We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Stephanie-Joy Grigg and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Stephanie-Joy, what inspires you?
I am inspired by the arising from the cries of the Black girls and the disturbing plight of Black girls through societal neglect. If truth were told, many Black girls have dealt with so much trauma in their homes, schools, and churches that have left them feeling oppressed, depressed and traumatized. Through the work of True Beauty in You, the issues of Black girls from the ages of 13-21 have been addressed on topics ranging from career exploration, personal and emotional development, and spiritual wholeness.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Entrepreneurial guru E. Joseph Cossman once said, in his own cynical way, that “obstacles are things a person sees when he takes his eyes off his goal.” There is no life without obstacles, but it is our response to these obstacles that determines the measure of our character. Achieving my life goals, inclusive of my academic pursuits, have not been without struggle. I made a decision long ago to keep my goals larger than the obstacles that seek to deter me from obtaining success within my life, my call to ministry, and within my community. I believe each barrier that has been placed in my path has made me stronger and has taught me how to stay focused. Such focus, amidst the obstacles endured, can be seen as a development in action within various aspects of my life. I am passionate about encouraging and cultivating the character of the next generation of young ladies. I have dedicated my life to empower, engage and educate Black girls around the world. In a society that seeks to belittle our existence as Black Girls, my organization The True Beauty In You, LLC, my children’s book “The True Beauty Is In You” and graphic tees by @shopblackgirljoy are expressions in reclaiming our essence. The goal is to provide a framework for Black Girls to restore their self-esteem, self-respect, and self-love. After investing in the lives of Black Girls through mentorship, motivational speaking, and an annual conference devoted to uplifting and inspiring them to value themselves. Essentially, my brand focuses on a pathway to equipping Black girls who have been hindered through various ways in life to gain the strength they need to overcome the effect of evil forces in society.

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 they were visiting me while living in Houston, I used to live across the street from the Breakfast Klub. Therefore, that would be our first spot. After we went to the pool in my complex, we would get dressed and go to the Turkey Leg Hut before they close for the hour break 🙂 If my friend is in town, I would consider stopping by Prospect Park before it gets too crowded, so we can have a little fun!! Otherwise, we love steakhouses so we will go there and enjoy all the wonderful places to eat in Houston in between shopping at the Galleria!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To God who chose me to do this work, I lift the highest praise. I salute the black women who inspire me, and those in ministry that pray for me. I celebrate all the black girls who motivate me to share our stories and my sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, who cheer for me. I remember with great esteem my Princeton brothers who encouraged me. The precious soul who I get to share my life and love with, I love you! A special thanks to my “G-ma”, Glenda Edmund who is the strongest woman I know. My mother, Valerie Jackson, and my uncle Ray raised me to be the best version of myself. Lastly, this is dedicated to both of my late grandfathers who passed in December 2020. Especially to my grandpa Leroy who took on the role of my father. I miss and love you tremendously.

Website: www.thetruebeautyinyou.com

Instagram: StephanieJoy1908

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-stephanie-joy-grigg-1908

Facebook: Stephanie-Joy Grigg

Youtube: Stephanie-Joy Grigg

Other: https://www.blackgirljoy.me https://www.amazon.com/True-Beauty-You-Stephanie-Joy-Grigg/dp/057867002X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+true+beauty+in+you&qid=1615309418&sr=8-1

Image Credits
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