We had the good fortune of connecting with Daja Gay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daja, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am originally from Charleston, SC a small town on the east coast that is most known for the Geechie- Gullah culture and for being home of the best damn seafood in the US. Being raised in such a small town I always stood out! I dressed, walked and talked different. Looking back I now realize that I was just bold enough to embrace who I truly was at a young age! I knew myself so well because I was raised by some very outspoken, strong independent women in my family. My granny instilled so many words of wisdom into me! “Pinch a penny,” meaning to save your money and spend wisely. “Every time you step your foot out the door, look like something,” which meant don’t even walk to the mailbox without being dressed appropriately! “Take pride in yourself,” which is pretty self explanatory! All these phrases stuck with me throughout life to build my confidence and helped mold me to be the strong, confident, driven woman that I am today. When you have that kind of love and wisdom around you at a young age, you have no choice but to succeed.

On another note my hometown was historically known as one of the original thirteen colonies with a deep rooted history in slavery. My ancestors were brought to America against their will and were bold enough to rebel, crashed the ship onto John’s Island then renamed themselves the Freedman. All this to say I come from a lineage of rebels willing do whatever it takes and to make whatever sacrifices necessary to get things done!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I eat, breathe and sleep creativity! Shoot I barely sleep because my dreams are so vivid sometimes it’s like the layout of the opportunities and manifestations that I bring to life. I have paved my own lane of creating a brand (ENHERPWR) that funnels into many of my pursuits yet has one common purpose in mind: comm[UNITY]!
ENHERPWR is a double entendre; pronounced “in her power” but if sped up “inner power.” Because the empowerment we always seek always starts within us.
What started as simply a creative group to connect others through philanthropic networking events has now expanded to also include my passion of holistic wellness and healing through yoga and reiki practices. What sets ENHERPWR apart is its flawless ability to connect people in the creator/ business industry in a way that not only allots networking but a common space for healing, growth and community to uplift others through mentorship to their highest potential.

This has been and will continue to be an ongoing initiative. So no it’s not easy, but nothing that comes easy lasts forever and what I’m building will leave a legacy for generations of families to come.

I find myself most proud of pressing forward despite the delays or the lack of support during times. But my faith preservers and building blocks are in place and actively helping me to shift this dynamic at such a rapid pace that now I finally feel it’s the right time to go all in by investing more, traveling more and making the necessary adjustments in certain markets nationally and internationally to really flourish!

All in all I want the world to know that this all is a passion project. That the amount of love, sweat and tears put in comes from a genuine soul that cares about collective healing and connection.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Man, Houston is a gem and is finally gaining recognition for the scene! You can’t go wrong going anywhere to eat because I believe we have the best diversity of food in one city! If you want good BBQ or southern food I’d have to give The Flaming Smoke Box the title! If you’re looking for a good vegan vibe I’d head over to Mo Better Brews. Some bomb Ethiopian food? Head to Lucy’s Ethiopian Restaurant! Pizza? Bet I love Meeks Vegan Pizza. As far as vibes in the city my favorite spots are like Axel Rad, hitting the strip on Washington (especially Sugar Room R&B night) or just checking out a local event at WonderlikeWander, Remarkable Affairs or HoustonHottiesSocialHour. There’s always something going on!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As far as books go I’ve read “You Are A Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life” by Jen Sincero numerous times. It’s like the blueprint to go after everything you desire unapologetically because tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone. I have to shout out myself for not giving up despite the obstacles I’ve faced and the cards I was dealt this lifetime, but I will say my ancestors and the most high really take the credit on that one! I want to also shout out all the empowering women in my life that support, love on and push me to my highest potential. A huge shout out to my son Zayd for giving me purpose and a reason to strive and go after all my dreams and desires ten fold! Mommy loves you and I want to show you just how there are no limits nor barriers to what you can achieve in life! And a special shout-out to all the empowering individuals that have played a role in me elevating and stepping more into my higher purpose. Thank you, you know who you are and I love you through dimensions! And I have to acknowledge the woman who referred me for this opportunity Dove, you know I’m always telling you how much you inspire and guide me to my highest potential. Each and everyone listed holds a special space in my heart and just know that I’m eternally grateful to have such empowering women in my circle!

Website: https://www.instagram.com/enherpwr?igsh=MWl1OGk0eDZtMDRvMQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Instagram: @Enherpwr @itsdajavu

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dajagay?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Twitter: https://x.com/Itsdajavu

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dajagay2460?si=6VmTcrCw-L1rC0SQ

Image Credits
@her.brandaesthetic
@tmnphoto.co
@sammifromdabloc
@plairscllub

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.