Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Douglas.
Kimberly, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I moved to Los Angeles 29 years ago in pursuit of a career in Music. I graduated from Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA. And my heart’s desire at the time was to become a successful recording artist. I moved here with my son, who was 16 months at the time. Life happened and my focus shifted. As a single mother I felt the need to focus my attention on my son and giving him the best life, I could. Fast forward 24 years later; my son now being 30 years old and my focus has shifted back to the music…I’m still singing. I’ve recorded 4 projects. I recorded and released a song entitled, “Beautiful I Am.” The CD was released a few months after my father passed away. My daddy was my world and I wasn’t sure what I was going to do without him. I was his little girl; that was my identity. I struggled with grief and depression; trying desperately to figure out who I was now that he was gone. I’d never felt anything like this before. The process stirred up so many past hurts and feelings; low self-esteem, confusion, more depression, an unknowing of who I am!!! With months of therapy and starting to come to the realization that I didn’t want any little girl, tween girl, teenage girl, big (woman) girl to experience the things that I was going through I decided to form an organization that would help, encourage, uplift, teach, instill into them who they are and whose they are…tell them about their worth and their wealth…born was “Beautiful I Am Foundation, Inc.”
I started doing workshops and then a “Share the Love Day” in the park. We went on to have a Father & Daughter Dance and now we are having our 2nd Mother and Daughter Holiday Brunch. Beautiful I Am also hosted, this year the first “Empowering Women to Live Fearlessly Conference.” I wrote a book in 2015 titled, “Beautiful I Am.” This book includes short stories, poems and affirmations for girls (any age) of color. In 2018, Beautiful I Am Foundation, Inc became an official non-profit organization. It’s my desire to give scholarships to young ladies of color to help further their education, as well as give to other foundations to help their causes to empower girls. I just received my MBA, at age 53 from Western Governors University. If I can do it so, can they!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Moving to LA was not a smooth journey. As I said before, I was a single mom, no immediate family, it took a while to get employment etc. But I didn’t give up. I stayed and I pressed forward; I understood what my “why” was during that time. Now, years later the journey to know who I am is still an ongoing process. It takes work to shut out the noises of life and what other people have to say about who you are or who they think you are or even who you should be. I am learning every day how great I am and wonderful I am and mostly how beautiful I am. The struggle now is recognition. My music being recognized, the organization being recognized. In this world of social media, I know that it takes time and focus to put out your information via social media. I’m not an expert, but I’m learning and I’m delegating to those that know the medium well (smile).
We’d love to hear more about your organization.
Beautiful I Am Foundation Inc. (BIA) is a 501c (3) organization that sees young ladies healed from past and present circumstances. Allowing them to see that their present state will not dictate their future. We desire to see young ladies overcome their insecurities, while teaching them to love themselves in a healthy manner. Ensure they have healthy relationships with their parents/guardians, peers and those in authority. Seeing them develop into the women God created them to be; a beautiful light in their community.
Our goals are to share with young ladies their purpose, their value, their worth, not based on this kingdom’s (earthly) principles, but based on the Kingdom of God (who does God say that I am!). Imparting knowledge and understanding in order to gain wisdom on how and why they are fearfully and wonderfully made. Educating young ladies to walk in their majesty and purpose. It is also our desire to give educational scholarships to young ladies with an interest to pursue higher education. Your contribution(s) can help make this happen for some young lady.
What sets us apart is that we are a God Kingdom organization and we teach God principles in a real, relevant way. #beautifuliam #groundedngreatness #wonderfullymade #iknowwhoiam
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Absolutely not. My journey, my past is what has made me the strong woman that I am. If I could go back I would have told my younger self not to worry, you’re going to be just fine and you are more than enough. I feel like things are falling into place and I’m just allowing God to be God.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beautifuliam.org
- Phone: (310) 654-3947
- Email: beautifuliam2014@yahoo.com
- Instagram: butyfulliam
- Facebook: @beautifuliam2014
- Twitter: bUtyfulliam
Image Credit:
Keif Savage
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