Becoming in public

Becoming did not wait for permission. It happened in real time. In drafts. In uncertainty. In choosing growth while being watched. This page holds the stories of learning, unlearning, and becoming visible before feeling ready.

I let all of myself have a voice.

Ashley Gaddy Robbins, Ph.D.

“When I stepped into the digital world back in 2016, I stepped into a world unknown, and I stepped in with the wrong heart posture at that time… It took me down a journey that I never knew I would be on—a journey where I now strive to inspire women to be a version of themselves unimaginable… A version where they believe in the ability to live out their wildest dreams with pure intentions—not for the validation of others…”

Maia Poetry

“I stopped trying to be what I thought people wanted and started being who I actually am… I let all of myself have a voice and let the projects, purpose, and people find me… When you show up in your fullest self—honest, open, and a little bold—this place becomes less about being seen, and more about being felt.”

Ashley Gaddy Robbins, Ph.D.

“I would tell my younger self to enjoy being weird. Enjoy your quirks, in fact, lean into them… They lead to a deeper understanding of self and in turn acceptance of others… Lean into the things you love.”

Jiya Pinder

“I’ve been perpetually online observing human behavior, creativity, destruction and everything in between since I was young… What I’d tell my younger self is that your voice matters, even when it feels like no one is listening.”

Sequana Whiteside

“Telling my younger self that, as a creative, there are so many different mediums to explore and that you don't need to limit yourself would be one of the first things I would sit down with her about… I would often self-limit because of my lack of resources and my understanding of creativity being only what I saw on TV… Create, expand, and adapt over time… creativity is as limitless as life itself… Sometimes you have to create your own spaces and your own way of telling your story… The right people will find you, and the right people will support you, because your story is just as important.”

Jade Stevenson

“I grew up believing there was a limit to what I could do creatively… Media wasn’t always a definition of what was possible… Sometimes you have to create your own spaces and your own way of telling your story… No matter how much time it takes, it is OK to continue to work on your art and create your craft.”

ElDaCreatrix

“I didn’t always know where I fit, but I kept experimenting… Trying, failing, adjusting, and learning as I went… Becoming online meant allowing myself to change.”

Genesia Williams

“I’m Averi D, aka Sienna V. Feruzi, and I need to apply my words and voice through online outreach… I enjoy using my words and books plus coaching to financially and socially empower women of color.”

Averi Drummer

As a multifaceted Black woman… navigating space online has meant choosing when to be seen and when to protect myself.

Esari