So, I’m totally obsessed with Issa Rae these days. She’s such a talented woman who us “Awkward Black Girls” can relate to. Some may think that she blew up overnight but Issa really started from the bottom to become the HBO sensation that she is today. I definitely look up to her and admire her “realness.” While watching YouTube as I do ever so often, I ran across an interview that she did with Roland Martin. c

Watching this video really inspired me. As I’m starting from the bottom with creating this blog and trying to make my dreams and visions come to life, I often get discouraged because I feel inadequate compared to seasoned bloggers and entrepreneurs who have the best pictures, lighting, connections, etc. Just starting out with my blog, I don’t have the money and/or resources to make it all happen from day one. It’s going to be a slow and steady process. I’m not going to lie, it makes me question if I want to keep going at times. However, watching this video really motivated me to tap more into my creativity to make it work with what I have. I thought about so many other people who may have a passion but may feel like they don’t have the coins to make it happen. There’s something that we can take away from what Issa said in that video- there’s something ‘magical’ in working with what you have. Here are 3 ways how your ‘brokenness’ can fuel your creativity:

1. COLLABORATING WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE STARTING FROM THE BOTTOM TOO!

 

Instead of trying to look for someone who is going extend their hand to pull you up, look for people who are just as hungry as you. Collaborate, share ideas, and create projects together that will showcase everyone’s talents. Not only will it help you to practice and grow professionally but it may also expose you to new networks of people who could be the missing pieces to get your ideas off the ground. Look for people in Facebook groups, search hashtags on Instagram and Twitter, Look on LinkedIn, or ask around in your community. Take me for example, I’ve joined several blogger groups and it has been very beneficial. I even went to my first blogger meet up this past weekend and it was such a great experience. …just look around you, it’s people and resources there!

Do you feel like you don’t have the best camera, house, fashions, computer, or whatever to make it work? Start anyway! Work on some “Do It Yourself” projects to achieve that quality that you’re looking for. Even if you don’t have the best, work with what you have. Your work will shine regardless because people will see your passion and respect for your work ethic. There’s something magical about being authentic and not always having it “together” but somehow still being able to deliver what you’re most passionate about. People can relate to that and will respect you for keeping it real. The opportunity for you to invest in yourself and your work will come. You just have to create it first. Look at Tiffany Haddish! Went from being homeless to making movies and hosting award shows, all while always keeping it real!