We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Stella Anderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr. Stella, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
As the CEO of Brilliant Glam, the most important factor behind my success has been my unwavering commitment to authenticity and my community. From day one, I’ve focused on building genuine connections with my audience by being transparent, relatable, and consistently delivering value.
Outside of my business, my life “whys” have been my important factor behind my success. That includes, my parents who immigrated to the US from Nigeria in the 70s, my supportive husband, and my two beautiful children. I have no intentions of failing and I hope that I’m making them proud.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Ever since I was a child, I have known that I would work in healthcare in some capacity. I began my journey in healthcare back in 2001. I enrolled in my high school’s Health Science Technology program and obtained my CNA certification at the age of 15. I also had the opportunity to participate in clinical rotations and shadow a pharmacist. During my college years, I participated in a research internship at Texas Children’s Hospital and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health from the University of Houston. I started my career at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2010 as a Research Data Coordinator, and over time, I was promoted, and I’m currently a Transformation of Work Strategist. I received my Master of Science degree from Texas Southern University in 2014 and my Doctor of Health Administration from Capella University in 2019.
My journey has not been easy. At times, I wanted to give up because I wasn’t excelling at the pace that I thought was appropriate. I compared my journey to my peers. I learned that my journey could not be compared to anyone else’s because God made a plan specifically for me. I had to trust His timing and enjoy my process. Suddenly, doors began to open, and I walked in prepared and confident!
I want to emphasize that it’s always too soon to quit! Do not give up. If your goals align with God’s plan, keep going. At times, things seemed impossible until they were done. Everything will make sense when you achieve your goals. Also, keep learning, be open-minded, and be kind. Those are characteristics that will take you far as a servant leader.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting town, we would enjoy a staycation at Post Oak Hotel, enjoy a spa day at Camellia Alise Spa or Houstonian Trellis Spa, and get our nails done at Gloss Nail Bar. We would have breakfast at Annabelle Brasserie or Breakfast Klub. We would have lunch at The Warwick for delicious for elevated dinning and libations experiences, Lombardi Cucinan Italiana for a posh vibe, or Trinity for flavorful Nigerian food. If she wanted creole food, Roupoux has the best gumbo! We would have a time at Ciel for dinner and a fun night out!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who I have to give a shoutout!
First, I have to acknowledge and give ALL the glory to God. Without Him, I’m truly nothing, and I don’t know where I would be. I’ve learned that when He says “no,” it’s for my protection, or He was letting me know “not now”—delayed, not denied! He is a good God.
Second, my loving husband, Jamaar, whom I am proud to serve as his queen. He is intelligent, understanding, and supports me and my endeavors. I genuinely love and appreciate him.
Third, I have to give a shoutout to my parents. As I mentioned before, they left everything behind and migrated to the US from Nigeria to provide more opportunities for my four brothers and me. From working up to three jobs at once, they made a way out of no way for us. Because of their diligence and love, my siblings and I successfully graduated from college/CEOs of our businesses. I am who I am today because of my beautiful Igbo parents. I owe them everything!
Fourth, my circle consists of my Line Sisters – SP09 Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – University of Houston Main Campus (#goCoogs), my best girlfriends (they know who they are), and my alum Nigerian Students Association squad. I love the support I receive from them, how we celebrate each other, and how we motivate one another to keep soaring. I have a deep love and respect for this circle.
Lastly, I want to shout out my social media followers. It is amazing to see how people who’ve never met me support me in the way that they do. I’m truly grateful, and because of them, I get to show my creative side and turn my passion into a business.
Website: https://www.brilliantglamlifestyle.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambrilliantglam
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stella-njoku-anderson-dha-08327319/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/brilliantglamllc-100036867623367/
Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brilliantglam
LTK: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/brilliantglam
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/iambrilliantglam/
Lemon8: https://www.lemon8-app.com/iambrilliantglam?region=us
Image Credits
Rainedrop Photography
Sweenshots
Jan Angeline Creatives
Melissa McGowan Photography