Black Women Breaking Ground: Aisha Rose on empowering women of color
In honor of Black History Month, we are launching a Black Women Breaking Ground series, to highlight just a few of the many inspiring Black women making a mark in our cities.
First, let us introduce you to Aisha Rose - a single mom and self-published author of an impressive collection of books and journals, who is trailblazing a path of radical self-love during a time when many mothers are struggling to align their needs with those of others. When society is demanding more of us than ever, she reminds us that it’s ok to “slow down.” Aisha is truly a black woman breaking ground and you’ll be smitten with her latest and greatest projects.
Meet Aisha Rose - creative, Indiana author, mother, and Chief Empowerment Officer of The Strength of SHE.
You've had tremendous success as an entrepreneur, author, and busy mother—to name just a few. It's safe to say you're multi-passionate! Where do you think these passions come from?
They come out of development from the life that I've had. I've always had to work really hard. I was young and didn't know what it meant to really love myself and care for myself. When I was a teen and a preteen, all I knew was working hard to graduate and working hard to get to college. I remember feeling like I was the only one - or that I couldn’t talk to anyone about what I was going through - that nobody could relate. If I could put words on a page or share a resource to help show someone they're not alone —that's where my passion comes from.
Is there a specific point that feels instrumental? You talked about college. Is that when these passions began?
I think the pivotal point was when I first graduated from college. I was about 23 and just married. I saw so many young women around me that felt like they weren't good enough; like they didn't have a community of women. I honestly had dreams about bringing women together. And now, when I think about my 20’s, I'm like, “Girl, you're crazy!” I should have really enjoyed it and had fun. But women who are in their 20’s are still on this roller coaster of — “well, I need to be making this much by this age, and I need to be married by this age, and have kids by this age.” We're rushing all these milestones. Who gets to tell us to slow down? Having that moment and hearing that around me was a pivotal point.
“The Little Book About Sadness and Rainbows” by Aisha Rose - written for those tough days mamas know all too well.
You recently self-published your third book, "The Little Book About Sadness and Rainbows." Tell us about it!
Oh, my goodness! This little book. I love it so much!
I openly talk about mental health a lot, being someone who has always struggled with depression and anxiety as a young adult, and learning how to navigate that. When I present myself online, specifically on Instagram, people always think I have it together. I tried to be vulnerable and honest about my feelings. I had a really bad depression episode last fall. I was in my bed one day having all these different thoughts. I wrote some of those thoughts down to make sure I remembered what I was thinking at that moment. When I came out of it, I really wanted to remember what I was feeling then, too. Some of those thoughts are in this book. I wanted to put something together to help people understand they aren’t alone, but also share coming out of those feelings. That's the rainbow portion of the book: Even in times like that, you can move through it and there can be a rainbow.
Want to check out all of Aisha’s books and journals? Get them here.
Writing and publishing a book entails many challenges that most people don't fully understand. Did you ever feel like not putting your book out there?
No, but I did have a moment where I thought it was done and it wasn’t. I gave myself some more time to reflect and have more experiences. I didn’t want it to be very long. That's why it's literally a little book. I wanted it to be small enough for people to carry in their purses. Short and sweet. But I wanted it to feel finished and balanced. I didn't want too much sadness or too much happiness. Having that balance was really important for me. At the end of the book, I actually give resources for people who may be looking for therapy or help — or apps they might want to use if they can't afford therapy. I'm happy that I held on to it a little bit longer.
Aisha Rose proudly displays her collection of self-published works.
We’re huge advocates for self-care, what are some rituals that help you juggle being a mom with your professional endeavors?
I like to meditate, even if it's just for a few minutes of the day. I utilize incense with my meditation. I'm all about having good and positive energy…anything that invites clearing energy around me. I journal regularly, whether it's about an experience or free thought journaling. And I work out a couple of times a week. I started weight training last year and really love it. I also do group fitness classes a few times a week. Having that movement of my body and committing to doing it weekly is really important.
Do you have any big goals you're working towards in the coming year?
In the coming year, I have a few more books. I’m going to release one next month called “Loving.” I also have a few other journals that won't necessarily be goal-oriented, but more experience-oriented. Getting through breakups or divorce - a journal to reflect with yourself on how to move through that journey. My other business, The Strength of SHE, will be returning with events in the city again. I'm just hoping to be more present and to write for different publications.
Aisha’s journey toward self-love and confidence is nothing short of inspiring. We’re thrilled to follow along as she continues to use her voice to empower and unite women.
Find Aisha online:
TheAishaRose.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | The Strength of SHE on Instagram
