of God.
Right. Like, that's what I don't know is gonna happen. Like I can't prevent that. Right. I can lock my doors. I can make sure that, um, you know, we're unplugging dangerous things when I leave the house. Like there's things I can do mm-hmm. But I can't prevent an earthquake or a flood. Yeah. Or a random water main break or, you know, lightning striking.
Like I can't do that. Right. So why is that not covered?
Right. There is like, um, well this is gonna, I'm telling you about my apartment, but, but there's like a, you know how there's been like a, a lot of rain recently and it's, it was kind of like that last year too. And um, so I have this magical window that when it's closed and it's raining really hard, water will still come through the window.
Oh, yes, it's beautiful. You wear a potter window and, and like, uh, before, like last year it happened where like, uh, half of the room had water in it and now like, uh, that happened a little bit recently, but not as bad. But yeah, I was just like, okay, well I have insurance. And then they were just like, oh, well it sounds like that's something that is, uh, the apartment, like, like your apartment manager.
Like they have to handle that part. And I'm like, but it's, it's nature. It was coming through my window, so, so yeah, I just didn't understand. But they were like, oh yeah, uh, I don't think we cover that.
Nice. I would fight back. I would so fight back.
Yeah, it was insane. And of course, my apartment manager's like.
I don't, I don't know like what's like, God, but yeah, I, that's why I'm like, so like, I just, I don't understand insurance and I don't like it.
It's, and it's, I think that there's such an illusion about it too, because there's all sorts of insurance that people are getting sold that they don't need. Mm-hmm.
And then there's insurance that we do need, like the only purpose of insurance is to protect our assets.
Yeah.
So like, there's so many levels of insurance that no one needs that they are, that people think you have to have. 'cause people talk about it. Yeah. And then the insurance that you end up getting isn't even a good one that you need.
So,
yeah.
Yeah. I can go on a tangent about this. Yeah.
We're having a very important conversation about insurance right now.
Yes. So I, I am committed to bringing on somebody who is an insurance expert. Oh yeah. So we get that sorted and I'll circle back on that, but there's so much more that we can talk about.
So what I would love to know for people who aren't. Don't live in la mm-hmm. And haven't been here. There's obviously images painted of what, growing up in LA
Yeah. And South
Central and Southern California. Like they, there's visions. Mm-hmm. And like how much of that would you say based on the stereotype you experience and how much of it is bogus?
And also it's changed so much
Yeah. Through
time.
Yeah.
That there, I think there's also that needs to be recognized that, yeah. Totally different. It's evolved so much. So let's set the record straight on. What's really going on?
Well, I've, I've grown up in South Central, so that's like the part that you see in Boys in the Hood and stuff like that.
So, um, a lot of times when I tell people like, oh yeah, I'm from here. They expect me to be a certain way.
Mm-hmm.
And I'm not that way. And, um. So, but I did like grow up and see certain things, like I've had family members that have been involved in like gangs and stuff, and I've heard pretty wild stories because I have like a whole nother side of the family.
It's pretty crazy. But, but, um, I, I just never felt like really unsafe. Mm-hmm. And my mom was able to like, really, uh, protect us back then. Um, so there, there is the element, there's definitely like that element of gang culture. Um, but it's not as bad now, not nearly as bad as it was before. Um, and a lot of the people that I do, that I, that I did know that was like into something, they're mostly like Muslims now.
Like they just changed their whole lifestyle. But, but yeah, like, uh, there's that change. It's, it's pretty like calm. And now a lot of the neighborhood is getting gentrified, so there's like a lot of like new buildings and stuff like that, which is a whole nother conversation. Yeah.
But,
uh, but yeah, so it's, it's changed that way.
It's, I think that a lot of people, they have like this, uh, impression that everybody's pretty chill and that's for the, for the most part that's true. Or at least like, I try to be that way. There's a lot of people that come here though from like different states and stuff, and I feel like there has to be, um.
Something that kind of relates those people to the California culture, because there's so many transplants, there's so many people that just, that aren't like natives, that have like their own thing. Because I feel like that's the big Hollywood thing. Like all of my friends that are like actors and, you know, trying to do something in Hollywood, like they came from another place and they definitely have like a strong influence in certain areas.
Mm-hmm. '
cause I definitely get that like, like, uh, yeah, like you guys are trying to create something and, and, um, and you're, or you're trying to be something, you're like hustling to do this. So you'll see a lot of Uber drivers that are actors or, or different things like that, like different, um, different, uh, hustle ambitions that for sure.
That are, you know, doing other things out here.
I mean, we're in the land of the slashies, so Yes, yes,
yes. There's a lot of slash mm-hmm.
Um. Obviously the female movement has been such a big thing in the past couple of years. Mm-hmm. What is your opinion about it and how do you think, you know, being a black woman, how do you see it differently than maybe it's being talked about?
Uh, I've seen a lot of great conversations just because, like, I, I follow so many different people that kind of connect to that movement, but also like others too, that are like, would consider themselves not feminist, but a womanist. Mm-hmm. Um, just because of all the, the, um, questionable identity things within feminism that they'll rally for that may feel different if you're a black woman from, you know, you have a different experience.
Yeah. But, uh, but yeah, I connect to a lot of it. Um, I do see those issue areas where it would be better to have a more diverse voice.
What's an example of one?
Well, I think like for, for a lot of people there was a weird moment for the election.
Yeah.
And, um, a lot of people were saying like, okay, like this percentage of people devoted for this, this percentage of people voted for that.
And I think that there's like a, like a pretty sizable percentage of white women that voted for Trump. And I think that it's such a hard topic for people to talk about, especially, um, just within that whole like, movement,
just within the, just within the female population talking about politics is
Yeah.
Like addressing like those people that, that. Benefit from certain privileges. Yeah. And they recognize the issues or I, this is kind of like what I see, or what I kind of have like, uh, like, like questions about when I, when I see it, but they recognize like the issues and they see like, oh, okay, well, uh, Trump isn't doing this, da da da.
But they also see that if they voted for, you know, Trump, it makes them feel secure or it interesting. You know, gives them more security in their privilege. So then they just like kind of still vote that way because they're just like, oh, well this is, this is gonna help me anyway and if I vote, you know, the other way, then maybe I'll feel less powerful.
Or I, I don't know. I feel like
less secure.
Yeah, less secure. So, um, that was, that's definitely like a, a part where I don't see that being addressed, but I do see it when people are like. You know, saying I'm a womanist and this is, I believe in like, intersectionality and how the, like you have to kind of think of all the different types of people and how this affects them and their own experiences and, um, yeah.
Like, I, I respect, you know, that, and although I, like, I, I do love the woman, the, uh, the women's movement. Mm-hmm. And I, I went to the march and I did like a lot of things that in DC
or in la In
la Nice. Because I can't go. But yeah, I went, I went to the one in LA and, and when I went there, it was beautiful.
And I saw all different types of women and even like, you know, some people that were trans and stuff. So I loved, loved, loved that. But, um, I do think there has to be more transparency and a more vocal, uh, voice that, that kind of like talks about the things that are a little harder to talk about. Mm-hmm.
Because it's just like. Okay. Well, how, like, I think a lot of people are like, okay, you guys, when it's uh, Thanksgiving, you have to talk to your families and kind of see where they're at and have those con conversations that are uncomfortable. But I think a lot of people, they kind of get in those Yeah.
They get in those, you know, environments and it's just like, um, like hard. Mm-hmm. You know, and, but then it's, but it's like also like what you're fighting for the, you know, like the end goal of all of this, like equality and, you know, having other people feel validated is really, really important. Yeah. And, um, there has to be something that kind of helps people feel that a little bit more strongly, even though, or
just brave enough to have the conversation.
Yeah. Because, uh, yeah. Yeah. Like I feel like there has to be more done on that end. Mm-hmm. But it's, it's kind of like there, like I don't even know like, what's the proper.
Platform or, you know, area to, to really have that discussion in a substantial way where you're, you know, talking to people and seeing like why they do these things, why they're still voting certain ways. Mm-hmm. And, and, you know, kind of like breaking past that mentality.
Well, I think it's, it's hard. I think there's some fundamental things of that.
A lot of people do not have a diverse circle mm-hmm. That they interact with on a daily basis.
Yeah.
And diverse on whatever level you wanna choose. Right? Right. So for people to actively pursue having more diversity in their life, I think is one thing. Just to see it and experience it and be like learning.
Right. And then I also think it's really hard for. Like people to be brave, to like push those conversations like at Thanksgiving that you mentioned, right? Like, 'cause there's so much, people are so afraid of being judged on both sides.
Yeah.
And it's like, how about we just talk about it? We agree. There's not gonna be any judgment.
Like just talk, like everyone gets a voice. It's almost like when you be in school and they'd pass around like whatever object it was that like, gave you the floor. Mm-hmm. Like how do we allow people to talk through it
Yeah. And
allow questions to get asked. Yeah. In a, in a neutral space, even if it's really hard to be neutral.
Yeah. But if you fundamentally believe that people are good and they don't wanna hurt people, right. Like, how do we get through that? Like most people are making selfish choices every day because that's what animals do to survive.
Yeah.
So how do we allow people to feel like everyone's okay? There's enough for everybody.
And like, let's talk about what's really going on. Like, right. Most people, I just don't think get it, don't get the impact.
Yeah, totally. And that's a hard area to educate people and that's why I feel like political science and like basic budgeting should just be high school courses. Oh yeah. But, uh, but yeah, I, I definitely do recognize like, it is really, really difficult.
'cause even like my mom, like she has some questionable opinions and I still have to like, break it down to her and, you know, say like, okay mom, you can't, you can't be out here in 2019 thinking this way. Like, you have to, like, we've evolved, like, and um, I do think a lot of these things, it's kind of like, it feels more personal and it's, uh, it is based, a lot of these conversations that I have had with people, like different friends and stuff, it's been like a one-on-one conversation.
Yeah. And I feel like if people kind of approached it that way and maybe. Like, like sit down like with your elders and stuff and just try to be more, 'cause we don't even talk to people. I feel like that are Yeah. In our families that're a little bit older, they have different experiences, like, have those conversations, like relate to each other and allow them to, you know, say some weird stuff to you that may be a little controversial, but, um, like, just be patient and,
yeah.
I, I think, I think that's actually a great message of like, just pick one person. Yeah. Like even you talking to your mother, right, right. Just being like, this is what I see. This is what's going on. Like, where are you at? Why? Mm-hmm. And like, it's okay to like start with somebody that, you know, you have the space for the listening, right.
And then like, okay, then just move on to the next person. Like, yeah, you don't need to take on being a crusader with the most. Opposite person from you right to start.
Right. Oh, please don't, that's so frustrating. Like, don't do that to yourself because I like, well, okay, so one thing I would say is be conscious of what you could do and what mentally, like, like don't disrupt your, you know, mental space too much.
If it's, if it's crazy, if you know it's gonna be like insane, don't do that. But, but like if you're talking to somebody where you kind of see like, okay, well they're kind of getting there, there's some struggle a little bit, but I know that they'll be able to relate to me in a certain way if I was, you know, if we just like kind of talked one-on-one.
Um, those are the conversations where I would get into it. Um, there's some people that are just, you know, more extreme in their behaviors and may have like. Opinions that they feel like really, really strongly about where it could be harder to break down. Like all those, all the things mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. That, that they believe strongly in.
Um, so those may take more time. I would still say try. Mm-hmm. But, uh, but yeah, I just know that it'll, it may take time, but you, you could be like patient and just honest with them.
And I, and I think it's okay to have a position of speaking up when you feel like it's the right moment. Mm-hmm. And then also having like a, a one-liner in your pocket about what you can say so that you don't need to participate or tolerate something.
Yeah. Because there's a way to shut down a conversation without having to have the conversation. Right. So like for an example, like if someone's talking, making a joke that's inappropriate or that offends you or something, like what's, what's a prerecorded one-liner that you have that. You can pull outta your pocket when that happens.
Like just to shut it down, like, Hey, that upsets me. Like, let's move on. Or
Yeah.
Whatever that is, so that you can, 'cause I think people get really upset because they don't wanna tolerate it around themselves. Mm-hmm. But they don't have something to stop it with. So how can we not tolerate it and like, change subjects or move on or like remove yourself from that situation?
Yeah.
I get more blunt
now.
Yes.
Yeah. Because, um, before I've been pretty like, I don't know, like reserved passive. Yeah. And passive. Mm-hmm. And I, and I feel like a lot of people are like, pretty passive right now. A lot of people feel like if, if something comes up, maybe they don't have all the information and it's hard to feel confident about, you know, the things that, you know, when politics are, is already really, really confusing and, um, complicated.
But, uh, but yeah, if you, if you just kind of, if you're able to, to just say things that you. Believe in and that, you know, to be true. Mm-hmm. I feel like if you like keep it there, then you're fine. And if you also just don't allow it to go too far. 'cause um, sometimes when those conversations happen, and sometimes my boyfriend, like even he will like sometimes say things where I'm like, uh, like, that's homophobic.
Like, you can't, like, you can't say that.
You gotta, I think it, I think it is important to check the people in your life that like, when you're there, like, yeah. Like check 'em, like
shade 'em, check 'em, do all those things. 'cause you real, like people just need to speak up more.
Yeah.
And um, and yeah, like it's not really all about having all the, the details.
Some maybe you don't know the percentages and all that stuff, but I think that. You know, you could just come from just a basic place like we're all human. Mm-hmm. You need to be able, like, you need to respect other people. Like, I, I don't like, sometimes when people say certain things, it is a, a really sharp, just disrespectful, uh, comment on a certain type of person.
I feel like, like it's super obvious. Yeah. Like, I feel like most things are like that. So you could just, you know, be blunt and just like, no, I, I'm not gonna tolerate like you talking that way about that I do not believe in that. That's not like a, you know, one of my morals or anything, however you wanna say it, but Yeah.
Like, just make sure you say it.
Yeah. And then at least you can, you can sleep at night knowing that Yeah. Not thinking like, oh, I should have said something.
Right.
Yeah. It's a, it's a really hard, I think that's the hardest cultural thing that we're, we're dealing with from a communication perspective right now.
Yeah. Because. Most people I talk to agree that they want more communication. They want these topics to come out. They don't want there to be things that we can't talk about. Mm-hmm. And they, and it's almost like everyone's in the room. It's almost like a couple, like I at a school, or No, I'm gonna go back farther.
Like when you go to a school dance and like all the boys over there and the girls over there, like, they wanna talk Yeah. But they're all afraid to talk. Right. And you're like, how do we just make that space in the middle? Like, okay. Like, all right. So you have to find a few people that are gonna go and do it first.
Yeah. 'cause it's, it definitely gets confusing. Yeah. 'cause I've been on Jezebel and the comment section is kind of crazy because sometimes you'll, um, you'll see somebody that's trying to understand a topic and it gets kind of just muddled over and Yeah. Like, I know there's totally different ways to respond.
Some people are more just like, no, like, I'm not even gonna explain it to you. Mm-hmm. Like, that's not my job. And I, I didn't like, you know, do all this work myself just to have to like, educate you later. But for me, like I'm very big on patience and like trying to like relate to somebody in a, in a substantial way.
Like anybody that I interact with, even when, you know, it's somebody that's, that I probably won't see the next day. Like I'll, I try to like say sir or, you know, whatever, or male or whatever, or be as respectful as I can within that limited space.
Yeah. 'cause you're, it's, it's a, it's you honoring your own word of respecting everybody's humanity.
Yeah.
And it's, it's, it's the har it's hard, it's hard to be patient with that stuff.
Yeah. But it's definitely important to have those, um, discussions. And I know like some, a lot of the times they happen online and that's where people are just kind of crazy.
Well, I think it's like it. It's such a big topic.
Like obviously we consume so much information online and digitally
Yeah.
But it's also the worst place to actually have a conversation that has the human element to it.
Right? Like, there's so many things that you'll do in person that you are absolutely not gonna do online just because you don't want somebody to take advantage of that, of your kindness and, um, and yeah.
Like it's, it's, it's uh, totally hard to have that online, but Yeah.
And there's so many convers, like I have so many examples in my family and my friend's families where people in the same family aren't talking to each other right now because of an exchange on a social media platform. Mm-hmm. And it's like guys, like pick up the phone.
Yeah.
Have like, clearly something is misconstrued construed because you guys come from a family that you yesterday. We are on the same team. Mm-hmm. Today it's not like, obviously there's been a breakdown in some communication. Yeah. And it's just like, you can't break up on a text. Like you can't break up on Facebook.
Yeah.
Like as a family,
people get like really tied into their online image and then wanna make sure that
Yeah,
yeah. Same energy in person.
Right. Like all the, all the best. Um, all the leaders that have had, have had revolutionary culture changes. Mm-hmm. Gandhi, Martin Luther King, like you can keep naming them, right?
Mm-hmm. All of them were willing to sit and have a conversation with somebody.
Yeah.
And it was never a like, no, this is the message. Goodbye. Yeah. Like, because you have to, like, there's a, there's, that's what, yeah.
I mean, yeah, definitely. Like even Malcolm X, like he would shut you down. But yeah, he had like those really great like interviews and conversations where it's just like, ah, okay, I see.
Like I understand. And he's made like some really, really great points. Mm-hmm. But yeah, you
have to have to meet everyone a little bit halfway to like be able to move everyone across the finish line together.
Yes,
yes, yes. Yeah. Happier topics. Yeah. Um. As for where do you go to get inspired and to be motivated and, and like fuel yourself for being at your, at your best?
Um, I've been reading some good books lately. Of course, there's becoming by Michelle Obama right now. Mm-hmm. Um, but a lot of my books right now are more educational or having to deal like, directly with my field. Um, I am, well, I just finished Hooked, which was a good book, just about like UX and everything.
And I'm also reading this really boring book about JS and coding languages. Just like I have like H-T-M-L-C-S-S, uh, JavaScript, Jake here, Jake Query. Mm-hmm. And like a bunch of other stuff. So. Um, that's kind of my vibe right now. Just all educational stuff. But, um, there's, there's other books too that are also just like really great books to read.
They're about culture and race and all those. Like, I, I try to like, at least read a, a few every year just to make sure that I'm sharp. Mm-hmm. But, um, but yeah, there's, there's that, but I'm mostly into the educational stuff.
How, um, how Im, how important or critical is it for you that you continue to learn and educate yourself and like keep that moving?
Um, I feel like if you are not learning that you are kind of not living, like, I feel like life is all about how you evolve over time. And that's why I love like. You know, fashionable ladies and stuff like that, because I feel like it's, it's not like, uh, like they just didn't stop in their time and say, oh, okay, well this is just what I'm gonna do.
I'm gonna keep on doing that until I die. Like, it's, it's just like refreshing to have somebody who's always present. And that's what I try to be because the world is always changing. There's always, you know, new ideas out there, and if you're able to kind of relate or see some, you know, potential in some of those ideas, then that's like the best situation.
Mm-hmm.
What are some things that you wished you knew when you started on your career journey that you know now?
Um, I think I, I think back then, when I was starting, I probably just, I, I was just so unaware of so many things within the industry. And I'm still kind of feeling like I'm on the outside just because in my field there's not many, uh, women, period.
Um, and also like black women is another, you know, thing where it's not very many of those. So. I wish that I kind of understood the industry a little bit more and I kind of understood my art, um, and the perspective of the user. 'cause I feel like before I was just trying to make things that I thought were cool.
Mm-hmm. And that's what like, like a lot of artists start that way. They're just like, oh, I, I really love this and I wanna put more of this outside in the world. And, um, now I am, I'm more so thinking about everybody else and come and kind of coming back to what I think is good at the very, very end. Like, uh, I just try to make sure things are up to my standard, but for the most part, I'm trying to design things for other people.
I think that's one of the things that nobody realizes, like behind the scenes when you're in the industry of making stuff. Mm-hmm. So footwear, apparel, accessories, like you name it, the good designers are never. Are rarely making things that they want. Mm-hmm. But it's almost like being an actor where you have to put on the hat of who that consumer is.
Yeah.
And so often when people are hiring, they're like, oh, I don't know. Like, do you like basketball? Like we don't, we really wanna have someone doing this that likes basketball. Yeah. Because that's who, what the consumer likes. And it's like, Hey, like listen, if I'm good at my job of making stuff for other people, I have to be able to do the research and the homework and find those connective points to get that person.
Like that's the fun part of this job.
Yeah. Like some of the things that I've had the most enjoyment doing are things that are not products for me. Like, I love doing stuff for kids. I love doing stuff that may be more like techy and boring that I do not relate to, but there's just like this cleanness that, you know, I want at the end for the end product and just like a, you know, visual hierarchy, this easy to understand.
Like as long as it has that, then it's awesome. But, um, but yeah, I, I think the, well, I think the last time I created something that I really connect with, it was pretty recently just because I'm trying to get into projects that I relate to mm-hmm. As well. Right now, I, I, you know, before it wasn't really important and I've done a bunch of that, but now I'm trying to get like, into, uh, just like, you know, people, I wanna put on a, you know, a pedestal or whatever with my work.
Yeah. So, so now I'm doing some things where I'm just like, oh yeah, I know this person. But, um, but yeah, before it was not like that at all. But those projects were really, really great and really, uh, like it taught me a lot. Mm-hmm.
Because
you're, you're always, I think it's more important as an artist and as a designer to just be able to, you know, know different styles, know how it's done, be able to put that kind of in your repertoire.
Mm-hmm. Uh, I said that word real. That was perfect. But, but yeah. So, um, I feel like as long as you're able to do that, then you're fine. Just try to like work towards mastery of, you know, all the different looks out there. Mm-hmm. And you'll be great and anybody will basically wanna hire you.
Yeah. If somebody feels like they are not powerful at all mm-hmm.
Where would you tell them to start to discover their power or, and to start building that self-confidence?
I think that self-confidence kind of comes from self-awareness. And just kind of like, I think you kind of have to learn yourself and, 'cause that's basically what I've been doing a lot through my twenties, and I'm kind of getting to an okay spot.
Yeah. But, uh, but yeah, like I feel like there's a lot of things you have to, oh, and, and also therapy is great for your confidence. Yeah. But, uh, but yeah, I think there's a lot of things that you have to think about, you know, all the things that made you, like your history and everything and kind of, you know, find your place within all that.
And, you know, like what, like what, what do you think is important? What do you think is something that you believe in, that you're tied to? Um, find all of that and kind of make that into like the things that you're confident about, because it's the things that make you
mm-hmm. And the
things that you like, really, really care about.
So I think it's a culmination of that. Stuff.
Yeah.
Or, um, and also I think that, um, you know, kind of giving yourself pep talks and affirmations and things like that, if you're feeling like really, really, you know, down about some things help. And, um, also having like a really, really good support system and people that believe in you and people that you also are, you know, tied to and you have strong feelings for like mm-hmm.
Let them build you up and, you know, build up the people around you. Yes. So you have a really strong family core, even if they aren't, you know, your blood family. Like create your family, create your, create those circles and, you know, try and get yourself out there. If you don't have that, like try with the internet, it's very, very, um, easy to find.
Well, not easy, but it's easier to find people that you could relate to. So try to use as, as much as you can. Mm-hmm.
So obviously we're recording this right now in February. Yeah. Which is, uh, black History Month. Oh yeah. So what, what does that month mean to you? Is it important? Is it like, when you hear that, what all comes up for you?
Well,
I never really had a strong tie to Black History Month. I knew that it was like the month where in school we would learn something about, you know, people that are black in our history,
unfortunately, perhaps for the only time of the year.
Yes, yes. Um, but I'm like one of those people that feel like.
Black history is created every day. Mm-hmm. And that there's so many things for us to be proud of, you know, year round. So that's kinda what I tend to focus on because I just feel like there's been so many great strides, um, just in general for like, black culture. And I think that like, we're killing it.
Like, I, I feel like as, as far as like popular culture and things, like, there's so many things that come from black culture. Mm-hmm. So I'm especially super, super proud of that. And I just wanna. Push that further. And, um, and yeah, and while Black History Month is definitely important, and I, there's like things that, you know, I love about this month that I even experienced in school.
Like, you know, the black, you know, Anthem and things like that. Like those definitely instilled a certain, like, pride in me and in like, people that, you know, I went to school, like, I kind of saw like, oh, like our culture is being brought up and people just had like a bigger sense of pride. So, um, I love that part of Black History Month.
And, um, I do think that it's something that's important for, you know, everybody, but I don't, um, I don't have like a specific, uh, tie to the month or anything that I do. Uh, I just think that we should always be proud and, you know, everybody should feel a sense of pride because I know that there's other, like, you know, races that don't necessarily like, or don't just have a month or anything.
But I think that we all, you know mm-hmm. Have like that confidence, that pride and that's important to always have no matter what month it is.
Yeah. And and to your point before about like, doing the research to learn about it yourself. Yeah. Like whatever your culture and background is, like, be curious, like take pride in that.
Yeah. Like go do your own research.
Right. And I think like we should. Just everybody in general should try to learn as much as they can about people that are different from them, like just different cultures. There's so many things that are so interesting and, um, just, you know, different things, different lanes that you can get into.
Like, I love anime, I love like mm-hmm. A bunch of different stuff. And I, I just think as a person, it's just important to be as real well-rounded as you can be. Mm-hmm. And a part of that is, you know, learning about people that don't look like you.
Yeah. Because
it, it's pretty boring if everybody is just like the same.
Yeah. And it's, it's, there's, to your point, there's so much fun behind the curiosity of exploring that.
Yeah. There's so many cool things. Like, I recently, well, not recently gotten an anime, but I've been just like watching so many different cartoons and like. To me, like you see different perspectives when you look at different content.
Mm-hmm.
And, you know, learning about it too. Like, you totally see like different perspectives there as well. Like, um, my cousin, she's a, she's a professor for gender and inequalities, and she was telling me like, yeah, there's like this part of the world where the most sexualized part of somebody is their knees, so they don't show their knees, but like, boobs, everything else.
Like, that's fine, but like, just don't, don't show my knees. So, so I think like, things like that is really, really like interesting. It starts to, you know, make you think differently about your own life and American culture itself. 'cause if you can see that and if you see like, oh, well in other, you know, countries or places they sexualize this part, then it kind of makes you feel a little different about like your boobs and stuff.
Yeah.
Like they're, they're less significant.
Yeah. Like, you're like, oh, well, there's different perspectives and in another place like this will be, you know, sexualizing. Mm-hmm. You know, so it, it gives you a certain amount of freedom. 'cause you're like, oh, these are all human things. Like, human ma made this, humans made this up.
Yeah.
So
like, I could be a little bit more free in how I operate, knowing that I don't have to be tied to like, societal, you know, ideas.
Yeah.
But yeah.
And then who, who are the women that you look up to the most?
Um, I look up to my mom definitely. Uh, my cousin is. Like, I look up to her so, so much. I don't even know if she realizes how much I like, just love her.
Um, and, um, I also have like a really, like really, really great friends and, um, like a mentor, uh, Sarah Honey Young and, um, my friend Paula Mendoza, which has been, she's been awesome, awesome. Just throughout my career and just like, just having a friendship with her. So I've always looked up to her as well.
Um, and you know, Beyonce. Who doesn't. Yeah. Yeah. Beyonce. My, you know, my Lord and Savior. No, I'm just kidding. But, but yeah, I, I look up to, uh, to her too sometimes, like when I'm just trying to get some inspiration, I go to beyonce.com and just see like, how is she killing it? So, so yeah. I just, I get inspired by all of those women.
They're all really great to me.
Y yeah. I mean, I think if Beyonce is not on your list of rock stars, look up to
Yeah.
Like, I think we need to have a conversation because like, she literally, um, everything she puts out is, is so creative or purposeful. Yeah. And like you, I feel like she's also, she and Jay-Z as a couple, but like, if they sat here and hung out, I feel like they would be so normal.
It would be boring. Yeah. Which is also what makes me like them so much. It's like how can, like, okay, awesome. I'm ready for either of them to run for president and I'll be okay. Yeah. Um, for, for other women who are going into a career where there's not a lot of women in, in that, uh, industry mm-hmm. Or there's not people that look like them in that industry, what do you, what's your advice to them to still go down the path that they believe in while dealing with those things?
Um, my, I guess, uh, input for that would just be, just be a trailblazer and kind of make it your own. Because I feel like a lot of times we get into, well, for me personally, like when I got deep into design and I started to see like the teams and the people that were involved, I basically tried to make myself feel a bit more, uh, similar to what I've seen out there already.
And while, you know, there's definitely, so I think you could definitely hone your style by looking at, you know, different work out there. And that's good. But I also think that once you feel that you are at a, like you're an expert or you're at a certain level where you feel confident that you need to kind of explore, well how do I wanna do this?
Because everybody is kind of like, they don't really have a, um, like a set, uh, a set process or anything. Like everybody is figuring it out. And just because, you know, some dude is there and he has this whole thing set up, like, doesn't mean it can't be improved upon and it can't be something that. You know, that you kind of say, okay, well this is a good starting place, but I wanna make this feel comfortable and natural for me.
And doing, you know, the, the work it takes to, to do that, to make it feel like your process or to make something feel more like you. And, um, it'll come a little later in your career. Like first you'll just like start designing and unfortunately you'll probably be taking, taken advantage of early on. But, uh, in the sense
of overworking,
yes, yes, you'll be over overworked for sure if you're a designer, but, um,
or any field.
Yes. Or any field. Um, but yeah, like after, after those years of like learning and kind of honing that in, just, you know, give yourself time to like, make things yours.
Yeah. I, I think that there's a secret recipe of almost mimicking the people who are doing what you wanna do right now.
Yeah.
So that you can learn it.
Yeah.
It's
almost like how they used to make you, like, you go through school, you have to learn what all the masters are doing. Mm-hmm. And then once you know what they're doing, then you can actually start creating something new.
Yeah. And nothing is gonna be, you know, what you like. Okay. I was, I was looking at this like, tutorial and, because I'm trying to do like illustration more now, and, um, the guy was talking about how, you know, when you're first starting, you get, you have like these artists that you love and you're like, oh, I really want my work to look like that and I want my style to be like that.
Or, you know, maybe it's a, you know, a bunch of different designers that you're feeling this way about. And um, you could try to do that, but it'll never. Come out like that. Hopefully if you're not confi copying. Yeah. But it'll never come out that way. You kind of have to feel your way through your process and your style will change.
And um, and in like ways that you didn't expect too, like the way that you. Well, for me, like the way that I draw, um, I have like the way that I want it to look, but then it'll look another way and I kind of adapt to that. And that's kind of a lot of what design and art is about, like that adaption and that kind of like, okay, I can't do this, but I can't do this, and I'm gonna just like, kind of mold that into like my style.
Mm-hmm. Like, it'll be a lot of that.
Yeah. When you hear the phrase powerful ladies mm-hmm. What does it mean to you?
To me, I, I mostly feel of somebody who's grounded, who is, who kind of just knows their shit. So yeah, basically like that, those two. Awesome.
Do you have, um, a favorite quote or source that you go to to like bring yourself back up?
You mentioned Beyonce's website before.
Oh yeah.
In addition to that, like what are things that you go back to when you need your own boost or reminder?
Um, I'm kind of weird with that 'cause like, my favorite quote, my favorite quote is like, pretty depressing. That's okay. It's, it's, um, it's like a George Bernard Shaw quote about like, how time is moving and everything is, is the same.
But to me, like when I, when I read that quote, it makes me think, you know, most, most of these things are not gonna change greatly. Just live your life and do what the fuck you want. Just like, try to do things that are important to you. Mm-hmm. Because you're not gonna, I mean, unless you get reincarnated, like yeah, you're not gonna have another life or another like, you know, experience that you could really grab hold of and take advantage of.
So try to do the most you can in the time that you have is what that quote tells me, but mm-hmm. I'm sure if you were to read it, it makes you feel like everything dies.
No, but that's the important part, right? Like Yeah. People get so many different things from the same source. Yeah. And I think to add to what you were saying, like that's great advice for people and I wish more people were doing it sooner.
Mm-hmm. Like there's living the life that you wanna live and doing it your way. Yeah. You can start at any time.
Yeah. And it's like, I know, I feel like everything is, um, people feel like there's a time and a place and all those type of things, and they, I feel like there's so many people that are just like, so focused on just being ready.
Mm-hmm. And it's a lot of steps before they're even ready, but there's no such thing as ready. Right. A lot of these people that are killing it, they're just like doing it. Mm-hmm. Like that. That's just it. Like, and I, I feel like that's even, like, you could see that a lot in the music industry. Mm-hmm. Like, there's rappers that don't rhyme one beat now.
Like there's like, there's just like a ton of things of people just like, oh, I'm just going to do whatever I want and just do what feels. You know, natural to me. And I feel like that should be inspiration for everybody else. Like mm-hmm. I know that there's Instagram and you see people and then it looks perfect, but there's so much grind behind all that stuff.
So just grind your little hearts out. Mm-hmm. Like, you know, getting to the, get into the motion. Awesome.
What, so we have a, a question we ask everybody. Mm-hmm. And it's like, where do, do you put yourself in the Powerful Lady scale? So if human is like a Zero and powerful lady is a 10 mm-hmm. Where would you say you rank yourself on an average and where would you put yourself today?
And Zero is Human
Uhhuh. So like, you can translate it. Like if Powerful Ladies is like Wonder Woman, like where do you feel most days?
Most days I feel very twoish, but, but yeah, most days. Um. Most days I don't feel powerful. And I feel like that's, that's natural. Most women, they don't feel like they're at, or people I should say, don't feel like they're at the spot that they wanna be at.
Mm-hmm. But it's all about the journey. And, and I, and I do like, even though I do, I may wake up and feel 0 1, 2 or whatever, uhhuh. I think that, um, you kind of just have to have faith in yourself and, and faith and like, you know, the future and what's possible and be optimistic.
Yeah. It's, it's, um, all of it's a journey, right?
Yeah. People talk so much about finding your purpose and this and that, and it's like, yes. Like I do believe that when you are doing your purpose mm-hmm. You feel it, like that's the, you get lit up, you're excited, you're like, you know,
yeah.
But you can't stress about getting there, right.
Because
you're missing all the stuff that you could be doing now.
Yeah. And there's Yeah. Like don't, don't be paralyzed by not having the answers. Yeah. And not feeling like a 10. Right. Because honestly, that question's a trick question. Like there's, there is no powerful at scale. Right. And most people, like, we're all human, so, right. It's really just to put perspective in that as each guest is answering that question, it's really interesting to see where they feel they're at and why.
Yeah.
And like there's no right answer and I think that applies to not just that question, but life.
Yeah. And I, I think that most, like, I feel that because of where we're at, most people feel like, oh, it has to be perfect. Mm-hmm. And everything has to be pretty and you know, whatever. But most days you are gonna feel just human and.
And I'm sure that's true for, you know, everybody. I'm sure most days Beyonce just feels like Beyonce and she's just like, okay, well, like, what the fuck do I do today? Yeah. Like, I have to make breakfast or something. Like, I don't know. Yeah. Like, there's like, not everybody is gonna feel super human or happy every, every day and every moment.
So I think that we have to think more about like the human condition just as it is and just as you're like listening to this and, you know, hearing and maybe, you know, taking some things and it's like, oh yeah, those are great. Like, you're living your life and just as you're doing this activity, you could be doing something else as well.
Mm-hmm. Like after this, that is like important for your future. Mm-hmm. It's just all about like building that, building yourself up to do those things.
Momentum, yeah. Mm-hmm.
Like, have more patience and, and allow yourself to build that momentum. And feel more, you know, like, oh, I'm gonna do this. I'm gonna do it now.
Because that takes time. And you know, I, you're not, as we were saying before, like you're not always gonna feel ready for things, but you know, if you just kind of get motivated, then, you know, hold onto that.
Yep. Awesome. Thank you so much for being a guest today. Course. This course, this has been an a, a great conversation.
I'm not allowed to say awesome anymore. I said it way too much in like the last two episodes. I love. Awesome. It's a great word. But now I've started drinking game while you listen to the podcast. Every, you can take a shot every time you hear that word and you'll be drunk in like the first five minutes.
Oh my God. So I'm, I'm going back to the, the thesaurus defensive on assumptions. Um. It's, it's been so great to get to know you more, to get to share your story, and thank you for being an inspiration of mine and now for so many other people.
Thank you. Thank you for like, inviting me here to have this, um, conversation.
I was really excited about it and, and yeah, like I, I love, I love you and I loved like working with you and I hope that we get to do other stuff for sure. Powerful ladies stick together. Yes. Yes, totally.
Holy Smoke skies Isn't Genelle incredible? It's special to find someone who is hungry and curious and driven and fully admits her vulnerabilities. I'm so honored to call her a friend and to have had her as a guest on The Powerful Ladies Podcast. The richness and intention that she thinks about life, her impact and what she's creating really is remarkable.
Listening to this episode brought me right back to why I'm so committed to creating powerful ladies because her story and perspective has such depth and inspiration just like I know so many others do as well. I can't wait to hear what you love about this episode and what moment really landed with you.
You can support and connect with Gintel in quite a few ways. You can follow her on Instagram at Gintel G-I-N-T-E-L. Follow her on Twitter at Gintel LinkedIn slash Gintel. There's a theme here. Uh, check out her website, Gintel g.com, and email her hi@Gintelg.com. All of that will also be available in our show notes.
If you'd like to support the work that we're doing here at Powerful Ladies, there's a couple of ways you can do that. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Google Play, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Leave a review on any of these platforms. Share the show with all the powerful ladies and gentlemen in your life.
Join our Patreon account. Check out the website, the powerful ladies.com. To hear more inspiring stories. Get practical tools to be your most powerful. Get 15% off your first order in The Powerful Ladies Shop, or donate to the Powerful Ladies one Day of Giving campaign. And of course, follow us on Instagram at Powerful Ladies for show notes and to get the links to the books, podcasts, and people we talk about, go to the powerful ladies.com.
I'd like to thank our producer, composer, and audio engineer Jordan Duffy. She's one of the first female audio engineers in the podcasting world, if not the first. And she also happens to be the best. We're very lucky to have her. She's a powerful lady in her own right, in addition to taking over the podcasting world.
She's a singer songwriter working on our next album, and she's one of my sisters, so it's amazing to be creating this with her, and I'm so thankful that she finds time in her crazy busy schedule to make this happen. It's a testament to her belief in what we're creating through Powerful Ladies, and I'm honored that she shares my vision.
Thank you all so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a brand new episode. I can't wait for you to hear it. Until then, I hope you're taking on being powerful in your life. Go be awesome and up to something you love.
Hello, everybody. Are you excited? I'm excited. Do you know why I'm excited Because there is amazing merchandise at the Powerful Ladies Store. Go there today, the powerful ladies.com. Click shop. Buy things for yourself. Be inspired. Buy things for your friends. You can do it.
I like big books on Can Lie. What do you want them to do, Kara?
I want them to go and visit the powerful ladies.com. Go to Tools, click read and see all the awesome books that I love, our guests. Love you. Click on that picture. You can buy 'em. And guess what? Every time you buy a book there you help support powerful ladies. What? I know? What? Listen guys, if you love what we're doing, support us.
Buy some books and powerful ladies, do it today. Support
yourself. Support yourself and your brain. And buy some books. I should know. I don't read. I should read.
And now Jordan is fired from the Power of Police because this is a literacy promoting organization and we can't have her spreading that nonsense.
I'm gonna read.

Related Episodes

Episode 257: Faith Meets Tech: How She Built a Business on Purpose | Shennice Cleckley | Tech CEO & Coach

What Happens When You Bet on Yourself | Melissa Cho | Creator of hAAPI Hour Podcast

Episode 317: From Idea to Impact: Building a SaaS Platform for Women Tech Founders | Nomiki Petrolla | Founder & CEO of Theanna, a Female Founder Network for Tech Entrepreneurs

Following her on Instagram

Following her on Twitter

Follow her on LinkedIn

Check out her website www.gintelgee.com

Email her at me@gintelgee.com

Created and hosted by Kara Duffy
Audio Engineering & Editing by Jordan Duffy
Production by Amanda Kass
Graphic design by Anna Olinova
Music by Joakim Karud

TechCareer DevelopmentEntrepreneurship

Powerful Ladies

Episode 9: The UX Lessons Every Creative Needs | Gintel Gee | Designer & Advocate for Human-Centered Tech

Related Episodes

Episode 10: Life on Wheels, Cannon Balls, and Living Your Best Weekend | Monique Vizzerra | Skateboarding Industry Leader

Episode 8: Finding Your Voice and Living Without Fear | Adeline Perez Bondu | Yoga Teacher & Empowerment Coach

Let’s Stay in Touch