One thing artists such as Beyoncé, Lizzo, Rihanna, and even Megan Thee Stallion all have in common is that they empower Black women of all shades and sizes to love themselves and be unapologetic about it. Entrepreneur Chardè Hollins, 33, knows all too well about what it’s like to look in the mirror and have an “unpretty” moment, as TLC would say.
“Accepting the body I’m in has always been difficult,” Hollins says about her curviness. “Learning to love myself, beyond the extra weight was something that I couldn’t seem to grasp in my younger years. Until, one day, I realized that the best parts of me have nothing to do with my outward physique — rather, they have everything to do with my inward purpose.”
According to a 2020 report from Banyan Boca Inpatient Mental Health Program, Valentine’s Day is the start of an annual rise in suicide rates that peaks in April. Additionally, African Americans have higher rates of depression, with many symptoms undiagnosed.
Fast-forward to 2023. Now, the millennial mom of two, social worker, and founder of DEI consulting firm Relevant Connections is practicing what she is preaching and sharing her insight with others, including how to overcome the V-day holiday blues!
Acknowledge what makes you cringe and celebrate it
Don’t shy away from what you wish you could change. Instead, acknowledge it, scream in the mirror about it, and then embrace it.
Everyone has something they wish was different, but no one can rock it quite like you can. Find comfort in knowing that you are not alone in having insecurities and that your beauty shines through regardless of your physique, facial features, skin tone, or hair type.
Recognize your beauty and slay
There is something about you that makes the world smile. Take some time to make a list and think outside the box. Feel free to include physical features, but remember that beauty is so much more than it seems on the outside.
There is beauty in the ability to listen and care for others, beauty in having the courage to speak up for what is right, in serving members of your community, excelling in academics, having an eye for art, an ear for music, or a mind for planning and executing amazing ideas. Whatever it is, the world needs you to strut and slay with pride.
“You don’t need no beat, you better hype your bestie up!”
Finding beauty in others shines a light on you. Be intentional about encouraging those around you and speaking on the beauty (both inside and out) you see in them. If we all become the best hype man, then we all will have the best hype man! It’s that simple.
Sisterhood is a beautiful thing. Providing someone space to feel appreciated and seen is a gift that literally saves lives. Your acknowledgment of someone else’s beauty enhances your own while deepening the impact your presence has on the world.
