Mind Over Matter: Mindset Development
Venting about life while trying to navigate through it and sharing what I’ve learned with the world through enlightening conversation. This podcast was made and carefully curated in the essence of myself Deja Wallace. I will take you on my journey of self-discovery through a video journal-type podcast that guides you to self-discovery as I evolve with every episode. Mind Over Matter is the power to govern how you feel internally through mindset development. This podcast is essentially for dreamers, deep thinkers, optimists, and anyone who’s on the journey of self-discovery. RATE COMMENT SUBSCRIBE
Mind Over Matter: Mindset Development
Turning Passion To Profit A Conversation With Deanna Harris from Chattin With D
How do you transform your passions into a thriving entrepreneurial venture while staying true to yourself? Join us in this enlightening episode of "Mind Over Matter" as we welcome Deanna Harris, a distinguished content creator, journalist, and entrepreneur. Deanna candidly shares how her family's rich entertainment legacy inspired her mission with "Chatting with D," a platform dedicated to empowering and educating the youth. Discover the mental resilience it takes to transition into full-time entrepreneurship and how Deanna's story can inspire you to stay committed to your personal goals, even when facing external pressures.
We also explore the powerful legacy of the Mercado family, led by the iconic Latin promoter and producer Ralph Mercado. Learn how this family has come together, blending their unique talents to build a successful production company. Our conversation emphasizes the significance of spiritual guidance, mindfulness, and breaking generational curses to pursue entrepreneurial dreams.
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DEJA @deja.waja
when we were speaking on the phone and coordinating the whole podcast, you had said you know, you're kind of you're living the dream right now. And I was extremely stressed at that time because I was trying to coordinate several other things right now and I was like you know what you're right? And so it just kind of gave me that moment of like five, six years ago where I was manifesting a life of travel and connecting with people and making things happen. I'm now living that.
Speaker 1:So it brought me back to that faith of like okay, well, these things that I want in the next couple of years, if this is what I want, then this is what will be. You know, and it's really crazy how life kind of comes because it comes from the mind. You manifest it, but you have to be in that receiving mode and right mindsets in order to attract those blessings, otherwise you will self-sabotage.
Speaker 2:I do magic.
Speaker 3:That's my sophisticated year Because I have a sophisticated woman in the building with me. I love it. You see, sophistication from that year Do you hear it.
Speaker 1:Thank you for joining me, deanna, thank youiana, thank me deja. I'm very excited to be here on mind over matter baby.
Speaker 3:Yes, yes, excited. Thank you for having me welcome. Welcome to the podcast, welcome to mind over matter baby. I'm your host, deja wallace, and if this is your first time joining me, welcome. If this is not, welcome back. Like I appreciate you, like you really came back to listen again to some gems being dropped and I hope you catch them. Okay, that was a bar, right, it was so. I have the lovely Deanna Harris here with me and she is, must I say, like a content creator.
Speaker 1:Yes, content creator, journalist, producer, writer, executive producer, ceo, everything Just do everything.
Speaker 3:Now you know Talk show personality. Yes, host honor, talent All of it, all of it. And Chatting With D. Yes, she's also the CEO founder of Chatting With D. Yes, she's also the CEO founder of Chatting With Dee Correct, yes, and yeah, her platform really just is for people who are looking for just some upliftment, encouragement, and it's catered to, like you know, a younger audience, right, right.
Speaker 1:So yeah, so basically, I created Chatting with D when I came out of college in 2017. I was really inspired by my family and their background. They've been entertainment for years on end, so I'll definitely get into that as we continue our conversation. But it's basically inspired by them and I kind of grew up in this field of entrepreneurship, so I wanted to create a platform where I was talking to different people on their trials and tribulations and what it takes to really become successful as an entrepreneur. And then we gear it towards the youth so they can go, they can live out their dreams. I believe that knowledge is power, so we tailor all of our content around empowering the youth and enlightening them.
Speaker 3:I love that. Yeah, I love that, yeah, I love that. So, on today's episode, I want to talk about entrepreneurship versus mental health, because you are now officially doing entrepreneurship full time. Yes, full time, we're going to talk about that we're going to talk about, like, your transition into it. How has your mindset developed through it? Because this show is about mindset. Yes, and just your trials and tribulations. Why did you start chatting with Dee? Yes, so, kick back, relax and enjoy this episode. Yes, Thanks for having me.
Speaker 2:Yeah, of course I'm excited, of course.
Speaker 3:So chatting with Dee.
Speaker 1:Yes, it's where I need to be.
Speaker 3:Yep, what inspired you to start your own platform?
Speaker 1:So I graduated in 2017, and I really wanted to be able to have a platform where I'm giving back and also connecting with people and inspiring the youth to go after their dreams and aspirations and all those great things that this world has to offer. So my family they have been in the entertainment and music industry for a very long time, so I was inspired by my grandfather, ralph Mercado. He was a very famous Latin promoter and producer. He founded Marc Anthony, celia Cruz, la India a lot of the salsa singers you may know of today and so I grew up in this industry. I saw a lot of the behind the scenes and I saw that there was kind of a need for a platform to connect the older generation and the younger. We learn from our ancestors. We learn from the older people in our elders. We learn from them, so they have so much wisdom to give. You know our ancestors. We learned from the older people in our our elders. We learned for them, so they have so much wisdom to give. And as I was growing up and having conversations and understanding, I was like I want to create something here, you know.
Speaker 1:So I got my family together. My father does all the editing and directing of the show. That's so cool. My brother does the music. He's an artist in new york, he's an engineer. My sister does the hair, so this is did by Dee. She's slayed, by the way. Then my mother does all the talent coordination. She did PR for my grandfather for a very long time and so it's a family-run production company and now just recently I'll share that. We have been expanding in our collaboration with other people and stuff, so I have a couple of exciting projects that will be coming out. And yeah, that's where it all started.
Speaker 3:Okay, yeah, that's actually really rare to have that like a whole family behind you with your production. That's a healed family right there, yeah.
Speaker 1:It's definitely a blessing and that's definitely what I want to show in our community that we can come together as family um and and be led by family in a in the proper way and show that the importance of it as well to come together as community to help continue to inspire one another.
Speaker 3:Okay, yeah, nice. So what really pushed you to make that transition, that big step to fully focus on your dream? Essentially, yeah.
Speaker 1:So at my previous job, I was looking for a lot more growth in what I was doing, and I was looking for that next level, and so I'm very spiritually led about a lot of the work that I do. So I asked for certain signs from God on what direction I need to go in, and he told me it was my time to take that leap of faith, and so you have to be obedient in a lot of the things that he asks for you. So I was like all right, if this is my path and my purpose and this is what I'm supposed to be doing, moving forward, then let's go. And I just took the leap, um, and since then, um, I've been provided for in many different ways. Um, I've been able to expand my network, I've been able to travel, I've been able to connect with so many different people just by stepping out on that leap of faith and knowing that the place that I was at served its purpose for that time and that it was time to grow in other aspects and areas.
Speaker 3:How, did your mindset develop when I started? Mind Over Matter? Like everything I'm doing in my outside life is like I'm trying to like emanate the core messaging of my business. You know it's like a baby. You have to like be good for your business, be good for your. You know your baby. I love that, how did your mindset develop compared to when you first?
Speaker 1:started until now.
Speaker 1:It takes time for the mindset to develop and to understand what direction you want to go in when you're growing a brand or a business and how you want to be represented within the community and how you want to really you know represent. So I think that through different challenges, it's helped me to push me to be my better self and that better mindset. I really um practice a lot of like mindfulness, meditation, yoga. I make sure that I'm getting my steps in just times where I can have to myself, because if I don't put myself first, then I can't be the best person or leader that I can be within my brand or business or whatever I'm doing with work. So I always make sure that I have time for myself, especially in the early morning or in the evening, and that just kind of like sets the tone for the day.
Speaker 1:I feel like I'm always. I'm always doing research, I'm always reading, I'm listening to YouTube videos and always come across like how to rewire your subconscious and what does that look like? And usually it starts from the beginning of the day what you're listening to, what you're feeding yourself, affirmations, always telling myself I deserve this, I can do this, and reaffirming yourself that you are at the right place at the right time. And yeah, and through that and as I said before, challenges, they help you to grow through yourself and your business and everything.
Speaker 3:That's beautiful.
Speaker 1:Yeah, thanks.
Speaker 3:That's mind over matter, right there.
Speaker 1:Yeah, there you go. Mind over matter all the time. It all starts in the mind, exactly.
Speaker 3:So many places. I want to take this conversation and I want to lean back into your family. That foundation, yes. Personally, I feel like right now I have to be the generational curse breaker and with that comes with a lot of sacrifice, like how your grandfather sacrificed certain things because he was an immigrant, correct?
Speaker 1:my grandfather's grandfather, so I'm like a couple generations removed so.
Speaker 1:I'm basically the byproduct of what they've dreamed of over all these years. You know what I mean All the sacrifices and I appreciate you seeing it from that standpoint, because our ancestors have made those sacrifices so that we can live a life that they have dreamed of over the years. And the sacrifices, I know, were not easy. Not easy, you know, and being a generational curse breaker, that that is a blessing and a curse in a lot of ways, because you have to make those sacrifices, but you know your grand, your child's going to be well off than you were when you were growing up, and so on and so forth.
Speaker 3:So it's all worth it at the end of the day you know, yeah, it's taking away the quick instant gratification for a long term.
Speaker 1:Yes, and that's what our society loves is a quick instant gratification. There's a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes, guys. It's not all overnight.
Speaker 3:Is that what IG? What does IG stand for? Instant gratification?
Speaker 1:I guess so Isn't it Instagram Instant gratification, I don't know, I just thought that's not just randomly.
Speaker 3:It makes sense if that's the case, you know. Yeah, your family had to make a lot of sacrifices for you to be in the position that you are in right now, so how important is it to you to just carry that baton that they passed off to you?
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's a great question. Yeah, and sometimes I feel like it does come with a lot of different pressures, but knowing that I have them to lean on them is everything that I could ask for, and more. And just knowing that this mission that I'm doing is so much bigger than myself. And I get reminded every day by there's certain people that I connect with, there's certain people that, just like you know, tell me the positive affirmations of like, like hey D.
Speaker 1:I saw this interview and I was inspired to go after my brand more and I'm like this is what it's all about you know what I mean, um, and I've been able to connect with so many different people throughout the world, who then have connected with other people who have shared my work, and then I'm able to connect with them, and then they share them, their work. So it's so much bigger than just me. D it's so much bigger right, and I'm remembering that every single day as I continue to work towards this goal that I have of just spreading knowledge, especially within our community, and inspiring the youth. They are our future, so we must, must feed into them and and let them know that we are here for them as well. So it's so much bigger than me.
Speaker 3:For real, yeah, so was this something you've always envisioned yourself doing like from the beginning, from baby D days?
Speaker 1:That's a great question, but it really wasn't. I actually don't really like being in the spotlight. I'm very introverted in a lot of ways. I can be out there and do my thing, because that's what I have to do, but a lot of times I like to just be at home watching TV, cuddled up on the couch you know what I mean Having my little cup of tea. But I see that God has led me into this purpose and this is what I need to do and I've realized that throughout the years. So I'm stepping into it full form and I've always just wanted to be able to connect with people and give back to my community, because I've always been. I've seen a lot, I've experienced a lot. I know a lot of people who need it, whether that's, you know, physical, spiritual, mentally. A lot of people need in a lot of ways. You know physical, spiritual, mentally, a lot of people need in a lot of ways. And, like I said before, if there's somebody who gets inspired by the one interview that I do, then that's what that's what matters.
Speaker 3:You did say like you're more on the integrated side, so to say. I can account to that too, and I feel like a lot of. So I kind of call myself a journalist, because that's what I studied in college and I feel like what we're doing is a form of journalism in a way. Even if it's credible or not, it's still journalism. And something interesting that one of my professors had told me was that a lot of journalists are on the introverted side and they do journalism because it gives them that like that rush, it gets them out their comfort zone yes, yes, that's a good way to put it, yeah, and it kind of like builds their confidence in a way yes it was always something I always thought about like that's interesting, and a lot of other people that have podcasts or journalists.
Speaker 1:They're very like chill introverts, yeah, and a lot of people in the industry, a lot of them, a lot of people that I come across, and music entertainment. A lot of them are very to themselves. A lot of artists like, they go on stage and they're that character. You know. They embody that and that's how they're continuing to do what they're doing and inspiring people and living out their dreams and their crafts. When they're on stage they're very regular people, yeah, so so you know, hand-in-hand with journalism of like stepping out of your comfort zone and you know telling the stories that need to be told, you know, credible or not.
Speaker 3:And there's a quote that sticks out to me a lot that on the other side of fear is everything you ever wanted. So like as an introvert, like starting your first episode of a podcast is like the most nerve-wracking thing ever, like I hate my voice. Why do I sound like that? Why do I look like that? Like I look lopsided in the camera, like like the mirror did not just show that right right. How has courage played a part in you starting your journey and how has your confidence like built over time?
Speaker 1:yeah, um. Well, I definitely got my courage and my inspiration from my family, um, because I saw how talented they were and I was struggling to figure out what my gifts were, because we all have gifts. We just have to figure out how to tap into them and really use it for our life purpose and eventually, you know, make money and things of that nature. But we all have gifts, and so I was surrounded by so many talented people and their gifts and my family and I'm like, okay, so what do I do to be able to bring this all together and continue to inspire people? So that's where a lot of my courage came from and that eventually let up my, my confidence and my comfort zone. And talking with people on chat and with d, just like going out there and being like, hey, like what do you have to say? Like it takes a lot for you, because sometimes people are like that especially in new york yeah, my face, you know.
Speaker 1:So it depends. And then, um, as you continue to interview people, you learn from from them and they're just like us, you know, a lot of them are just like us, who have a dream, a vision, a purpose and they've made it. And a lot of them are in positions where they're able to give back and inspire the next generation to come. So when you see all the glitz and the glam and all that, like a lot of that is a lot of fun and that's when you've like made it.
Speaker 1:But there's a lot of hard work that goes behind that and I kind of just went off track a little bit. But I've gotten my confidence, or just just keep doing it, keep doing it, no matter if I have like a little like thing in the back of my head with like you can't do it. I just keep telling myself I do a lot of writing as well, especially when I'm feeling, you know, I have my moments of insecurity or I feel like I can't do it. I write it out, leave it on the piece of paper and then I move on to the next.
Speaker 3:So a lot of the times, too, when you step out on faith, just pure faith, a lot of things start aligning. Yes, you're like god. Is that you?
Speaker 1:right, are you sure?
Speaker 3:yeah, so it's a beautiful thing and it does definitely build your confidence because you're doing the work now and it's like, right, exactly, I have things to show for what I'm doing, so that really drives a lot. So what specific habits do you practice like daily to stay mindful?
Speaker 1:Habits, let's see. So I like cooking. I know it's so random, but it helps me to get the nutrients that I need in order to continue going, because, especially in New York, you're on the go-go-go when it comes to New York and if you're not prepared, you will. You will crash, you will burn out, which I've experienced before, which is like no joke burnout, um. So I feel like, now that I'm in this full time, I'm learning how to balance my different habits. Yoga, okay, yoga, I really like to do yoga, exactly. It keeps me centered, um. And then my walks. Really, I feel like I need to build up my habits a bit more as I continue to go on this journey of entrepreneurship, um, and just staying consistent to my schedule.
Speaker 3:So okay, my habits. It's funny because always being on the go, go, go, go go, like being from New York, sometimes you have to force yourself to be mindful. Yes, yes.
Speaker 1:Especially in New York. Yeah, it's like.
Speaker 3:A lot going on here. You have to like just shut off your phone, like you know what. No, yes, just focus on just you being present. Yes, it's really hard.
Speaker 1:It is hard. A lot of times I find my phone just on. Do not disturb, because if not, it's a constant ding from this app or call from this person and it's like constant, constant, constant. I can't focus on what I need to do at hand.
Speaker 3:Yeah. You know, and, as a creative, that could be very detrimental to your flow state, exactly Because, like, say, you know you're editing a clip or like you're trying to do something but somebody's trying to call you and it's very important, like it really combats with just being present and being mindful yeah, and then also managing your time, which can be hard as well, depending on where you're trying to do business and expand yourself.
Speaker 1:If it's here on the east coast, if you're, you know, trying to make a call to the west coast, how am I going to create this balance as I continue to expand, you know, and so I think the other day I put up a quote and it said feed your focus and starve your distractions. And so that, just like, clicked with me. I'm like, oh, I like this one. You know what I mean, because your distractions can come from every single form. You just don't even know that it's a distraction or something that's deterring you from reaching your end goal. You know, because when we're trying to reach our goals, that's when the distractions come in.
Speaker 3:Talk about that. Expand on that, please, wow, please.
Speaker 2:Deanna.
Speaker 1:Depends on how you know.
Speaker 3:It seems like I'm glad that you brought that up. So it seems that like, all right, so I fully committed myself to Christianity. I brought that up to you, I got baptized and everything. Congratulations, thank you. Awesome, and I swear. It seems like sin is knocking at the door now.
Speaker 1:Well, that's what happens when you get closer to the Lord and what he wants for your life. You know you have a decision to make, so it's either you're going to go closer to him or you're going to go closer.
Speaker 3:And every day it feels like, yeah, are you going to choose this path or that path? Yeah, this path or that path. And I love that you brought up obedience earlier, because on that path, of obedience is where the long term, like, the long term fulfillment comes, comes from. Yes, for sure. And when you, when you're looking to like distract yourself, it's so easy to just the illusions come up more like oh no, you could like yeah, come take this path and yeah, exactly, be a little fun and yes, but that usually doesn't fulfill you in the long.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so you have to excuse me. That's why I go into like making sure that you have a schedule that aligns with what your purpose is, because then that will keep you focused, right, you know, and that will keep you focused toward your purpose, your goals and everything that you want to do, you know, under his, his kingdom, you know. So it all really really depends on back to obedience and what direction you want to go in.
Speaker 3:So so why do you think these distractions are like so loud once you decide and commit that you want to be a child of God?
Speaker 1:Yeah, I think that we live in this worldly world. This is, you know, and when we come into certain alignments, it's sin. The devil is always going to be knocking at our door. That's just what it is. We live in this worldly world, so you have to make sure that, especially when you're coming towards a breakthrough, you have to make sure that you are going even harder than you were previously, because that can just put you back to square one.
Speaker 3:I was actually just on tiktok earlier and well, you think I'm back at square one because I feel like I messed up a little. I'm not a little, we're human okay, we're human girl.
Speaker 1:No, please, okay. Every day I'd be like, can you forgive me?
Speaker 3:we are human, and that's when he but I it was a lot of pressure. No, I get it. Listen, I've had a little.
Speaker 1:No, it's okay, like we're human, and that's where god gives us our grace, and this is something that I'm still learning to this day. You know, this is something I'm going to forever be learning. Yeah, I have different mentors who have guided me in this industry as well, who have guided me and really have taught me what it is to be, you know, a woman of God, and it's not an easy path, you know. I think there we joke about like God puts you on his strongest warriors list.
Speaker 3:Strongest soldiers. I'm like, can you take?
Speaker 1:me off please, because I can't do this, but he doesn't give you any problem or thing that you cannot go through.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and that's we have to constantly remind yourself and trust that and trust that, especially when I took that leap of faith and, um, you know, quit my job. That was super intense for me because I didn't know if I had that stability moving forward. But what I've learned throughout this process is that you have to embrace the unknown. You have to be able to know that he's your provider, because there's so many different ways that eventually I'll share, you know, my testimony, because I'm still living it. You know, I'm sure you're still living it as well, and when the time is right, you'll be led to share what it is, um, but there's so many little moments that I've had and I was like that was god, you know, like I made it through because of because of him. So, still on this journey, still learning and and and still being obedient where I can, because we're human, and just remember that she's right.
Speaker 3:Okay, I want to get into. Remember that she's right. Okay, I want to get into. You brought something up earlier about quitting your job, right? Yes, there was a moment where, like I felt very overwhelmed at my old job, so I left. I made my decision to leave and, for me personally, I feel like I'm never going to be fulfilled at a job until I have some type of autonomy, you know. So, even if I'm going to the next job, I'm still going to present the same type of challenges because I don't have no autonomy, no say, over what I'm doing. Yeah, and all of that being said, like, you brought up something very important, like trying to remember exactly what you said, but it's scary, the unknown.
Speaker 1:Yes.
Speaker 3:For sure. And sometimes, when you are stepping out into the unknown, other people try to protect you and make you go back to the known, because they feel like you need to know what you're doing. So, like everything's predictable, everything is going to be OK. It's like you know, like a coddling. You like, yes, don't quit. You know you need the job, you need the money, what are you going to do? You know just, and sometimes it could be very anxious feel when you bring that up Exactly. All of that being said, do you think that people ideas of success is individualistic, like your idea of success isn't going to be like somebody, like somebody that you love, like your mother idea of success Right?
Speaker 1:I think that we all have our own ideas of success, of what we want within our lives. You know, and you have to determine exactly what you want to do and go for it. You cannot be listening to it and this is what I've learned throughout, because I'm very. Sometimes I can be like, oh well, you know it's okay, well, maybe I'll do it. No, you have and throw, because I'm very. Sometimes I can be like, oh well, you know, it's okay, well, maybe I'll do it.
Speaker 1:No, you have to literally figure out what you want for your life and go for it. And there's always going to be people in your ears until the day that you die. You know, even if it's from choosing like a certain slice of pizza to the other, like you know what you want. You know what I mean. You got to trust your intuition. You have to trust that you know what you want and just go for it. And the naysayers and now that's just like, that's just like the devil talking, you know, at the end of the day, in the back of your mind or whoever's trying to deter you from fulfilling your purpose and your passion. So you know what you want and you know how to go after it, you just got to look for the signs in order to get there, so yeah, Well said.
Speaker 3:How does helping others? Because you did say that this platform is bigger than you and you really want to specifically cater to the younger generation, right?
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 3:So how does helping others through your platform contribute to your own success and fulfillment? Because it's bigger than money, that, that feeling, it's money can't buy.
Speaker 1:no, it can't, and I mean money's of you know, money's of this world. You know it's so much better when you have that connection and relationship with someone. That's what pushes you forward and drives you forward as well. Your network, your network is your net worth and you always remember that somebody can refer you because of the relationship you've had with them for the past five to 10 years, versus somebody who has just paid you for something that they needed done. You know, and you know, in this industry I feel like the connections go so much further than, and relationships go so much further than any monetary gain. So, definitely, your network is your network. I always remember that.
Speaker 1:I like that quote. I'm going to quote it yes, network is network, and that's why I'm always out at these networking events. Like anytime I'm in a different city, I'm like, okay, if I have some time and there's a happy hour, I'm going to this event. A lot of these events are free too. You know, just position yourself in places within your field that you want to be in and then just look them up on Google. That's what I do. I'm like, okay, where can I network here? Like when I travel, if I'm here or if I'm in Miami or if I'm in LA, I'm always looking for opportunity to grow my network, anywhere I'm at. So, yeah, and people are very friendly too. You know, people want to get to know other people. People want to be able to expand their networks as well. So, yeah, that's what it all comes down to.
Speaker 3:There's been like this facade that's trying to be so that people are like antisocial. You know what I mean, especially like New York has that stigma. I get that sometimes. Yeah.
Speaker 1:I think honestly, sometimes after COVID I feel like people came back a lot more just like to themselves, because everybody was inside to themselves yeah, but they had to learn how to be social again exactly, I think we all did make sense, yeah what's like your overall, without spilling too much, giving them too much of the blueprint?
Speaker 3:what is your overall vision for chatting with d?
Speaker 1:yeah so, right now, transitioning from a passion project to a full-fledged media production team, and yeah, so that's the vision and I really just hope to be able to give opportunities, continue to grow the business, grow the brand, give opportunities to the youth in really any city or country that I'm in, continue to tell people's stories.
Speaker 1:That's the blueprint, that's the basis of everything. Like, I do a lot of work in the in Grenada and the Caribbean, and so when I was there, I was able to connect with a lot of different artists and influencers, and that was such a blessing, because when I travel, I'm always looking to connect with the people. You know the people know where it's at. You have to be able to connect with people, and so when I would interview them, they would tell me about their island and all the beautiful amenities that it has there, and also about their stories and their culture, and I appreciate moments like that, and so I I hope to continue to do that all around the world. Um, and also, you know, right, even here in in new york, there's a lot of help that's needed here as well. So I hope to be able to connect with different people, um, and in different spaces, and continue to just enlighten people, encourage people right, spread that, that knowledge, especially within our community.
Speaker 3:So and specifically like travel, you learn a lot through other people's stories. Yes, you do.
Speaker 1:You'd be so surprised, and you, I think. The more that I travel and then I come back to New York, I think sometimes we tend to forget how how much we might take this place for granted, because you can literally go in the corner and have an amazing conversation with someone and not even expect that. I think before I was telling you I came here, I met some pretty cool guys and they were just like hey, how are you, how you doing?
Speaker 1:like blah and it was just an authentic conversation. And then, as I'm on my way here, I meet another girl. I'm asking her for directions. She's like you can do this. So we're we're not that mean in new york. We have our moments, but I think we have to also recognize like there's so so much here to do, yeah, as we continue to travel and things of that nature. So for sure, yeah, yeah makes you appreciate home. Yes, it does.
Speaker 3:It does make you appreciate home, nice, yeah so you do public interviews when you travel, like, is it specifically public interviews or you're sitting down talking to people?
Speaker 1:it's just a combination, everything combination so, um, depending on when schedules align, um who I reach out to, who I pitch myself to, things of that nature, um, also pitching myself to get press passes, um doing red carpet events, things of that nature, so it's a mix of really everything. Um, I'm just trying to network, get your name, network, get my name out there and then just share those positive stories that I come across and encouraging people. Um, I've done like I did the red carpet for urban world, which was a couple years ago with bt hbo dope, yeah, which was so much fun. Um, and it was a really like exciting experience, because you always see it on tv when you're growing up, but when you're like in the field, you're like, wow, this is, this is real. Like this, lovebirds are going down the carpets, you got the interviewers being like you know, so it's like a scene. Um, and so there was one interview that I had with cynthia or vio correct me from saying her name wrong, but she played harriet tubman and I know the face.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I'm not sure if you're pronouncing yes, I believe that's how you pronounce it and she had said something about not taking no as an answer and since then it has always stuck with me. Um, yeah, we do stuff like that. Then we do cultural events. I've covered spice mass, um, and grenada. That's their carnival, yeah, and also cultural event. You know, if you ever have stuff like that, then we do cultural events. I've covered Spice Mass in Grenada. That's their carnival, yeah, an awesome cultural event. You know, if you ever have the chance to go, the Puerto Rican Day Parade we just did that at the top of this month with the New York City Governor, Kathy Hoch.
Speaker 3:So that was really cool. Yeah, I've seen that.
Speaker 1:That was really cool, that was dope. So anywhere where there's a lot of positive things going on and just sharing people's stories and keeping it positive, keeping it positive but keeping it real at the same time so yeah, Beautiful.
Speaker 3:Where do I want to go with this? Because I don't think I want to ask this, oh no, what's the biggest misconception you think there is about starting your own business and being your own boss?
Speaker 1:yeah, I feel like the biggest misconception has to be there's always constant success, especially when you see that on instagram, social media, people think you're always outside making these and it's always successful like no. In in the field of entrepreneurship, there's always your ups and downs, like sometimes you don't know if you're going to be able to hit your numbers, and other days you hit your numbers beyond what you thought, and so I think that having that flexibility and be able to adapt accordingly and embracing the unknown is really what's going to make you thrive in this industry. You know, in this field of entrepreneurship, but I think there's a really big misconception of always being super successful.
Speaker 3:It's funny because the last person I asked this question she had said like people try to glamorize it in a way and it's like I'm trying to remember exactly what she said but she was like being your own boss is overrated.
Speaker 1:It is in a lot of ways.
Speaker 1:You have a lot of responsibility, a lot of responsibility, and don't forget to do your taxes, because the IRS will come for you.
Speaker 1:Seriously, it's real, and a lot of those things are taken care of when you're working with a corporate company, or like at least they're I wouldn't say more organized, but we don't get to know that knowledge as easily. So when you become your own boss, there's a whole different ball game of things that you need to be able to make sure you have in order. Make sure that you're covered legally, make sure that you're covered financially, whether it's getting a lawyer for your business, an accountant, making sure your assistant is keeping you on track as well. So there's all these things that come into play that you have to be able to manage and look out for. Make sure you're trusting the right people. With the money that comes in as well. That's another huge thing. Money makes the world go round, so people sometimes get crazy. You know so it's, and that's why I rely so heavily on my faith in the signs, because of all these different responsibilities that are needed to be able to run a business properly.
Speaker 3:Yeah, and it's beautiful that you have your family helping you too and as that foundation, because they basically set you up to have that knowledge right. Yes, you didn't go in there completely blindsided. Yeah, and it also helps you think beyond just next year, two years you know, no for sure, thinking generationally, because they started that exactly, yes, exactly, always thinking generationally.
Speaker 1:Eventually I'll have my own set of kids and they'll have their kids and they'll continue. You know my legacy. They'll build even more of a legacy. You know what I mean and, um, that's, that's when I I want to show, I want to continue to show in our community and, um, yeah, it's definitely been a blessing to work with them and it's always crazy to work with family, but it's definitely been a blessing to work with them and it's always crazy to work with family.
Speaker 2:but it's definitely a blessing. Trust me, I know.
Speaker 3:Yeah, even like with the networking thing, I love that you brought up how important it is to network, because you just never know who you're going to meet Exactly. Even like the way we met, it was pretty like random.
Speaker 1:That's right we were on set for a film, exactly for film, exactly. And yeah, we never know yeah you know, so you know, meeting through judith, through black women in media yeah um. She has a great network of people to connect with. So you know, even a blessing that we met right through that, so yeah yeah yeah is there anything you have on your mind?
Speaker 3:huh, you could ask me questions. I'm gonna ask some more questions though. I'm gonna go to my TikTok and ask questions from there okay, cool, I guess.
Speaker 1:Where do you see yourself going?
Speaker 3:hmm, TikTok, let me think it's hard. Yeah, I don't know, it's okay and that's okay too.
Speaker 1:I mean, all the work that I've seen you produce so far has been really good and it's been very informative. Um, like I said, power no knowledge is power. Yeah, and so that's what I got from watching your stuff, so I'm glad you're on the right path I'm glad you got something yeah I always say the same thing yeah, I need to work on that visualization.
Speaker 3:I always say that because, like it's literally like when I try to think too far, it just gives me anxiety. I'm just like you know what.
Speaker 1:No, I know it does for me too. You can only really plan, but so far ahead, yeah, you know, honestly, I joke now that I go hour by hour things. I'm like I have things.
Speaker 2:That's real. That's the other day was minute by minute so now we're back to hour by hour.
Speaker 3:Maybe'll be day by day again, but I don't know, because for me I feel like when you're working like and you're in it, sometimes it's hard to see fully because you're in it right can't see something that you're in right exactly. So I'm trying to take a day by day, like like you said, and just like achieve every day, you know, conquer every day better than the last.
Speaker 1:Yes, that's all you can do.
Speaker 3:Yeah.
Speaker 1:You can plan, but so far ahead, but life can hit us in 20 million ways at once.
Speaker 3:That question like literally makes my heart sink.
Speaker 2:I'm like ugh, I know.
Speaker 1:Because even sometimes you plan stuff and it doesn't end up how you want it to end up, exactly all the time, even being here now, I'm like there were so many plans that I had to get done and then it switched up and another plan came through and it was better than I thought it was. So that's how I always try to. That's how I always try to think like it's going to be better than what I planned yeah, you know.
Speaker 3:so it's not happening to you, it's happening for you. Yes, exactly.
Speaker 1:We're just dropping gems, yep.
Speaker 3:Catch them y'all. Yeah, have you ever experienced burnout?
Speaker 1:Yes, I have experienced burnout and how do you deal with that?
Speaker 1:Yes, so I was experiencing burnout when I was working full-time and I was doing chat with d full-time, and then I was working a bunch of like different odd jobs, but like I was just doing it all.
Speaker 1:And, um, I talked about um, you know, trying to balance, like, my masculine and feminine energy as a woman, and what does that look like? Um, so I kind of just like quit everything at one point when I was really feeling overwhelmed and I made my way back to the caribbean islands, spent some time there by myself, which was a blessing. Um stepped out on faith and did that, was able to create a documentary based out there, an all-woman led team, so that was really exciting. And through that documentary, in that interview um, it's called divine feminine energy with joelle frederick, uh, we spoke about the importance of taking a step back as women, um, and understanding what it is to rest in your feminine and still lead as a boss, boss and still be able to. That's it right there. Know the difference between your intuition, your anxiety and really trying to figure out how you want to lead as a woman and how to protect that as well, but also stand firm on your boundaries.
Speaker 1:So I learned a lot just being there. For two weeks. I was was out there solo dolo. I've never done that before. I really encourage women to do that. Just it's so empowering just to be able to say that you went to another country or state or something and did something for yourself. Um, and so that's what that whole journey was about. This was may of last year, um, and so I just took time for myself and from there I re-evaluated everything. That's when I went to chat with d full time and that's when I was able to just really figure out all right, diana, what are we doing moving forward, and how are you going to be able to make a difference and balance out the feminine, feminine and masculine sides of myself so that I can continue to strive and be successful and not experience that burnout? So it's been.
Speaker 3:It's been good so far that's really important too is that especially living in the city is stepping away from the city life.
Speaker 3:Yes, yes and I think people should make it their priority to even just go upstate yes, to go somewhere that's more rural and just don't do anything like don't go to work, yeah yeah, exactly because I had that experience back in december when my cousin hit me like, oh, you want to come, you want to come to the Cayman Islands, and I'm like, girl, I'm broke. She's like I got you. I'm like, all right, we outside. So I ended up going there and it was very healing for me.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 3:Like so healing for me. I didn't even know that I had so much built up emotions. You don't know, Like I was unaware of it. Yeah, and I'm just ugly crying term. Just like it's so hard out there. You don't understand Like you guys got blue waters in. I know we don't got blue and it was just so healing for me that moment, Because when you're in something like I said, you don't see Right. Born and raised in brooklyn so yeah it's always like on the go, yep, on the go next day let's go.
Speaker 1:You don't got time, you sick, we don't got time exactly, and that's honestly, it's not the way that we really should be living yeah, no, you know we should be able to take time to just be and, as a woman like, that's where we thrive and we're just being.
Speaker 3:We should have like days where we could get off because we're on our period.
Speaker 1:No, but actually, but like for real, no, but actually, and that's something that I hope to be able to put into my business. I continue to grow that as well, of just caring about people having that empathy. You know, and you should grow that as well, of just caring about people having that empathy. You know what it means because when you have that, then your, your employers, are happy and you're able, and things are able to flow so much easier, like even this collaboration that I'm building now.
Speaker 1:I'm always like, hey guys, you know, if you can make it to the meeting, awesome, let's make it a priority. If you have something going on, just let me, we'll get it done the following week. Like, I don't stress a lot of things, no pressure, no pressure. I can't with the pressure sometimes, unless we're really hitting a deadline, then everybody knows to be able to act accordingly. Yeah, but I really just want to be able to have my business where it's like I want people to be themselves, I want people to have that empathy for others as well, because we're all human at the end of the day, we're all trying to make it happen, you know, and you never know what somebody's going through you never never, never know that part, so so yeah.
Speaker 2:Burnout can be a serious thing.
Speaker 1:It can be a serious thing, but it's times where you need to take, like, take your paid time off, guys, serious thing. Yeah, it's times where you need to take, like take your paid time off, guys. Like take your paid time off, um, if you have the luxury to do that which you should, because if you work for corporation, if you work for corporate, like that's usually set, and just take time for yourself, even if that's you just, you know, hiding your bed for a couple days, you know, or going to the spa or going into nature, because it recharges us yeah, for sure.
Speaker 3:So yeah, mindfulness guys yes, mindfulness what does that statement mean? To you mind over matter mind over matter.
Speaker 1:everything starts in the mind. Any idea, anything you want, starts in the mind, and your mind is your whole outlook and your perspective on life. And I think I was saying before about the affirmations you know about, like saying that I deserve this, I can do this, and that's kind of like rewiring your subconscious, to be like rewiring your subconscious into a positive way versus negative. So everything is mind over matter. When it comes to working out, when it comes to putting your business in order, when it comes to hitting a deadline at work, when it comes to just hanging out with family and friends and making sure that you make that time, everything starts in the mind first. Beautiful.
Speaker 3:Beautifully said. Yeah, just to piggyback off of that, I feel like anything that you are thinking, like your prominent thoughts that keep reoccurring, that's what's going to manifest in your reality. That's exactly. That's exactly what you're going to re attract, because some people always have a bad day, because you always, you're always expecting a bad day to happen to you. Right, exactly.
Speaker 1:When there's a lot of good out there.
Speaker 3:Yeah, I love that rewiring your subconscious mind, because it has been programmed since we were. We came out the womb, yes exactly.
Speaker 1:And there's another example I can take where I had the honor to be able to interview fashion designer Dapper Dan, and that was iconic, like for real. Yes, that was definitely. I know that was iconic and that was a blessing and that had come from connections within my family and the generational building that we have done over the years. And he had spoke about how he had his trials and tribulations and if you know his story, um, you know he was targeted several times by different big house designers and things of that nature, but he never gave up because of his mind over matter, you know, and one day everything just hit for him. Black twitter came through, which is so crazy how it happened that way, but he was relentless in his pursuit because he knew his worth, he knew his power and everything that he wanted to do in fashion and everything eventually came to him.
Speaker 1:Same with another interview that I had with activist Felipe Luciano he was a part of the Young Lords and so they did a lot of work within the community and fighting for justice and rights right here in Harlem, spanish Harlem and so eventually, when they kept pursuing what was right, having that mind over matter, a lot of things came to fruition and they were able to get school lunch for a lot of the public schools here in New York City. So because they were so relentless in their pursuit and what they knew was possible, because it all started in their mind, it all came to fruition and it manifested for good. So those are some examples that I could share.
Speaker 3:Right, yeah, and that consciousness alone can change your whole trajectory of your life, right.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 3:Especially if you're used to being a very negative person. Mm-hmm.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, and sometimes we're so quickly wired to just be negative. Yeah, I think it's just like the human mind.
Speaker 3:I feel like it's catered to, like society caters to people who are negative, like oh, it's Monday, I don't feel like doing that.
Speaker 1:Oh my God, mondays yeah, see what I mean.
Speaker 3:That whole concept, that whole concept, right right. It's funny because I have Caribbean parents and they're always listening to the news out there and I compare the news out there to the news here and it's way, even though it's a lot of messed up stuff happening out there, it always feels more optimistic and uplifting when I'm listening to the Caribbean news compared to American news, especially New York news, because they always go back to mindfulness, like today's Monday Thank God for another day. They talk about God actually.
Speaker 1:Yes.
Speaker 3:Yes, I've never turned on the news and I hear them talking about God. No, they don't do it here. They don't really do that. They don't do it here.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 3:But like it's so powerful, it feels so uplifting, I'm like, wow, I feel like I could conquer the day after listening to a program, compared to like a program out here yeah just another hot one, another cold one, like everything.
Speaker 1:Just sounds like you're complaining yeah, I think there's just different agendas and different communities and cultures and it just depends on exactly which one you want to follow. So if your parents are caribbean, and that's what you know, you know, I mean you're already following it now, with you know.
Speaker 2:Mind over matter you know what I?
Speaker 1:mean so it's already embedded into you, that's your roots exactly so you can be aware of these things that are happening in america, and you know, just know that it's there and just know that there's another route that you can take in order to keep that mindfulness. You know the Caribbean. I love the Caribbean. Yep, yep, yep.
Speaker 3:That's where it's always at you know, shout out my people Right. It's a scripture that goes I see by faith, not by sight. Yes, sight, yes. So what does faith mean to you? And how had that catapult like that? How has faith been a catalyst to get you to your dreams?
Speaker 1:um, it's a good question too, because sometimes when we don't see the things that we have been promised in a sense, then we tend to lack that faith.
Speaker 1:And I mean, I've had faith throughout my entire career, my and I'm still very early in my career thus far in terms of, like, the work that I've produced um with chat and with d and other various projects as well um, and it just kind of goes to show that you have to lean on that faith because you never know what the next day, couple, even hours, month, year may be. And it kind of brings me back to when we were speaking on the phone and coordinating the whole podcast. You had said you know, you're kind of you're living the dream right now. And I was extremely stressed at that time because I was trying to coordinate several other things right now and I was like you know what you're right, and so it just kind of gave me that moment of like five, six years ago where I was manifesting a life of travel and connecting with people and making things happen. I'm now living that.
Speaker 1:So it brought me back to that faith of like, okay, well, these things that I want in the next couple of years, if this is what I want, then this is what will be. And it's really crazy how life kind of comes because it comes from the mind. You manifest it, but you have to be in that receiving mode and right mindsets in order to attract those blessings otherwise, otherwise you will self-sabotage so that something popped into my head, where I don't remember exactly where I seen.
Speaker 3:It could have been a clip on instagram or something, but it was along the lines of like, a lot of us are living in answered prayers, right, but are we ready to have those prayers answered?
Speaker 1:Yes, I'm like what that part?
Speaker 3:Are you ready to have your prayers answered? Because, like they say, more money, more problems. No, but actually the more you advance. There's going to be a new set of trials and tribulations. It's not going to get easier.
Speaker 1:New levels, new devils, so that you know. So it just it just depends on what you're going to focus on and and how are you going to. How are you going to stay focused and have that faith? Start with your distraction, yes, start with a feature focus started with Jackson. So, yeah, he's a really big role. And just being the Caribbean and doing the work that I've done out there, I learned so much just about the people and my roots, where I come from. I'm Puerto Rican, dominican and African American, so I'm.
Speaker 1:Spanish and black and just traveling back and forth, understanding who I am, where we come from. We are extremely powerful people. It's all within inside of us and you know from inside of us. That's how you had to know that it will be. If that's what you want, yeah, wow.
Speaker 3:So eloquently said I appreciate that. Okay, I feel like I hit all the hot topics. Okay, cool. Yeah, is there anything else you want to say before?
Speaker 1:I'll really just say you know, for anybody who's listening and is out there, just continue to step out of your comfort zone, continue to watch. Mind Over Matter baby.
Speaker 3:You heard it here first.
Speaker 1:I'm clipping that Right and just make sure that you're listening to your elders. They have the wisdom and continue to feed into our youth because they're the future, and continue to just uplift one another. Uplift one another in our communities and pay attention to politics, because your vote does matter and we got some crazy times coming ahead.
Speaker 3:Yeah, so buckle up.
Speaker 1:Yeah, oh, and Chatting With Dee is where you need to be.
Speaker 3:Oh yeah, oh yeah. Tap in, tap in With Chatting With Dee Link will be in the description up. Yeah, oh, and chatting with d is where you need to be. Oh yeah, oh yeah. Tap in, tap in with chatting with d. Link will be in the description everything where to find her, her page. So, yeah, if you listen to the end of another episode, I appreciate you, like you really listen to the end, like all the way through, like you love yourself. I know you do, I know you. So make sure you tell a friend to tell a friend, grandma, mother, auntie, sister, that it's mind over matter, baby.