Golloria: Inclusivity Isn’t Optional

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Squeeze
Episode: "Golloria: Inclusivity Isn’t Optional"
Release Date: June 11, 2025

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Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Squeeze, host Taylor Lautner sits down with Gloria George, a prominent beauty influencer known for her influential "Darkest Shade" videos. Gloria shares her journey from her early life in South Sudan to becoming a trailblazer in the beauty industry, advocating for inclusivity and representation for dark-skinned women. The conversation delves deep into themes of racism, colorism, mental health, and the importance of self-acceptance.

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Early Life and Background

Gloria George opens up about her childhood, highlighting the challenges she faced after moving from South Sudan to the Midwest of the United States. She discusses the bullying and isolation she experienced due to her dark skin tone in predominantly white environments.

“Being as dark as I was was hard. The bullying was definitely, like, out of this world.” ([04:30])

Gloria attributes her resilience to her mother's courage in moving their family for safety and better opportunities amidst the turmoil in South Sudan.

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Discovery of Makeup and Social Media

Gloria's passion for beauty and makeup emerged during her college years when she began experimenting with products and creating content on social media. Balancing two full-time jobs and college, she found solace and a creative outlet through makeup tutorials and lifestyle videos.

“In college, there's like this ritual for girls to get together before, like, you go out and, like, do your makeup together and, like, just hang out with your friends.” ([06:08])

Her foray into social media wasn't initially focused on makeup but evolved into her signature "Darkest Shade" series, which critiques the lack of inclusivity in beauty products.

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Confronting Racism and Colorism

A significant portion of the episode centers on Gloria’s battle against racism and colorism within the beauty industry. She passionately explains that her "Darkest Shade" videos are not mere content creation but a form of activism aimed at challenging industry standards and pushing for more inclusive product ranges.

“I know the impact and the change that I'm making in this industry is a stamp. I'm going to sit here and I'm going to do it proudly.” ([00:00])

Gloria highlights the emotional toll of creating these videos, emphasizing that each swatch of an unsuitable product serves as a painful reminder of exclusion.

“It's actually kind of traumatizing. It's a constant reminder that you're, like, not included.” ([00:25])

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Positive Industry Changes and Collaborations

Gloria acknowledges brands that have taken genuine steps toward inclusivity, notably praising Road and Lys Beauty. She commends Road for not only expanding their shade ranges but also for incorporating diversity into their campaigns and internal teams.

“Haley really just does a good job of, like, listening, of just being like, yeah, I did miss the mark, and I'm sorry, and I'm gonna do better.” ([22:12])

Lys Beauty is also highlighted for prioritizing darker shades and maintaining a black-owned foundation, ensuring that their products resonate authentically with their target audience.

“It's because Tisha is one, she's black owned founder, so it's also her lived experience.” ([25:07])

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Mental Health and Self-Care

The conversation shifts to the importance of self-care and mental health. Gloria shares her personal struggles, including battling depression and learning to embrace self-acceptance. She advocates for setting boundaries with social media to maintain mental well-being.

“I was like dreading life was like a constant for me.” ([10:01])

Gloria emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of physical activity and mindful practices, such as walking and grounding exercises, to combat anxiety and depressive states.

“Just taking a little bit of this heat, I can take a little bit of these hard conversations and I can deal with the racism and colorism.” ([13:00])

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Balancing Authenticity and Commercialism

Gloria discusses the challenges of maintaining authenticity while monetizing her platform. She stresses the importance of aligning brand partnerships with her values and the impact her endorsements have on her audience.

“It's always going to be bigger than me. And centering other people before you center yourself is, like, the biggest thing.” ([28:47])

Gloria underscores her responsibility as an influencer to ensure that her recommendations genuinely benefit her followers, particularly those who are economically vulnerable.

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Setting Boundaries with Social Media

A critical aspect of Gloria's mental health strategy involves limiting personal disclosures on social media to protect her privacy and emotional well-being. She advocates for influencers to control their narratives and prioritize personal boundaries over online expectations.

“I'm so pro. Not sharing anything at all.” ([34:10])

Gloria highlights the importance of disconnecting from constant online engagement to preserve mental health.

“There's just, like, so essential for influencers to really put your phone down, like, actually go to dinner and eat dinner, you know, don't record everything.” ([35:49])

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Future Aspirations and Personal Growth

Looking ahead, Gloria expresses her ambition to launch a beauty brand that aligns with her mission of inclusivity. She acknowledges the need to continue personal growth before fully committing to this venture.

“I definitely want a beauty brand. And it's definitely something that, like, I've thought about and, like, I'm working through privately.” ([42:49])

Gloria reflects on her journey of hyper-independence fostered by her challenging upbringing, recognizing the need to balance self-reliance with self-care.

“I've always been extremely hyper independent, and I've always taught myself a lot alone.” ([45:06])

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Lemon 7: Rapid Fire Segment

In the concluding segment, Gloria participates in "Lemon 7," answering seven rapid-fire questions that offer deeper insights into her mental state and personal preferences:

1. Movie or Song Title Describing Her Mental Health: Happy Song by Shay Vibes

   “Happy Song is really just about being happy and like, existing unapologetically.” ([49:07])

2. Openness About Struggles: Not that open

   “I really do trust that that everything that I do is already decreed. Like Allah's plans is like the best of plans.” ([50:10])

3. Three Social Media Accounts to Follow:

   • Bobby ([51:06])
   • Rihanna ([51:10])
   • Simi Moonlight ([51:33])

4. Favorite Form of Self-Care: Going to the mosque

   “It's just, like, I know that overall, everything, like, I'm always safe there.” ([52:19])

5. Most Misunderstood Thing About Her:

   “Probably that people think that I enjoy making the Darkest Shade videos… it's actually, like, a reminder that you are not enough in this industry.” ([53:22])

6. Most Positive Impact on Her Mental Health: Danessa Myricks

   “Danessa is definitely, like, one of those, like, constant things. Like, she's always commenting on my posts.” ([54:15])

7. Moment to Revisit and Advice to Her Younger Self: High school graduation

   “You should really be proud of yourself, but, like, you really are.” ([55:20])

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Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt acknowledgments from both hosts, emphasizing the importance of Gloria's advocacy and the profound impact of her work on promoting inclusivity in the beauty industry. Gloria’s unwavering commitment to her cause, despite facing significant backlash, serves as an inspiring testament to the power of resilience and self-acceptance.

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Key Takeaways:

• Advocacy for Inclusivity: Gloria's "Darkest Shade" videos are a vital force in challenging and reshaping beauty industry standards to be more inclusive of dark-skinned individuals.

• Mental Health Awareness: The episode underscores the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and finding supportive communities to maintain mental well-being.

• Authenticity Over Commercialism: Gloria emphasizes staying true to personal values over lucrative but misaligned brand partnerships.

• Personal Growth and Future Aspirations: Despite her young age, Gloria reflects deeply on her journey and future goals, including launching her own inclusive beauty brand.

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This episode of The Squeeze offers a profound exploration of the intersection between beauty, representation, and mental health, providing listeners with both inspiration and practical insights into fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Transcript

[A]

The following podcast is a dear media production. I can deal with the racism and colorism, but at the end of the day, I know the impact and the change that I'm making in this industry is a stamp. I'm going to sit here and I'm going to do it proudly. It doesn't matter if you don't think that I belong at this table. I know I do. Gloria George is changing the beauty game on social media. Her powerful voice is reshaping industry standards, calling for tone, inclusivity, and gaining millions of views.

[B]

What is the most misunderstood thing about you?

[A]

Probably that people think that I enjoy making the Darkest Shade videos. Every time I swatch a product that doesn't work for me, like, oh, my God, they think it's like the. The happiest thing ever, but it's actually kind of traumatizing. It's a constant reminder that you're, like, not included. Your skin color and how you look is not perceived by the world. They don't even acknowledge you enough to make a shade for you. They don't see you. The racism and the colorism and the backlash, it's been something that I've dealt with my entire life. Dealing with it now at the masses has been definitely really difficult. Like, I know the standards that I'm held to are insane standards, but in order to do this, I have to live unapologetically for myself. Thousands of bad comments, you know, of racist, like, colorist, horrible comments. Despite it all, I' ma still make the video. You guys can drag me for two weeks, but I'mma still come back with another Darkest Shade video because it's bigger than me.

[B]

Gloria, welcome to the Squeeze.

[A]

Thank you. How are you?

[B]

Oh, my gosh, I'm good. I'm so excited because I've, like, been watching your content for so long. I actually didn't realize I didn't follow you. I thought I followed you because you've literally been on my for you page.

[A]

For forever, period, though.

[B]

And then I was like, oh, I should probably follow her.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. Well, I'm glad to be here. Thank you for following me.

[B]

We're here. Of course, of course. Okay, so we start each episode off this jar. It's a little game called Citrus Got Real.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

If you want to pull a little piece of paper out of there.

[A]

Yes. With this one, because I can't see it. Okay. It says which scent immediately brings back a core memory for you. That's honestly a great question. I would probably say probably glossier. You. That was like, my College scent. Like, I used to wear that scent in college all the time.

[B]

What is, like, the undertone of that?

[A]

It's very, like, fruity. Like, there's like, a slight musk, but it's not crazy. But that was, like, my only perfume and was, like, semi affordable. I think it was, like, my first PR scent too.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So. Yeah, because it was my first PR scent. That's all I could afford. That's all I wore.

[B]

Yeah. Oh, my gosh. I know. I'm like, I have. I need to get better at, like, perfumes and things like that. I feel like my scent for my wedding, we did. We, like, just. We're stupid, but we did, like, a wedding scent. But we just had, you know, the company sniff, they make candles. Literally the best candles, but we just had, like, 20 of their, like, giant candles around.

[A]

Oh, my goodness.

[B]

And it's a scent they already have. Um, I'm blanking on the name right now, but we just had, like, a bunch of those candles at the wedding. So whenever I burn that, I'm like, I think of our wedding day. Our wedding.

[A]

That's so cute.

[B]

But no, that made me think of, like, the only perfume I would ever wear growing up is just, like, the Victoria's Secret pink. Like, the stuff that probably is not good for us to be inhaling.

[A]

But they were so. The packaging was so cute. It was like you kind of had to buy it.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. No, you had to. Well, I'm excited to, like, sit down and chat because, as I said, like, I love your content because I feel like it's the perfect level of, like, fun. Like, watching you just, like, dance at 4 in the morning. I'm, like, pumped to like, get my day going. But also, it's been really eye opening for me because I. There's. You've brought to light things that I've never even, like, thought of. Of how makeup is made in the base of it, which, you know, I've. I've never even, like, thought of. So it's been really. It's cool how you've been able to blend a sense of, like, seriousness of this needs to change, but also fun and still lighthearted and letting your personality.

[A]

Really show through you.

[B]

But I kind of want to start with your childhood because you weren't born here.

[A]

No.

[B]

You're from South Sudan.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And then you moved here when you were a child.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And it was quite interesting, I think, just, like, naturally, when you don't have, like, parents that, you know, speak a lot of English or even just like, don't really know a lot about the country, because I think it was new for everybody. It was just kind of hard growing up. But I think we also just. We moved to the Midwest, so there was a lot of white people.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And being as dark as I was was hard. Like, the bullying was definitely, like, it was out of this world. I was like, oh, wow. So I think just naturally, just because of that, it kind of makes sense that I'm doing what I'm doing. Like, I'm doing the Darkest Shade videos. Because it was always something that I kind of felt like I had to just, like, minimize myself over. Like, I wasn't super talkative. I had friends, but, like, I'm like, were they really my friends? And they still made the rude comments, but, you know, I was just trying to get by. So it was just like, whatever. We're just gonna do what we can in that moment. But, yeah, it was definitely hard. And I think that naturally, I just kind of, like, grew into learning to love myself. But it was never, like, an original feeling that I had. Like, it was never like, oh, you're that girl. Like a super young age. I didn't have that confidence. So it was definitely just like, that learning curve and learning growth and then just being in, like, my environment where it just, like, there were not. There wasn't anyone that looked like me. Right. So it was just, like, reflected in everything that was happening in my life. Like, I knew that I was always going to be that one black person there.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And that's hard. Yeah, that's so hard.

[B]

Yeah. What. What prompted your family to move?

[A]

I think it was just war. Like, it just wasn't safe to be there. And I think just overall, my mom just really wanted for us to have, like, a better opportunity and just, like, the best that she could do and the best that she can give us, and she knew that it wasn't going to be there. So granted, you know, we came here, we did it, we did the work. She worked as hard as she could, and she gave us what she could with what she could.

[B]

So, yeah. So when did your love for beauty and makeup start?

[A]

Probably, I would say early college, for sure. I feel like I didn't really play with a lot of makeup growing up because it was just, like, there wasn't really a lot for me. And if I did play with anything, it was like, highlighters. Like, I would go crazy with the highlighter on the nose in her corner, you know, like, that was it. Like, I really would go in with.

[B]

Smiley I can, I cannot figure out for the life of me how to do that. I am, like, very challenged when it comes to makeup.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

My girlfriend Jacqueline, like, bought me a whole new makeup, like, routine because I don't know, like, what I'm doing. So she's. I'm.

[A]

I didn't know either. You're learning and that's okay. But for sure was the highlighter. And that's all I usually, like, that's all I use because that's all that was, like, accessible to me and all that worked. But then I went to college and I started making my own money and I was like, yeah, I'm gonna buy some, some things, some makeup. And then just like, naturally, like in college, there's like this ritual for girls to, like, get together before, like, you go out and, like, do your makeup together and, like, just like, hang out with your friends. And I just felt so left out because I was like, wow, like, y' all are doing full faces and I don't got nothing. So that really just, like, prompted like, okay, like, test it out a little bit. See what you like, see what you don't like. And it was definitely trial and error because I was not good at it at first. I was like, the makeup is not giving what it needs to.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I. Yeah, it's. It's so fun to, like, learn. I feel like, how to do. I mean, coming for me because I grew up dancing, so I'm like, used to just like cakey stage makeup. Like, just the thickest, like, smoky eyelash. Just like, not. It wasn't giving. And I feel like I was like, rebelled against, like, wanting to do my makeup. And now I'm slowly, like, starting to learn, like, how, you know, you can do Clean Girl. Yeah, yeah. Clean Girl. That is definitely. That's definitely my vibe. So when did social media start? Were you doing that kind of throughout college as well?

[A]

Yes, it probably started, I think, like, my. Maybe like the end of my sophomore year, early junior year is when I really, like, was like, okay, like, I'll play with the camera a little bit. I was also working two full time jobs, so, like, I didn't really have a lot of time to create a lot of content, but, like, I just constantly remember coming home at like midnight after work and like, trying to get a video out. Yeah, I never thought that it would actually get here because it was just like, it didn't seem sustainable at that point. Like, it was just like, you're working two full time jobs, you're going to college. Like, like you're doing a lot and you're still coming home to like pull out a camera. I do remember though, like younger, like whenever I was younger I always like loved the camera. Like I always love taking pictures. I always loved like the idea of like photographing things. So I don't know if it stemmed from that, but yeah, we're here.

[B]

When you were making content, was it beauty? Like were you doing makeup or was it more lifestyle or what?

[A]

What did you more just like my life? Like it was more like, okay, I'm at work right now, like I'm having a miserable time. Like let's make a cute little tick tock video or just like college stuff. It wasn't really makeup at first and then I slowly started to dive into makeup a little bit. Like just like get ready with me and stuff.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And then everything else just kind of came full swing.

[B]

Yeah, I know your get ready with me videos. Like I like, I feel like I watch them at like 10am and I'm like I really should get up because you're up at literally like four in the morning. What time do you go to bed?

[A]

Honestly, it depends. Like I feel like sometimes I go to bed at like 1am Sometimes I'm really tired and I go to bed at like 8pm but it just depends on like I get overstimulated very easily. So when, when it's time to clock out, I clock out.

[B]

Is waking up that early a normal thing or is that like on mornings you like have travel or you're wanting to work out in.

[A]

It's probably. I travel a lot so it's pretty consistent. Like I'm, I think it's like probably like four or five times out of the week where I'm like waking up that early. Sometimes I'll sleep in though. Like it just depends on where I'm at at the moment. But it is hard, but it is really by force.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

What keeps you motivated to wake up that early? Because I feel like so many people want to do that. Like want to get up and get a workout in before their work day. But it's just, it's so hard because it's so early.

[A]

Yeah. Honestly, I used to dread life. Like I was like dreading. Life was like a constant for me. Like I remember I used to like sleep in until like 2pm, like 1pm My mental health was so bad and I like just didn't want to be alive. I've like reached a point in my life where I'm like so thankful and like, grateful for a lot of the things that I have. And I've also grown a lot, too. And getting up in the morning and it being early, it just. It's like a form of mercy, for sure. Like, it's like, okay, like, you have overcome so much and like, you were able to do these things now for yourself without it feeling like you're constantly having to, like, overcompensate for everything. And, like, you can get up. Like, you can get up, you can go work out. And so just always giving myself grace first. I feel like I was never really, like, giving myself grace prior, and I think that's probably why I was so miserable. But just also, you know, recognizing this is my first time living life too. And I'm also learning. And with that comes, like, learning the consistency, learning the discipline. And I also feel like growing up too, like, I did not really grow up in, like, a structured house. Like, there was just, like, a lot of trauma and a lot of things that happened in that house. So there wasn't that waking up early, there wasn't like, oh, we're eating breakfast or dinner, or like, everything was just like, scrambled all the time and just very dysfunctional. And now that I have control over that, that's like, my biggest number one is, like, I finally have control over things. So I'll get up at 4am, I'll give it up at 5am If I have to cry a little bit, I will, but it's just a form of mercy. And I'm just grateful to be alive.

[B]

So I love that. I feel like having grace for ourselves is so important. I. We had someone on the podcast not that long ago, and they were like, we need to treat ourselves how we treat our friends. Like, if your friend comes to you is like, hey, I'm really struggling with my mental health today. You're not going to be like, suck it up, go. Like, you're going to encourage them, take the time off, whatever it is. And that's how we need to be to ourselves. We really need to have grace with ourselves. And I feel like we're at a good place with working out, where maybe between five to 10 years ago, it was always just like, working out to gain a physical achievement from it. But now I feel like we're really starting to see the effects of the waking up early, getting a workout in and what it's actually doing to our mental health. And the way, like, I get in these cycles of not working out and, you know, I feel sluggish. I don't really Want to leave the house. I like get in these things and then I go outside for like a 20 minute walk or I go take a Pilates class. I'm like, wait, I actually want to be like, yeah, I'm actually loving this. Yeah, it's so true. Because I feel like we just get stuck and it's so hard to like break out of that. And I think it's important to have grace with yourself and then.

[A]

Yeah. Really get through it genuinely. And I think working out is just like a really good form of that because it's like, you know, whenever you are in like a depressive state or you have a lot of anxiety, like I think everyone's like natural instinct is to like not do anything and just sulk in those feelings. But I think that's just like not productive. Like it's not productive because it's just like what are you going to do with them? And they're just going to sit there and you're going to sulk and you're going to remind yourself that like I'm not feeling that great right now.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And just like taking a walk, like a 10 minute walk, like going outside, breathing some air, it really does take your mind away from those like constant feelings. It's definitely not going to fix the issues right away for sure. But like any form of movement I genuinely feel like is honestly just like a really, really great form of like showing care to yourself.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's so true. I've been doing this thing recently where if I'm anxious or I feel like I am anxious so much now, I know, I know that it's not. I know that it's not going to kill me and I know it's not going to take over me, but I know how I'm going to feel. So I'm like, I'm going to work for a little bit and then I'm going to go lay out in the sun and I'm just going to lay there on the cement and just like ground myself and then I come back in and I end up feeling a little better.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

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[A]

Yeah, I want to say it was probably like 2022, maybe 2023. And it was the Fenty caviar matchstick, I believe something Fenty. It was either the foundation or the matchstick. And I had like it Was like the first time I got like a check that was like enough for me to go and buy some makeup.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I went to go buy the matchstick and I bought the foundation. Those are the two products that I bought. And like it actually worked for me and I was actually shocked. So I was like, okay, wow, this is crazy. Like, I cannot believe this. And I tried it on camera too. Like, I was just like, okay, let's just record, try it on camera. If it doesn't, it doesn't work. And it was also just like I was feeling that excitement of like, oh my gosh, like you finally are able to like go and like do things for yourself, like nice things for yourself too. So it's definitely like one of those like recording moments where I was just like, okay, let's do it. And I didn't think my reaction was going to be as raw as it was, but it was. And I was just like, wow, like, this is like, if I feel like this, I'm sure hundreds and thousands of other women feel like this too. And like, this is something that you can share and see how it goes.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And the second I shared it, like it really went up. I was just like, oh, wow, this is really crazy. But it was amazing.

[B]

I love it, it's so, it's so cool. And I love that you do it and, and continue to do it because it's so eye opening for me especially like, I felt so ignorant watching some of these videos. I'm like, I had just never even thought about, you know, there's, with the, what is it, the YSL blushes like that something has a white base. Like I never even thought to, you know, think of it. And I was like, wow, it's really, really is eye opening, especially for these makeup brands that, you know, have, are huge and have all this money and the fact that that's not included in there for me, I, I, it was really eye opening for me.

[A]

Yes. And I think those are like, you know, I know my lived inexperience is not the lived in experience of a lot of people. Like, yes, I'm black, but I'm also like very dark. And I think that when you have like lived in a life where that's like the first thing people see, it's really, really like, it can be really, really difficult sometimes because it's just like you can't, you can't really camouflage, you can't really hide. Like that's actually the first thing people see. So I think with makeup brands as well and like how they curate shades. They are not used to seeing people as dark as me. And because of that, they usually just like, stop at the paper bag. And that's why we have these issues of, like, there's a white base or these shades just don't look great in undertone, you know, because they just think that this skin tone is just like the rarest. Everyone. It's actually not like there are so many people that look like me, even though you may not see them frequently. Like, there's entire communities. Entire, like, yeah, the entirety of South Sudan. You know, there are people darker than me. And so I just, like, know that, like, my content isn't just like feeding the people that look like me too and like my community, but it's also educating people that may not not be used to people seeing people like me. And I think makeup brands too, like, it is helpful for them because, you know, you can swatch it on paper, you could swatch it on someone like, a little lighter. And it will always look different on me. Like, it'll always look different on me. And I think seeing that, like, actually, like seeing that on real camera, real life and in front of, like, hundred dollar studio lights, like, you can't lie. You can't lie.

[B]

There's no hiding it.

[A]

There's no hiding it.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. So what was the first? I know you had a whole thing with Road that I want to get into, but was Road the first brand that actually, like, responded to you and a sense of taking steps to change it?

[A]

I've had a few brands respond and taking steps to change it, but I do think that Road was like the first actually receptive brand. I think a lot of these other brands, they have. They just have a history of changing it, but changing it for the optics. Whereas with, like, Haley and Team Road, like, I genuinely believe that they actually want to be inclusive. And it wasn't even just in, like, the product in itself. Whenever the new Roadblocks came out, she used a South Sudanese model. And that was just like. That was just like big. It was just like, okay, so not only do you see that you could do better, but you also see that aside from the products, you know, inclusion goes far beyond that. It goes to the campaigns, it goes to the product, the lab, making sure that the people that are actually making these products are black and the cosmetic chemist was also black making these products. And I think that shift in, like, okay, it's not just the product. We actually need to make sure that internally, like, internally in our teams and how we just portray these products and how they're viewed outwardly are in an inclusive light. And I think that Haley really just does a good job of, like, listening, of just being like, yeah, like, I did miss the mark, and, you know, I'm sorry, and I'm gonna do better. And I also recognize that your experience is one that I will also never understand. And because I can't understand that, I'm not gonna tell you that it's not valid. I'm just gonna fix it and do the best that I can. And she's continued to do that in every product launch. So I think Rhode is definitely one of those brands that I will for sure just continue to work with because they've shown me just, like, overall, like, this industry is an industry that's really hard to be in, but there are people that are willing to, like, actively change and make tangible change, and Haley's one of them, so te.

[B]

Yeah, I know. I. I love her.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I've gotten to spend some time with her, and I. When you started posting about that, I was like, okay, this is actually, like, this is genuine. Like, this is not just, you know, a brand coming in, trying to make their name better or whatever. It is, like, this is a genuine thing.

[A]

It really is. And it's just like, even just her taking the time to call me from, like, her own personal phone number and being like, hey, like, I want to extend the conversation. I want to have an honest one, and I don't want to do it with, like, my entire team behind me and, like, my PR team, like, human to human. Like, let's actually talk about it. Like, what can I do? What did I miss? What was like, what do you think that I can do moving forward? And it was just like, a really raw, honest conversation. And I appreciated that because I think a lot of these brands like to just, like, hide in the light of, like, their PR teams or just, like, oh, we can hop on Zoom Call, and there's, like, 10 people on the Zoom Call. And, like, not the founder is, like, never even present most of the time or just, like, the person that owns the brand. So it just goes to show that, like, she actually cares about her work, and she actually cares about the products. And beyond that, I think that everything that she wants to put out comes from a place of, like, love for her brand. And, yeah, like, I'm just like, period, like, you. You ain't. You will continue to eat.

[B]

I love that. What brands do you think are like, really putting in that work for inclusion.

[A]

I think for sure, Lys Beauty. I think Lys Beauty has done an amazing job of making sure everything is include, just like everyone is included, but like just making sure that the darker shades are prioritized. And I think that that's because Tisha is one, she's black owned founder, so it's also her live experience. And then secondly, like, even though it's a smaller indie brand and they're just like their gondola and Sephora is like this big, super small.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I think they should have more space. That's tea. But I think Tisha does a really good job of just like from the start making sure that like the girls know that your beauty is like a lived in beauty. Like you should love yourself and that's what live Lys stands for. And you know, sometimes our blackness kind of just like it can be hard sometimes. It can be really hard sometimes. I think that with brands that are genuinely, genuinely, genuinely sure that they want inclusion to be at the forefront of their brand, they do a really good job of making sure that it's beyond products and campaigns as well. And just Tisha being black and just making sure that her team too is like black. Because the girls are black.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

On Lys Beauty and I just love it. And I think that just with that too, you can be like, oh, I'm dropping a new product and then have the entire team try it. And they're all black, different shades of black, but like you're gonna see what it looks like on. And she's just like really open to hearing different feedback and just like just being there and being there for black creators. And I've seen that in all of her campaigns and it's amazing to see. I also think Danessa Marie does an amazing job. Danessa is like, she's really just an icon. Like, Danessa has broken barriers that have been barriers. And I had the pleasure of meeting her multiple times and I've had the pleasure of having like one on one conversations with her. And Danessa is also dark skinned too. So I think that, you know, a lot of her products are very much so. Okay. I have been missing a lot in the beauty industry. Like, I've been excluded a lot. Like, I want to make products that work for me, but I also know I'm dark, but I know they are darker. And Danessa and everything that she does is just like full of light, full of love. And I just like really appreciate just her existence as a whole. Like, she's amazing.

[B]

I love that.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I'm Curious how, like, like, moving forward, because obviously you're now in this space, you're making money off of your videos. What. What boundary do you set to make sure, like, the integrity of your brand stays? Because I'm sure, you know, I'm sure there's beauty companies that want you to make videos and are willing to pay you, but you don't necessarily believe in their product. And that could be really hard sometimes when you see a big amount of money, it's. It's hard sometimes to say. Now, I'm curious how you. How you go about that.

[A]

I think the number one thing to remember is I grew up poor. Like, I. We did not have money. I was broke, okay. And I. When I did have money, I would just hate knowing that, like, if it was me and I got influenced by somebody and, like, I only had 25 left and I went to go buy a product and it didn't work for me and I couldn't return it, I would be sick. So I think above it all, it's just actually, like, taking a step back and realizing that, yeah, these are big numbers on screen, but these are also real people. And no matter what you think is happening, no matter what they believe, like, you do have influence, and you do have some sort of responsibility to that. I think a lot of influencers in this day and age are just very out of touch with the reality of, like, who they actually are influencing. But, like, we have iPad babies, you know, like, we have actual kids watching your content. And. And it's just really important to know that, like, one, remember where you come from. Like, remember how you used to live life?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And then two, recognize that, like, there are probably people living that life, too, that look up to you. And because you've lived that life and they know your story and they've heard your story, that's the reason that they're watching you. And I constantly remind myself, too, that it's just. It's always going to be bigger than me. And centering other people before you center yourself is, like, the biggest thing and, like, the biggest reminder that I could give a lot of influencers.

[B]

Yeah, I love that. Yeah. And it honestly feels. I feel like it's the most rewarding when you do stay true to yourself and you know the intent of why you started doing something. Because with this podcast all the time, like, I've turned down people to come on here that would have you got millions of views or whatever it is, but it doesn't align with the brand that I've made. And and it is really hard sometimes. Like, yeah, the internal compass is like, well, like that this could be really big and like, this could really open a lot of doors for me. But at the end of the day, I'm like, no, I actually started this as a mental health podcast because I want to help people feel seen and heard. And having this guest on, it's not going to help people feel seen or heard. And it honestly feels the most rewarding, like, internally when, when deciding to make that seven. I think a lot of people can learn, learn from how you approach that, because it's true. A lot of influencers will just, you know, do whatever money, do whatever for the tech. And I think it shows. And I think that's why you come. Come across truly just how you are, because you're authentically yourself in your content. And that's the brand that you've really stayed true to for sure.

[A]

And it's just like, there's just not enough money in the world that you could give me. It's like, you know, I'm very comfortable now and I'm very grateful, but I've also lived a life with, like, not having an abundance of things.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And, you know, it's okay. Like, it's actually okay. Like you. I don't need the $10,000. I don't need the $20,000. I think that also just because I just didn't really have a lot growing up, I am very content with very little. Like, I live well below my means and I'm very comfortable doing that because, you know, we were struggling to keep a roof over our head, you know, and so, like, now that I have it, it's like, that's really enough for me. But it's like whenever people are constantly wanting more and more and more and more and it's never enough. Like, you really have to sometimes sit with the fact that, like, you know, it is enough over consumption is not every day, you know.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

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[A]

Honestly, I don't share a lot about like My personal life, like, it's really my job, and I, like, keep it as my job. Everything personal in my life. I'm just, like, not comfortable sharing, and I probably won't really ever share, you know, And I think a lot of influencers, you know, they love to chats. They love the think pieces. They love to like, let people into, like, their dating lives and, like, even beyond that, like, their family lives and the entire nine. And those are just things that, like, I. I'm not willing to share because I just don't, one, care what you think.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. And two, it's just. It's personal to me. And I also recognize that, like, I'm human and this is my first time living life too, and I'm already held to, like, an insane standard, and a standard that is just, like, not sustainable for anyone, really.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And it is my narrative to control, and it'll always be my narrative to control. And I think sometimes influencers feel like they constantly have to share, share, share, share, share. But you actually don't have to, like, you share what you want to share. You post what you want to post. And for me, it's 100% like, okay, I'm gonna post makeup. Like, that's me. And this brush. That's really all you guys are gonna see, and that is okay. And if you are comfortable sharing those personal things, like, that's great. But, like, also know that that, like, opens up room for people to, like, criticize and say whatever they want to say. And I also think there's, like, a really big importance on taking a walk, putting the phone down. Don't chronically be online. Like, I'm a tiktoker. But, like, most of these trends, like, I have no idea. Like, my friends will. They'll be like, oh, my God, let's do this trend. I'm like, what? Because I'm like, not on the Internet too crazy. Because I just think that it's not healthy to consume that much social media 24. 7.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And above that all, it's just, like, 3 million people on the Internet is a lot of people. And it's not just, like, it's on your phone. It's like, you go out in public and, like, people are recognizing you. There's a lot that happens after the fame comes, and. And there are nuances that I don't think that unless you're an influencer, you would understand or just, like, someone that has a following that you would understand. But it's just really important to set those boundaries and recognize that you're human too, and you're allowed to have boundaries. You're allowed to be like, no, I'm not going for it. And you don't have to hold yourself to this insane standard that everyone else does. It is 100% your narrative to control.

[B]

Yeah. There was some specialists that because it came out that children, like, under 18, the. I mean, even like junior high, elementary school, like, depression is so high right now in young kids because of social media and because, like, our brains, like you said, 3 million people, like, you're opening yourself to having a minimum of 3 million people. Who knows who else is going to see it on the for you page.

[A]

Right.

[B]

Give their comments and opinions when. And our brains aren't, like, designed to receive that much information all the time.

[A]

Right.

[B]

Like, we're just not wired that way. And that's why we feel so much like highs and lows of, you know, you had a video go viral and then you're, like, questioning your whole existence when you know your next three don't do well. And it just opens up this really sticky situation. And I feel like you setting a boundary with that is so amazing. And people can learn from it because I think influencers can get lost in sharing. And then, like, there's. There's no. It just becomes mesh. There's no private life. There's no, like, you've already shared everything on the Internet, so there's no separation. And so your life is the Internet. And that's when I feel like it could be really damaging.

[A]

It really is, because it's like, not every day is scroll, not every day is post. Not everything is a piece of content. Like, I think it's, like, so essential for influencers to really put your phone down, like, actually go to dinner and eat dinner, you know, don't record everything. And I think I do a really good job of, like, not recording everything. Like, I feel like sometimes people will, like, see me out and about and they'll be like, oh, I didn't even know you were here. I didn't know you were on this brand trip. Or I didn't know that you were this. And it's because I just don't chronically feel the need to, like, have to, like, record my entire life.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I think that it also just comes up a. From a place of, like, wow, like, I really don't have any privacy anymore. Like, yeah, it's really gone. Like, once you have reached a certain threshold, like, everything changes. And whenever you do have those, like, small pockets of peace, like, you really do want to protect them. Like, they are sacred to you. And that goes, like, the same thing about, like, people in your life and, like, relationships, specifically, like, I think influencers and relationships. Like, sometimes it's okay to not tell the entire world who you're dating. Yeah. You know, like, it's okay to, like, just do what you're doing and do it privately and do it comfortably in your own narrative and just. Just move with intention in this life, you know?

[B]

Yeah, no, I know. When I. Because I. I grew up, like, very normal. I was never, like, in the industry until I met my husband and we dated for probably, like, 10 months before we ever posted anything. And, you know, obviously at first I was like, why aren't you letting me, like, share you? But then I had to learn and understand what that repercussion is. And I remember my husband was like. He was. I was letting him. Once I had understood it, I was like, okay, totally. Like, take as long as you want. Like, we don't need to share each other. Like, for forever. And 10 months in, he was like, okay. Like, he was like, I'm ready to, like, post it. And he's like, it's gonna be different. Just so, you know, like, not nothing between us, but, like, outside opinions, and it's just gonna look different, which is something that I'm definitely learning still, even.

[A]

And you have to, like, recognize, too, like, as an influencer, like, your friends and the people in your life, like, they're real people.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And they have real feelings. And just because you're accustomed to, like, the constant input and the constant perception, like, these other people aren't. And you have to be super mindful about what you share and who you share, because it just opens up an entire can of worms, honestly.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And it's really hard for people to adjust. Like, it's really hard for people to adjust. And I think that's, like, where the grace portion comes into. It's like, yeah. Above having grace for yourself. Like, you need to have grace for the other people in your life, too, because you asked for this life, but did they?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know?

[B]

Yeah. That's so good. I know. I have, like. Like, I have my friends who I feel not. I have two sets of friends because they're all. I love them equally, but I have friends who are, like, my childhood friends or my friends that I hang out with every weekend. They're not influencers. They don't have anything to do with the industry. They're just my normal friends. And I don't really ever do content with them or anything. Then I have my influencer friends who, you know, we hang out. There's times where we don't do anything, but also we know we're going to get together and we're going to like, film content. And I've been getting some hate messages of being like, you have grown, or basically saying that I have left my old friends in the dust and all I care about is being friends with influencers and all this stuff. I'm like, little do you know, I actually choose not to share that. I never talk. We never really talk about our parents. I don't talk about my family much because that's my private space. And that's the same thing with, with my childhood friends. Like, if we're going somewhere on a trip, of course, like, I'm sure I'll share about the trip. I'll post photos from the trip. But yeah, when we're just having dinner, like on a Saturday night, we'll have our little friend group. Yeah, that's my people and I don't feel the need to post.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

About it. So it's definitely like this weird thing and that's where, you know, opinions definitely can for sure.

[A]

And it's just so weird because it's just like, why do you care so much? Yeah, you know, like, why do you care who I'm friends with, who I'm not friends with? And above that all, like, why are my emotional, like, relationships with people such a big part of your life that you have to put your input into?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And that's why I'm just like, don't share it at all. Like, I'm so pro. Not sharing anything at all. Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. My, my girlfriend says that she, she's like, very toxically positive and she knows this about herself, but she says that when people, when people will comment something negative or send her a negative message, she's like, they just want to be included. And like, I. Like, they don't have, like, clearly they don't have friends. They don't. She's like, yeah, they, they're just looking for a way to, like, feel included. So, like, if they feel included watching my content, then that's how they feel. I'm like, I don't, I don't feel that. But I love that you are able to.

[A]

That's a way to put it, you know?

[B]

It is a way.

[A]

Yeah, it is a way.

[B]

I love that. I'm curious, would you ever have a beauty brand? Would you ever come out with a makeup line or what Are your thoughts on that?

[A]

Yes, I think, you know, down the line for sure, I definitely want a beauty brand. And it's definitely something that, like, I've thought about and, like, I'm working through privately. But it's also just, like, I think people don't realize, like, I am really. I just turned 24, like, a month or two ago. Like, I literally just turned 24. Like, I'm so young. This is, like, my first time ever living life. And like, above it all, it's like, my first time ever living life comfortably. And so I'm really just trying to like, soak it in and, like, sit in it for a little bit and go at a slower pace. Cause I feel like, you know, I blew up when I was like, maybe like, 20, 21, I think, and that was like, that's young. But it's because I felt like I had to, like, I didn't have the circumstances where I could grow comfortably and, like, you know, not have to work and not have to like, constantly feel like I had to be something and do something and overachieve because there's are, like, actually people that depend on me. And so now that I'm actually able to just, like, sit in it and just, like, be comfortable and work through it, I think that's just the stage of life where I'm at, where I'm really, like, learning to, one, center myself a little bit more and also just, like, know that, like, you're. You don't have to always take care of everybody.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And then two, just, like, sit in the fact that you have done so much in such a little amount of time and, like, like, you deserve to, like, enjoy these fruits for a little bit, too.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I think I'll have a makeup brand, but maybe when I'm, like, 26, 27, you know, like, when I'm at that age where I'm just like, okay, like, I can sit down and settle down a little bit and, like, really, like, put my all into it. But yeah, right now it's just like, there's. This is. This is a lie. I'm even still growing as we speak.

[B]

You know, so that's such a good outlook. Just. Just knowing that and being aware that, you know that that's actually never going away. Like, you could literally wait till you're 40 to do that. Like, that is something that will always be there for you to do. And I think the relevancy of it will always be there because of. It's who you are and it's your lived Experience. But I think you also just carry yourself. Like, I forgot that you were 24.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I mean, which is. I'm. How am I? I'm 28. But you just carry yourself. Like, I feel like you're older than me. Just the way you carry yourself.

[A]

You have to. When you grow up fast, like, you really just have to lock in. And it does feel like sometimes I'm like, I'll be in rooms with people that are my age, and I'm just like, wow. Like, I really do not act like this, and it's because I really am a product of my circumstances. I think that when you just, like, have had to, like, grow apart and, like, do things without someone patting you on the back or, like, saying that they're proud of you, like, it's. It's really hard to, like, not then turn that into, like, hyper independency.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And so I've always been extremely hyper independent, and I've always taught myself a lot alone. And, yeah, I think, granted, it's great that I have the mindset, but it's also just like, you know, like, sometimes you need to remember you are 24.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah, it's okay. Okay, last question before we go into our little ending segment. But I'm curious what you're most proud of yourself for.

[A]

Probably continuing to break barriers despite, like, the racism and the colorism and the backlash. I think racism and colorism, it's a very tricky conversation to have, and it's a very uncomfortable conversation to have for a lot of people. And for me personally, it's been something that I've dealt with my entire life, and dealing with it now at the masses has been definitely really difficult. I know the standards that I'm held to are insane standards, but also recognizing that in order to do this, I have to live unapologetically for myself. Like, I cannot continue to, like, cave to the comments. I can't. And my comments, it's not just, like, one comment. It's like, hundreds of thousands of bad comments, you know, of racist, like, colorist, horrible comments. And, you know, I have to, like, really sit back and. And recognize, okay, like, this isn't just, like, affecting you now, but this is also touching parts of, like, your inner child that have been hurt, that have been just, like, left untouched, and that have really set the tone for how you view yourself moving forward and how you did view yourself and having to learn to carry space. For myself, one as a kid and now as an adult, and, like, recognize that those feelings are still the same. They May not be at, like the same stagnant levels, but they're still the same and they still feel the same. And it's hard. Like, it is so hard. So I'm just, like, really proud of myself for, like, allowing myself to feel and to feel it unapologetically and still at the end of the day, get back up and be like, okay, well, I'm still gonna do the Darkest Shade videos because it's still happening. And I can take a little bit of this heat, I can take a little bit of these hard conversations and I can deal with the racism and colorism, but at the end of the day, I know the impact and the change that I'm making in this industry is a stamp. And not only is it a stamp, it's actually helping real people. And that is like, the entire goal of what I do is I actually want to make dark skinned women feel seen in everything they do, and not just in beauty, but in every industry across the board. Like, your voice is valued. Doesn't matter how dark you are, it doesn't matter what you look like, it doesn't matter where you're from, as long as you continue to make space and push boundaries and really just like, yeah, I'm gonna sit here and I'm gonna do it proudly. It doesn't matter. If you don't think that I belong at this table, I know I do. And knowing that, that type of confidence, it really starts from within and like, like constantly showing people that despite it all, imma still make the video. You guys can drag me for two weeks, but I' ma still come back with another Darkest Shade video because it's bigger than me. And so every day I'm learning for sure. But I'm just proud that I give myself that space to learn.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. Preach it. That was so good. Okay, let's head into our last little segment. It's called Lemon 7. Okay, seven questions. You can rapid fire them, you can go into a monologue. Whatever you are feeling. How you want to answer the question? Perfect. Just go with it. Okay. Number one is what. What movie or song title best describes your mental health today?

[A]

Ooh, probably Happy Song by Shay Vibes. Yes. Yes.

[B]

Why?

[A]

I think Shay Vibes is just like, he's just an industry disruptor. Like, he is one of, honestly, I think one of, like, the best afrobeats artists out there. And I think that one, he's not even signed to, like, an agency or anything. He really does it by himself and he really just, like, continues to break Barriers. But above that all, like, he's just very different. Like he doesn't care about trends, he doesn't care about what's poppin in, like, you know, the top 100 list. Like he really is himself and everything that he does and Happy Song is really just about being happy and like existing unapologetically. And I think I'm in a state of my life where I just like don't really care much, you know, Like, I'm definitely just like I'm really a happy girl and like, if you like me, you like me. If you don't, you don't and that's okay. But the same constant is I'm living my life for me. So yeah.

[B]

Okay, number two is how open are you with people in your life life when you're struggling?

[A]

Not that open. Not that open. I don't think it's like by force, but I just think that a lot of people just have never really held space for me to be open in my life and I think that's okay. I think everyone carries like trauma differently and I think everyone has like an equal amount of trauma that they're dealing with and processing with differently. But I think for me, I really do trust that that everything that I do is already decreed. Like Allah's plans is like the best of plans. And if I cannot go to anybody else in my life, like there is one person that I can go to that I can always depend on and that's God. So for me it's like I'm not talking, but I just know that it's like there are things bigger than me. It's already decreed and even if it's not being voiced out loud, like Allah knows what's in my heart, he knows my intention. And above that all, that's enough for me.

[B]

Yeah, I love that.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Okay, number three is if you could follow only only three social media accounts, what would they be?

[A]

Bobby. I love Ms. Bobby. She's so funny.

[B]

Yeah, she's funny.

[A]

Bobby cracks me up. I probably would say, who's a good one? Probably Rihanna. Of course. I think Rihanna is just Rihanna. Like you can never go wrong. And when she does post, I'm just like, you really did eat that girl. Yep. And then last but not least.

[B]

Should.

[A]

I say a beauty girl. Who's my favorite beauty girl at the moment? Probably Simi Moonlight. She is a New York based fashion girl. She's dark skinned, she's unapologetic, she's beautiful and she is just like not afraid to like be herself and like you know, just. Just. Just do what she wants to do. And I love everything about her. I think her fashion sense is also just, like, incredibly amazing and different.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Too. And I think that. I love that she doesn't follow trends, and I love that she's just like her. And she continues to be her and everything, despite it all.

[B]

So I'll have to look her up. I'm so bad with, like, influencer. Like, I'm. I'm bad with knowing, like, trends.

[A]

There's a lot of them.

[B]

Oh, there's. Yeah, there's a lot of them. There's really a lot of them. Okay. Number four is, what is your favorite form of self care?

[A]

I like going to the mosque. I'm a mosque girl, and I feel, like, overwhelmed or just, like, things are getting too much. I'll just go and work in the mosque. It's just, like, silent. It's quiet. And it's also just like, I know that overall, everything, like, I'm always safe there, so, you know, that's where I be. I'd be there.

[B]

I love that.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

What is the most misunderstood thing about you?

[A]

Probably that people think that I enjoy making the Darkest Shade videos. Like, I think people think that every time I swatch a product that doesn't work for me, like, oh, my God. Like, I think they just. They think it's, like, the. The happiest thing ever, but it's actually kind of traumatizing. It's a constant reminder that you're, like, not included in this space. And above that, all that your skin color and how you look is not perceived by the world. And above that, it's like you are constantly being reminded that they don't see you. Yeah, they don't see you. They don't hear you. They don't even acknowledge you enough to make a shade for you.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And that's hard, and that's very difficult. It's very difficult to even, like, conceptualize. And I. It took me a long time to get here because for a really long time, I was like, okay, like, I'm getting the accolades, like, I'm making the money, but I still feel like I don't really love doing this. And it's just that, like, constant reminder that you are being reminded that you are not enough in the light of this industry, in the light of the world. Um, and it's hard. It's definitely hard. I think people think I enjoy the Darkest Shade videos, and I enjoy it to a degree sometimes, but, like, most of the time, it's just Like, a reminder that, like, girl, they do not see you. Yeah. So honest. And I think that's why I continue to make them. Cause it's just like, we should be seen. Like, we should be seen. We should be advocated for, and we deserve to be here. So.

[B]

That's so true.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Okay, Number six is who has had the most positive impact on your mental health? Health.

[A]

Ooh, great question. Probably Danessa Myricks, for sure. I've had a lot of conversations with Danessa Myricks. She is relatively positive, but she's also just a woman that has lived through a lot, and I think that we relate on a lot, especially how we act. And Danessa has always been, like, a mentor for me. She's always like, if you need anything, like, you can call me, you can text me. I've, like, gone to the spa with her. Like, you know, Danessa is definitely, like, one of those, like, constant things. Like, she's always commenting on my posts. Like, she's always making it known that she sees me. And above that all, like, she sees the work that I do. And I think because she's also in this industry, too, and, like, creating her own brand and in these room, in these spaces, she knows how hard it is to exist and push and break these barriers. And so, yeah, I feel like every time I'm down, like, Danessa's there.

[B]

There.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Okay. Number seven is if you can go back to one moment in your life, what moment would that be? And what would you say to yourself?

[A]

Ooh, probably my high school graduation. Yeah, I would probably go back to my high school graduation. I literally showed up to high school, like, my last year, probably, like, 30, 40 days. Like, there was just, like, a lot of stuff happening internally and, like, family stuff. And when I graduated, I was literally just, like, in the worst place of my life. And it was just like, wow, like, you should really be proud of yourself, but, like, you really are. Just, like, you want to get out the house and go, you know? So I think in that moment, I probably would just, like, tone myself. Like, you did a good job, and, like, you did the best that you could. But, yeah, that was probably, like, one of the hardest days of my life because I was like, if I didn't have to walk that stage, I wouldn't have, you know, And I also went to, like, a really, like, racist, horrible high school. And so just, like, living in that experience and, like, knowing that I just was not happy to be there and, like, be around these people, like, I should have given myself more grace to just, like, feel what I felt. But I think I was also just, like, young, and I didn't know how to say, girl, give yourself a pat on the back. You're going through stuff. You're doing what you can, and, like, you see what you're doing, and Allah sees what you're doing, and that's enough, you know? So. Yeah.

[B]

Well, thanks for coming and chatting with me. I love getting to, like, learn about you and. And I love your content, and I know that you're inspiring so many people, and I'm proud of you for speaking up and raising awareness and speaking out for people because it's important. And it truly, like, you know, it's one thing, if I were to say people need to be included, but it's one. It's a much bigger thing when someone that has actually lived these experiences shares it. And I can't imagine how hard that can be for you, but I just applaud you for it because it takes. It takes a lot of balls to do what you do, and I'm very proud of you.

[A]

Thank you so much, and thank you for having me. Thank you for watching the Squeeze, guys.

[B]

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services.

[A]

Individuals on the show may have a.

[B]

Direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.