Today we’d like to introduce you to Goddess Adina.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story is simple, yet impactful. I liken it to water. It can soothe aches, pains, even thirst; and yet, with the same breath, it can flood away an entire existence. It is a giver of life and a taker. My story is about oscillating between these two powers to find a God-given talent for balance, inspiration, freedom, and connecting to people.
Growing up, I lived a normal life. I’m a first generation American born Caribbean. There were a few difficulties here and there, but in light of homelessness, world hunger, abuse, rape, and all the other terrible things in the world… my problems were always just “1st world, lazy millennial” issues. Both of my parents were a part of my life. I went to an academic magnet school for high school. I was a competitive gymnast and track star. I graduated from Undergrad and Grad School with amazing GPAs. I landed my first corporate job at 17 with help from my mom. I landed my 2nd corporate (this time salaried) job at 22 on my own post-graduate school. I was living the American dream my Grandmother had moved her two daughters to America to live. I wish I could explain to you the ache and horror that came over me when I looked up one day to realize that my dream was actually my nightmare. The vision I had held for my adult life for the last seven years was basically… bullshit.
Turns out the American Dream was not for me. Thus… I quit my corporate job. I picked up odd jobs here and there to free up my time. I used that free time to figure out what it is I wanted to do, where I wanted to be… hell, WHO I wanted to be. I realized the dream I was chasing before was not even mine. The 6-months post quitting corporate alone contain enough obstacles and life lessons to write a 3 volume book so I’ll have to fast forward at this point.
Goddess Adina as you see her today exists as the result of figuring it out loud with the people. It is the result of transparency. It is the result of honesty. It is the result of my relentless self-examination. Today, I am a brand and a business owner that is still figuring it the heck out and doing it with incredible grace. The best part… I’m living my dream in reality. Waking up every day with new challenges to face, problems to solve, and people to inspire. Giving myself space and permission to at any point change course, to make mistakes (as long as I learn from them). Changing lives and cashing checks. Doing the work and reaping the benefits.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
“Being joyous in this life is not for the weak-minded or faint at heart.” – me.
The list of struggles on this journey is honestly endless. So, I won’t list all (or any actually) of the specific struggles I faced, but I will share this…
A struggle is nothing but an opportunity to grow/learn. The word literally means “a forceful effort to get free of restraint or resist attack.” So, try thinking of it as a spiritual work-out. Every struggle you face is an opportunity for you to level up or “get your weight up” (as they say). Perception is key.
Lastly… “if there’s a solution, there’s no problem. If there’s no solution, it’s a matter of acceptance and moving on.”
Young ladies, be honest about your struggles. Let’s leave this “fake it till you make it” mess in the past. Lay your foundation before you start growing. Make sure you know who you are as a human and a business/brand before you start taking in other people’s opinions. Surround yourself with a core group that you know will always give you an honest reflection of yourself. Collaboration over competition. All of us shine brighter together. Always leave yourself a little room to grow or change. No matter what… you are always allowed to change.
What do you do? What do you specialize in?
I do so much! Everything is everything. That truly is the only way to describe my brand as a whole. Goddess Adina is a hub for Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, and Enlightenment.
Entertainment – I am a personality, influencer, live host, radio/tv host, muse, body paint model, and performance artist. Via all of these mediums, I share one unwavering message: life is what you make it, and it’s never too late to make changes. No matter the time or space you come across Goddess Adina you will be left with knowledge, wisdom, love, and a sprinkle of fairy dust to inspire freedom.
Entrepreneurship – I am a freelance business consultant. I have an MBA with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. Four years of entrepreneurial experience. My clients range from artists, entrepreneurs, and/or business owners who are interested in launching their brand, rebranding, bringing efficacy to their current operations, and/or growing past their current position. As a consultant/curator, I help bring your vision to life. Matching purpose and passion for feasibility and profitability.
Enlightenment – I am a 500hr certified Yoga Therapist. I teach Nude Yoga as well as run an online website where you can practice Nude Yoga with me from anywhere. I also make it a practice to share with all of my consultant clients the self-care practices that aided me in maintaining my sanity + health on this entrepreneur journey.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
EVERY. SINGLE. ONE.
I’m a firm believer in roles. Know your role by knowing your strengths and weaknesses.
In my humble… just being a man or a woman does not position you accurately for anything.
The opportunity for women right now is the fact that we are all rising up and getting bold together. So, jump on. Let us hear you roar! Whatever your role is… play it well, play it big!
The more we stay focused on the opportunities, the more that will appear. Remember, we’ve already turned struggles into lessons anyway no need to harp on ’em. 😉
Contact Info:
- Website: www.goddessadina.com
- Email: thegoddessadina@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/goddessadina
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/goddessadina
Image Credit:
@Jaii.Digital, @AutumnChanelPhotography, @Nzinghaphotography
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.