Give Jack e jacket! Speaker, author and confident coach, Taria Pritchett challenges women to reevaluate the way they are living and be mindful about how something being “off” can impact all areas of your life. In between hosting workshops and private/group coaching sessions, Pritchett has been featured on FOX 29’s “Q Show” and continues to gain momentum from her Tedx talk. I had an opportunity to connect with Pritchett over a decade ago when I booked a client for an expo that she organized at the University of Delaware a few years ago.
Before Pritchett became an entrepreneur dedicated to helping women retrain their mindsets, she used an opportunity to study abroad as a college student to enhance her ability speak publicly and generate social networks.
PGRW: What was the inspiration behind your TedX, "The Magic in Empowering Girls"?
Pritchett: I’ve always been passionate about the experiences of black women and girls. In 2013, I started an afterschool club for girls at the school where I taught. During class, two black girls seemed very bothered by a quote about having a father’s protection that I asked them to analyze. Their reaction made me reflect deeply into my relationship with my own father. This interaction gave me insight on how “regular” topics had a slightly different impact on black girls. Shortly after, I joined the local chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women where my focus on black girls deepened. When I got an opportunity to apply for TEDx it was a natural progression to use the platform to speak on a topic that rarely gets discussed. Featuring the girls that I mentored in photographs; I shared my personal journey, experience mentoring & teaching, and startling statistics on there are still negative perceptions of black girls in the 21st century.
PGRW: Did you always know that you wanted to study abroad? What made you choose Barbados?
Pritchett: No, I did not always know. It was presented as an opportunity to me by an African American woman professor which intrigued me. It piqued my interest to attend the information session with my friends which really excited me! Prior to that meeting I had never traveled abroad despite my mother’s attempts to do Christmas in Jamaica as a child. Surprisingly I declined but I just knew that I needed to take advantage of this opportunity go to Barbados. Barbados was beautiful in the photos, however the experienced curator by two African American professors with the prospect of lounging on the beach with my college friends and the added service component of working at a school or hospice sold me on the trip.
PGRW: What did you learn about yourself while living in another culture abroad?
Pritchett: I learned how amazing and beautiful the African diaspora truly is. As soon as I arrived in Barbados it was evident that it was the opposite of America. Every billboard had a black face, every person walking on the street was black, from rich to poor was black, and even as I interacted with Bajan people they embraced me because they identify with my skin tone. It was an empowering feeling to see “black” as beautiful and present everywhere. Lastly, I learned the importance of exploring the world, enjoying the joy of just being and relaxing, and increasing my awareness of how people around the world live, love, laugh, eat, and party.
PGRW: Your private/group coaching programs show women how to “let go of baggage and stop settling for bootleg happiness” that holds them back. While it does take a certain level of confidence to leave your family to study abroad in another country, starting your own business takes empowerment to another level.
Pritchett: It requires courage to step out of your comfort zone and confidently try something new! Confidence helps you push through the fears and it builds character in the process. Our growth is dependent on our evolution of self. Travel, business, and life’s lessons mold us into the woman we are becoming daily. Certain experiences expedite this such as travel because it forces you to open your mind, heart, and eyes to new people, places, and cultures.
PGRW: The Unleash Your Fierce Unleash Your Fierce brand empowers women to show up sexy, ready and capable of embracing their authentic selves. As a successful entrepreneur, what's your #1 tip for women who are working a 9-5 job and may be reluctant to take the risk in launching their own business?
Pritchett: Why are you here? You were born to do more than work your 9-5, just fill up journals with ideas, and scroll through Instagram eyeballing everyone else’s fun and travels. It’s your time. Shine! Start even when you may not be ready and you can perfect it along the way. You don’t have to have it all planned out before taking the 1st step!
PGRW: What is the best piece of travel advice that you have received?
Pritchett: Get up and explore! It’s nice to rest and relax when you travel, but it is super important to invest in excursions, tours, museums, and attractions that will enrich your experience and enhance your view of the world and see how other people in the world live.