WYSU: Catrina Carson

Introducing Catrina Carson, a Dallas, Texas based life junkie. Catrina is a Fragrance & Aesthetics Connoisseur-a Life Stylist.

Tell us about the things that lead to you loving that topic and knowing you have a passion for it.

I think I’ve always been considered an “extra ” type of person and I don’t say that as a bad thing. Maybe it’s my Gemini nature ? I’ve always sort of lived my life on my own terms without asking for permission from anyone. I find myself talking with others about these things often . My social media tends to be flooded with these types of messages, even when I’m not trying to send a message . For many years, I thought most people had this type of freedom, but it turns out, many don’t . People conform to what they know and that’s ok and normal.

I guess, I always felt compelled to share things that I felt brought me joy to others . It’s definitely not anything I force on anyone, and there is no perfection in me . We all have free will. I simply try to encourage others. There will be bad days , but you want mostly good ones .

On your INpowerment journey what would you say has been one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced? How did you overcome it? AND if you’re in the process of overcoming it what steps are you taking right now that are helpful to you and may encourage others?

I would say the biggest challenge in the beginning was probably dealing with naysayers . You know, those people that ultimately desire to bring more joy into their lives, but can’t seem to find the door to do so, so instead, they go against what you’re advocating for .

I’ve learned to tune out those individuals by unfollowing them or agreeing to disagree to hold the peace. My peace isn’t worth the struggle.

What do you love most about yourself as a woman on an INpowerment journey? What are you most proud of?

I love that, in hindsight , I can see how I have grown in my convictions and in my power as a woman. I used to be quite shy and often did not speak my mind . I’m also naturally introverted . Now, I’ve learned to speak up about things I feel good about sharing without fear of opposition.

Women wear a lot of hats , sometimes we play superwoman when we aren’t feeling it, has that ever happened to you? If so, how did you handle it? If not, how do you keep it from happening to you?
Oh yes, many times. I’ve tried to tackle many things such as my day job, building a Youtube channel, running a podcast, building a practical business, being the friend to lean on , tying in a relationship, being there for family. Yes, I’ve definitely been that woman . Basically, something had to give or go , and I adjusted accordingly. I had to sit down and figure out which one was costing me more precious time or what was bringing me more joy. When things start to feel like more of a task, that’s your light bulb moment.

Honestly, I don’t feel we can do it all and do it WELL. I surrendered to trying to do it all and I’m ok with that .

What are your three best INpowerment tips?
1-Don’t become a martyr for others . Of course , we can love people , but never sacrifice yourself or your joy for any person or thing . Also, ask yourself would that person reciprocate what you are giving.
2- Utilize self care in your life . I feel that black women in particular don’t know how to utilize this . Take a day to chill out, express your emotions, meditate, get a massage, soak in the bath , treat yourself to something nice , etc. It’s essential to your life and a duty to self. You can not be your best self to those you love without this . Rid yourself of the super woman syndrome. Enjoy your femininity.
3-Learn how to build wealth as well as financial literacy . You want to be very good by the time you retire from your day job or business. The earlier the better . It’s important to be set when you enter your 60s and 70s. It’s not as far off as you think.

Personal projects, tell us what’s going on now or pending for your personal projects ?
Right now, I am reviewing a lot of fragrances and also interviewing perfumers . My goal is to interview as many perfumers as possible and also learn as much as I can about the fragrance industry.

Favorite snack or desert? Yes, inquiring minds want to know.
So, my other passion is definitely aesthetics, which includes Taste! OMG, give me a key lime pie and we will be best buds forever , LOL.

What are your thoughts for INpowerment in relationships?
The biggest key to better relationships is coming into a relationship whole and ready to co-create, instead of looking for completion, draining the other.

How would you complete this: When you see us you see ______?
A black woman determined to make this life the best one possible!, despite the challenges!