Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Wilson.
Cindy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was adopted in Seoul, Korea by an African American couple. Shortly after, we moved back to America & three years later, my brother was born. My parents got a divorce when I was seven & me, my mother & brother moved back to Jackson, MS. When I started going to school was when I realized I was different but for me, it was not in a good way. I often got teased because of the shape of my eyes and because I was Asian. I dealt a lot with bullying growing up but learned to deal with it (physically & mentally). I went to Jackson State University, which is an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) where I cheered and was Ms. Junior. I learned a lot from many personal & professional experiences in Jackson that I write about in my book, Too Much Soul. I also discuss my move to Birmingham & Atlanta where I finally had exposure to my Korean culture & heritage. That really sparked an interest in me to go back to Korea and finally went back last year. Since I have come out with my book, the different interviews and opportunities that I have received have been nothing short of amazing! I also met other Korean Adoptees which I had never met before & learned that we are the largest international adoption population. Excited about this new journey!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has absolutely not been a smooth journey but I wouldn’t change anything! All of my pain has helped to lead me to my purpose. So much so that I wrote a book about it. I discuss the struggles that I had being a transracial adoptee, being Asian in a city with limited cultural exposure, forgiveness of others & ultimately accepting myself. I encourage everyone that knows they have a story to tell it! I think a lot of times people feel so alone but hearing others stories has really helped me to realize I am not. Although my story is unique there are elements of my life that anyone can relate to. So, tell your story because you never know who you could help! I would also say don’t get caught up in an end goal because you never know where your journey may take you & the journey never ends! And finally, I’m not sure if there are other women out there that are their worst critic like I am but I wish someone would have told me, don’t be so hard on yourself… you are doing the best job you know how to do at this moment & I promise you, it gets better! Just continue to follow your passions and every step along the way will prepare you for your purpose.
We’d love to hear more about Too Much Soul.
I speak a lot about my transracial experience and how my environment shaped who I was despite how I looked. I am known for challenging the status quo and how people look at race & culture. I’m also known for authentically sharing my story & rewriting my own narrative. I am proud that my story can contribute to the realization that it’s ok for people to be who they are & like what they like despite the limitations that society likes to quite often place on us. As I mentioned before, my story is unique but the relatability of my story is not.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
My Mother has definitely inspired me because she was fearless! She was able to overcome being a single Mother & although she was a Black Woman in the South she saw no limitations and set that example for me as a young woman. I saw her as the President of the Republican’s Women’s Committee (where they do that?). I saw her start her own business and sit on the board of many non-profits. And I love how she always exposed us to many different things & people which taught me to be comfortable around anyone.
Oprah is another huge inspiration because to see her growth and accomplishments breaks any mental barriers that something can’t be done. I love her new platform OWN & how she challenges others to think differently and the importance of self-preservation. I believe we need more positive platforms in the world like OWN. And she’s also from MS!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: TooMuchSoul.com
- Email: info@toomuchsoul.com
- Instagram: Asian_southern_belle
- Twitter: Cimiwilson
Image Credit:
Sterling Pics
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