A Closed Door Could Be Your Chance to Elevate, Take It From Rita Jane

Navigating our world today, especially in terms of our careers and the legacy we build, can mean constant reinvention. Our resident Gyal Boss for the month of May, Rita Jane, knows all about that as a multidimensional creative that's had to switch things up a few times.

In this piece, Rita shares her insights and experiences as a creative and successful business owner and the pressure to stick to one thing or put herself in a box with her career. Rita exemplifies what it means to embrace versatility and challenge oneself to try new things. She believes it's important to stay open-minded and flexible in your career and not to be afraid to take risks.

Now let’s get into the tea from her interview and what we all can learn from her journey!

Who is Rita, where did she start, and what drives her?

Well, let me start by saying that my journey has been quite an adventure so far! I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, and lived in different places growing up, including the US Virgin Islands. But when I moved to Ghana at the age of 14, I had a real breakthrough and discovered a lot about myself. Attending boarding school in Ghana was transformative for me. During this time, I became fascinated by the representation of Africa in US media and vice versa with African Americans' portrayal in African media. 

After returning to the US for college, I was shocked by the ignorance people had about the continent, so I joined my ASA as PR chair and put together a photo campaign that went viral called 'The Real Africa: Fight the Stereotype”, and was featured on CNN, BET, USA Today and more. This campaign ignited my passion for telling our stories and doing it in a dignified way. What drives me is the desire to challenge and redefine the dominant narrative around Africa, to showcase our unique experiences, and to create designs that reflect the voices of 1st generation African and Black women living between the U.S. and Ghana. By using my platform and creativity, I aim to challenge stereotypes and celebrate the richness and diversity of African culture.

As a multidimensional creative that does a little bit of everything, was there ever a time you felt pressure to stick to one thing or put yourself in a box with your career? How did you navigate that?

Honestly, I have felt pressure to stick to one thing and put myself in a box with my career. As a multidimensional creative, it's not always easy to define yourself or your work in a traditional sense, which can make you feel like an imposter. Growing up in an African household and as a Black person in America, there's often this pressure to have a traditional career and stick to a certain path. But for me, it's important to stay true to myself and my passions. I navigate this pressure by embracing my versatility and constantly challenging myself to try new things.

It's important to stay open-minded and flexible in your career and not be afraid to take risks or pursue different avenues. At the end of the day, my unique background and experiences make my work so special and meaningful.

“Remember that growth and success often come from pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, so be willing to embrace new challenges and change. And above all, be kind to yourself and celebrate every step of your journey, no matter how small.”

Working with different clients, what helps you adapt to other personalities, ways of working, and creative energies? How has that helped you scale Malaika Collective/Studio Malaika?

As someone who has lived in multiple places and experienced different cultures, I've learned to adapt to different personalities, ways of working, and creative energies. This has been a valuable skill in scaling Malaika Collective/Studio Malaika. Working in customer-facing jobs during college has also taught me how to deal with different personalities. 

As a business owner, I've learned that not everyone works the same way, but as long as we have a shared goal, finding a middle ground is crucial. This skill has been one of my secret powers, and I owe it to my parents for moving me around so much, even though it was difficult at times. It has expanded my perspective and taught me how to approach different situations with an open mind and adapt accordingly.

As a successful business owner, how do you prioritize self-care while balancing a workload and managing other people? 

Absolutely! As a business owner, balancing work and personal life can be quite a challenge, especially in the early stages of starting your business. It's easy to get caught up in hustle culture and neglect your own well-being. However, I've learned that it's essential to make self-care a priority. 

Lately, I've been implementing intentional routines that cater to my mind, spirit, and body. This includes daily meditation and mindfulness practices, taking breaks throughout the day to stretch and move my body, and making time for the people and activities that bring me joy. It's a work in progress, but I've realized that when I prioritize my own well-being, I can show up better for my team and clients.

What important lessons did you learn as a plus-sized model navigating the industry, especially as a black woman?

Oh, where do I even start? As a plus-sized black model, I've learned so many important lessons navigating this industry. Firstly, you must learn to love yourself and your body, no matter the industry standards. You have to learn to be confident and unapologetic in your own skin, and that takes time and effort. Secondly, you have to be persistent and learn how to handle rejection. Not everyone will see your worth or value, but that doesn't mean you should give up. 

Thirdly, it's important to surround yourself with a supportive community that uplifts you and helps you stay positive. Lastly, it's important to remember that representation matters. Being a plus-sized black model means I am able to represent and celebrate a group of people who have long been marginalized in the industry. It's a privilege and a responsibility that I take very seriously, and using my platform to inspire and empower others is important.

May is all about elevation at ABJ, and this is the season of next chapters for many of us. What advice would you leave our readers with when it comes to unlocking their potential and stepping into new experiences? 

To unlock your potential and step into new experiences, the first step is to believe in yourself and your abilities. Don't let fear hold you back from taking risks and pursuing your dreams. Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you, and don't be afraid to seek guidance or mentorship from those who have been where you want to go. It's important to stay motivated and focused on your goals, despite obstacles or setbacks. 

Remember that growth and success often come from pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, so be willing to embrace new challenges and change. And above all, be kind to yourself and celebrate every step of your journey, no matter how small.

Want more Rita? Be sure to follow her on Instagram to see all her amazing work!

read more

〰️

read more 〰️