4 Women You Probably Don't Know About, But Should.

Ijeoma Umebinyuo - Nigerian Poet, Author of Questions For Ada

My favorite pastime has recently been to read and analyze the thought provoking work of Ijeoma Umebinyuo in her book Questions for Ada. The theme of many of her poems seek to challenge cultures that see silence as a virtue in marginalized communities and how that affects women generationally. Her poems have been translated into different languages resulting in young women being able to be inspired by her powerful words globally! One of the biggest lessons I've learned while reading Questions For Ada is to accept that I am beautifully, and deeply flawed - and that's okay! Ijeoma's writing ignites the pain we too often suppress, it sheds light on dark customs that hurt rather than helps, and most importantly, it comforts our souls with affirmations that help to lift us out of stagnant places. 

Pastel Raye - Sacramento, CA based Artist

I just so happened to come across this Queen when I was searching the web for something totally unrelated to local artists - but I'm so glad I did! Pastel Raye is an Artist and Entrepreneur that pays homage to Afro Culture in various ways. You'll see her work reflecting a respect for women of color, young children of color, and what we all know to be "Black Love" along with original pieces that display her heart and mind on a canvas. She sells her original paintings, prints, and customized products on her website! If you're into all things creative like myself, her website is a playground for your imagination! The themes of her artwork ranges from provocative, cultural, to political. No matter the personality, I'm sure Pastel Raye has created a piece that you would love in your very own home. 

Olympia Auset - Owner of SUPRMARKT 

Thanks to Ms. Olympia Auset, a South LA native, low-income communities in Los Angeles now have total access to a low-cost organic grocery store! The 27-year-old Howard University grad actively combats the issue of there only being approximately 60 grocery stores in a region with close to 1.3 million residents. This ratio creates a scarcity in healthy foods and increases the rates of preventable diseases. The SUPRMARKT pop-up grocery store also accepts EBT, which gives families with restricted income the ability to also eat healthier. In the simple, yet powerful words of this entrepreneurial force, "The issue isn't a lack of food - it's a lack of solutions." And Olympia Auset is admirably devoted to creating solutions and not excuses! 

Tiffany J - Author, Entrepreneur 

There's a new doll in town! And I couldn't be more excited about it! Super Beauty is a plush doll that was created by Tiffany J to help young girls combat low self-esteem and depression. Having struggled with childhood depression herself, Tiffany J recalls having thoughts of suicide multiple times by the tender age of twelve years old. While the Super Beauty Doll isn't set to launch until this August, Tiffany J has published the first book in the Super Beauty Children's Book Series & the character has already come to life as a mascot that travels across the country to inspire young girls at schools, churches, camps, and a number of other places! The thought of girls, especially young black girls, having this doll to call their own and resonate with not only warms my heart, but it gives us all the courage we need to address personal issues we're too often afraid to acknowledge. This Queen is exemplary for turning our personal trials into triumphs. 

Do you have any powerful women to add to my list? I'd love to hear from you!