1. What do you love about yourself, and what do you do?
I love my ability to empathise with others and to understand their pain. It has helped me to support other people through their struggles. It brings joy to my heart to put a smile on someone’s face, even if it is just through little compliments or words of encouragement. Small acts of kindness may seem insignificant but can make a huge impact. Both my patience and calm nature have helped me through life in situations of conflict or despair, and I can certainly say that I am proud of those qualities.
2. What/who is your biggest influence?
My biggest influence is, without a doubt, my mother. All my life, she has been my cheerleader, advisor, and my best friend. Through all the ups and downs, my mother has never failed to stand beside me and lift me up. Her way of showing kindness to each and every person, no matter their background, has been something that I admire to this day. She is the kind of woman I aspire to become.
3. What barriers have you faced, in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them?
I am still at the start of my career, so to speak at “the bottom of the food chain” and have yet to overcome many obstacles. But when starting out in any field, I think that being taken seriously is one of the toughest challenges that one faces. Proving myself to others was, and still is, quite intimidating. I think that the key is not to lose sight of the big picture and to remember that others do not determine your worth. At the end of the day, all you can do is your best. It may be a rocky journey, but it will be worth it.
4. If you could describe yourself in three words, what would it be?
Creative, gentle, loyal.
5. Name one reason you love being a woman in general.
As women, we are often underestimated, and I think that this is our superpower, because we can use it to our advantage. It shocks me that women are still sometimes thought of as the weaker gender in the society of today. Prove people wrong and show them how talented you really are. Being a woman is NOT a weakness; it is something to be proud of.
6. How are you celebrating being a woman during Women’s Month?
A few months ago, I started a small business called Hashtag Honeycomb. On my Instagram account (@hashtag_honeycomb), I hope to inspire and encourage people through posts that remind them of their strengths and the fact that they can overcome any obstacles. During Women’s Month, I have focussed on the topic of empowering women and sharing information about the challenges we face in our everyday lives.
7. If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would that be?
Have the courage to explore and make use of your talents. Spend more time with people who build you up and ignore the people who break you down. Listen to others, but do not take criticism from someone you wouldn’t go to for advice.
8. What do you think is the biggest issue today facing women?
In my opinion, there is immense pressure on women, especially young girls, to live up to an image created by society. Girls try to achieve what is seen as beautiful, for example, being skinny, wearing makeup and keeping up with the newest fashion trends. The ideals of “beauty” should certainly be changed. It is so important to spread the message that every woman is beautiful in her own way and that there is no need to change for other people. This is one of the messages that I try to convey, by promoting self-love and body positivity through Hashtag Honeycomb.
9. What main change would you like to see for young girls in the next generation?
For the young girls, it is my wish that they do not have to give up on their aspirations or dreams, because of gender inequality. The phrase “I can’t achieve this because I am a girl” should not enter their minds. I hope to see a world full of strong women, that do not have to fight for a place on this earth. They need to know that they are worthy and that they do matter.
10. How important is it for girls to lift each other up, and what does that mean to you?
Instead of competing and being opponents, girls should stand together and have each other’s backs. A strong support system can move mountains. It can help us through our sorrow and can transform us into happier, better versions of ourselves. There is enough hate in the world. So, if you are able, whenever you can, show kindness.
Follow Tabea on:
Instagram: @hashtag_honeycomb
