“The child is the father of man,” said William Wordsworth in his poem “My Heart Leaps Up,” while discussing the importance of instilling young brains with positive attributes. The Romantics were right. Careful nurturing with the right influencers helps children in reaching their optimum potential. But what if things go wrong? What if they are bullied and subdued?
Years of experience with kids have trained Rasheda Kamaria to identify these problems at first glance. She has encountered numerous children tending their scars from abuses. Something she still does. Thus, inspiring her to form Empowered Flower Girl, an organization that prepares kids to counter adversities. In an interview with Exeleon Magazine, Rasheda reveals more.
What according to you makes for a dynamic entrepreneur
I believe a dynamic entrepreneur is one who understands the difference between competitors and partners and learns from both. There are thousands and thousands of companies, organizations and individuals in the youth empowerment and education consulting space. But there are millions of young people across the country who need our help. We have to work together to make a difference for them. I see others in this space as potential partners working toward the same goal.
What prompted the inception of Empowered Flower Girl?
Great question. As you may know, we don’t sell flowers, nor are we reviving the hippy movement of the 70s. Empowered Flower Girl actually references my experience as a child being recruited as a flower girl for family members’ weddings. After two exhaustive years, I told my mother I did not want to be a flower girl ever again. At the age of seven, I became empowered to assertively ask for what I wanted.
I founded Empowered Flower Girl in 2010 after having mentored girls aged between 5-19 for close to a decade through various organizations. Additionally, at the time my three nieces were in their teens. I wanted to do something to help them and young people like them who were experiencing challenges fitting in and finding their way.
What has the journey been like for Rasheda Kamaria over the years?
It’s been a wonderful journey. This year, I’m celebrating 10 years of service with Empowered Flower. I’ve learned a lot along the way. I am blessed to have turned my passion for mentoring and empowering others into a social enterprise and brand. I even published a book. I am excited for the next decade and beyond.
Looking back, what would you have done different when starting out?
Starting out, I think I would have done more work with parents to help them help their children. Many parents as well as grandparents raising their children need extra guidance and support. I realize that the youth we serve need supportive home environments more than anything.
What has been the biggest driving factor for you as a leader and entrepreneur?
I would say I am driven by possibility. I believe that if young people have positive role models and resources that peace is possible. I do what I do because I want them to reach their full potential.
What would be your advice for aspiring women leaders?
We all have the potential to be leaders, but it isn’t about having a fancy title or even accolades (even though those things are great). At the end of the day, we have to do what makes us feel fulfilled. You can pursue your passion whether you work in a factory, on the frontlines of a hospital or in your own business. Make time to do what excites and inspires you and you will be successful.
How does Empowered Flower Girl help prevent bullying and improve communication between students?
We give young people space to be fully self-expressed (without judgment) and discuss issues and challenges they face. We not only work to empower young people who’ve experienced being bullied, we look at why others resort to bullying. Often, it’s because they don’t know one another. In our Chica Chat workshop, which is aimed at girls and those who identify as female, we challenge stereotypes and get to the root cause of why and how bullying, cyberbullying, exclusion and other social drama happen. At the end of the day, young people want positive, meaningful relationships. But they may lack the confidence and tools to make it happen.
What has been the biggest roadblock during your journey? What has been your biggest learning?
Along my journey, I’ve suffered losses. I’ve had people I know and love tremendously pass away. Each loss takes a lot out of us emotionally. There were times when I wanted to give up. But the work I do isn’t about me. I’ve learned that for me, focusing on the impact I could potentially have in the lives of others, is what keeps me motivated to keep pressing forward – even in the face of adversity.
What is the future like for Empowered Flower Girl and yours?
I hope the future is bright for Empowered Flower Girl and those it works with and serves. Like most companies, most of what we’re doing now is virtual. Even before the pandemic, we had plans to support more educators, counselors and other youth advocates in remote areas as well as those who needed additional training and support to better engage youth. I launched Girl World Peace Academy, our virtual course for youth advocates, this summer and hope to grow the program. I want to continue to support and coach others who want to make a difference for young people. I see myself publishing another book in 2021 and traveling to connect with other amazing, mission-minded individuals.
Finally, what do you think is the most important trait for an entrepreneur and why?
Empathy. Definitely, empathy. I may be biased because I’m an empath, but we have to have empathy for our customers and clients. It is an important trait that actually can be developed. For some of us, our empathic abilities are innate. But for others, empathy can be developed by listening and truly taking the time to truly learn what challenges, opportunities and possibilities exist for those we serve.
