Today we’d like to introduce you to Pharah Sykes.
Hi Pharah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Most people know me as my Instagram name PharahPradaMe. And I want you to know me just as that because I am proud of you. When I get the chance to work with, coordinate and mentor others, I too feel a sense of pride thinking of my own humble beginning.
Since I was a little girl the idea of making my own money appealed to me. I always dreamed about having my own business and being my own boss. Not even knowing what the product or service would be, I knew I wanted to be the boss. I even started my own side hustle. When I was 15, I had two jobs and two side hustles. In school I sold snacks, sandwiches and tutored my peers to make money.
My first job was Finishline and soon after got another job at GameStop. What I loved about Finishline was that I had a base hourly salary plus the commission pay rate. I was so excited about this because it felt as though I could really get paid for how hard I worked on my own merit. If I sold a customer an insole or accessory I would receive additional funds on the following paycheck and I loved it.
Instantly, I became intrigued by this idea of commission. I did so much research, I started to learn more about how I can multiply this the commission. Then I found out something called residual income. I knew I wanted to learn more about how can I put myself in a position where I can make residual income. I’ve had a lot of businesses over the years and one thing about every business was that I was able to turn nothing into something. Sometimes I didn’t have the products I just had an idea and I decided I wanted to share it. This led to my knowledge of successful marketing aspect behind it. I didn’t even know what marketing was but I was successfully able to create a story, color scheme and a wow factor for each brand I owned. This is the real key to reaching targeted audiences.
After a while, and so many times I’ve failed or found a shortcoming, I knew it was important to try again. Be resilient and learn from each one of them. This in itself is a win. Still having losses but being able to accept my loss and understand how can I become a better person or business owner makes me feel like I haven’t lost at all. I was able to start over and this time I’m starting with knowledge and experience I got from step one.
Now, I’m here with multiple successful businesses of my own and one that assists others. Giving that helping hand in expanding other’s personal or business brand.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
So far, I feel this current season of my life has been the most challenging. This season has not been easy or comfortable. I say this season because just as time passes this too shall pass. It has been uncomfortable for a mixture of reasons and though I am not out of it yet, I did get the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and pursue things that I normally wouldn’t. I had to challenge myself to meet deadlines, create a balance of my home life and real-world issues verses what I have dreamed about and how much I enjoy the creative industry. Add on to the fact that I had to be strategic and make income within the small timeframe I have daily.
Yes! This season is about balance and acceptance.
I’m a person that does not like to put any limitations around my creativity or my abilities. Anyone that has ever known me will tell you that this is true. If there are footprints on the moon, I’m shooting for the stars! I am quick on my feet and always ready to try something different or make adjustments. When it comes to quick thinking, you have to be unapologetic about it, knowing that you will always have a plan B at the drop of a hat takes talent, especially if you have exhausted all resources and followed the blueprint.
Then there’s what I like to call “the real world”. In the real world, I have family that needs me and depend on me daily. I am a proud mom of a very energetic, charismatic, theatrical too cute and amazingly creative son. Imagine for a moment; say you have a five years old in kindergarten, technically his first year in school, and keep in mind he is virtual learning. So now I am not “just” a full-time mom but I’m also a teacher‘s assistant, giving my child the best experience possible. That being said, keeping his attention span on a computer for eight hours a day has been difficult for the both of us. However, we’ve been making it work, he is excelling in school. On top of that, he has a mini career of his own that I manage in both acting and modeling. He really enjoys being in front of the camera along with sports he’s shown interest in. I do enjoy a good challenge however this feat has been my easiest obstacle compared to the rest of the spice this season.
I stated previously that I have people who depend on me. So that’s not only my son but my grandparents and my mom. Though I am fortunate to have my family so close. This also means that the responsibility that comes with taking care of seniors became a part of my daily activities. I had to be more conscious of the impact my dream life could pose to their health and well-being. Piloting my dreams through this current world crisis has been extremely difficult. I know I’ve been seen very vocal about breast Cancer. My mom was diagnosed with cancer in 2020 and that has been a journey all in its own. From diagnosis to today, it has been tiring mentally, physically and often emotionally. I love my other, and I love how strong she truly is; I love the way she puts effort in. Knowing how challenging it can be, knowing all the adversity, and still she pushes forward. Still she is the symbol of hope, progress, and growth. Which literally my reason to always keep going regardless of how overwhelmed it may seem currently. I know it will all be worth it and God will get the glory out of this! I have accepted this and now here is the balance.
I described two polar opposite’s in one life. It goes from no boundaries or limits to structure and schedule and strict rules. A very tight schedule to make it happen every day with no excuses. Acceptance and balance. That’s why social media is an amazing resource. It has giving me the freedom to be able to be “two places at once.” My talent for planning strategies has really helped all my companies continue to flourish.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to help others and I was trying to figure out a way to be able to do that and still continue to do what I love. Over the course of a decade in the creative industry as a Creative Director; It’s taken several trials and errors, wins and losses to figure out what made sense and didn’t limit my abilities.
I’ve curated a community of like-minded individuals seeking guidance within their brand. The organization is called True Success Academy also known as TSA; the checkpoint to elevation. Think of TSA as a source for models, brands, traveling, events; anything you could think of within the creative industry. I’ve had this idea for sometime now. However, recently I began to bring it to life after I debuted my newest brand Brève Exclusivité in LA Fashion Week for The Model Experience fashion show which will appear on Roku TV this May 2022. I’ve had a plethora models coming up to me asking for work and being interested immediately after taking a glimpse of my social media accounts and just wanted to build.
Before that experience, I’ve already had a network of individuals; models and brands that asked me for guidance constantly. And normally, I would just connect the people to where it seemed fit. Then a light bulb went off! How about I create a community; a resource where people can connect, get involved and share their platform along with connecting the right people to each other! And as we all know, your network is your net worth!
At TSA expect resources such as; classes, events, travel opportunities and strong relationships.
I am the founder of Brève Exclusivité; we offer women art and home decor. Brève Exclusivité is the modern interpretation of being. We are best known for our elaborate trench coats and champagne dresses. In the near future, we intend to expand to menswear.
The phrase Brève Exclusivité are French words which means brief exclusive in English. Brève is about holding yourself to the standard of not being easily accessible to the general public. It’s about the epitome of elegance, grace, beauty and class. Brève women are confident without apology; seductive without being disrespected; and most importantly exclusive with no regards.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I would have to say my lessons learned can be summed up into these life quotes:
1. “It’s not about the destination it’s about the journey.”
One thing I can say I learned is to fall in love with the process. Not worrying so much about how you’re going to get there but enjoying your failures and your successes just as much. The failures has honestly molded you more than the most successful moments. So even though I have been in distress, let’s look at it as a rainy day; I know the rain does not last forever and the rain is actually helping my soil, helping me grow.
2. “Your network is your net worth.“
Local events are always on social media and Eventbrite is an incredible source for upcoming events in any industry. Social media has really been the fuel, it has kept me going and expanding my network. The more your network spans the more your net worth expands. These work hand in hand. TSA is an incredible resource for local and travel events, community resources and classes on how to zone in on your craft. That is the biggest lesson I could’ve ever learned.
3 “Be patient.”
Now, this is something I still struggle with. Sometimes we meet people, have some opportunities or we are into something but just for a moment. We might even try to get those temporary people involved in the grand picture of your personal goal, trying to help them at the same time. However, that may not be their purpose in that season. They may let you down or an opportunity is lost, just remember to stay calm. Be patient with people, life and most importantly be patient and kind to yourself. I believe that everything has a full circle moment and please don’t be so quick to burn a bridge. Being patient could be the difference between London Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge.
Contact Info:
- Email: Pharahpradame@gmail.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/PharahPradaMe?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=d3732f02-f9f8-427e-be2c-f544c8e65ea4
- Instagram: Instagram.com/pharahpradame
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCpeLuKcL0gQQQwZVpCkQuVA
- Other: Breveexclusivite.com
Image Credits
Photographer one: Josh Veale https://apthecompany.onuniverse.com/
Photographer two: Chen Ce https://instagram.com/chen__ce?utm_medium=copy_link
