Today we’d like to introduce you to Cary-Ann Thomas.
Cary-Ann, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Many years ago my sister moved to Atlanta and I fell in love with the city. I joined the Military so I travel around a lot but always find myself back to the “A” and somewhere in Georgia.
I started podcasting as a new hobby and realized it was way bigger than that. I learned that people just want to talk and be heard. I’m very much like those people. Writing is just one way that helps me to process my thoughts in a healthy way.
My first attempt at sharing anything I wrote was in an Anthology book project with 15+ authors. That was such a good learning experience to enter the realm of “Author”.
This year my focus is writing to and about Women through the reflective form of journaling. My years of podcasting experience taught me that people need a healthy outlet, but sometimes they don’t have anyone who will listen. My hope is that “The Black Label Experience Journal” gives women an opportunity to reflect on their thoughts in a safe space and start a healing journey even if there’s no one around to talk to. And of course, I can’t do these things alone.
When I decided to write this journal, I was in South Dakota. As I said, I’m in Georgia often, so it was only natural that I connected with amazing women leaders from “home”. The phenomenal Kamille Thomas was my editor for this project and my sister Meagan Davis wrote the foreword. Both these women are in the great state of GA and are making big moves in their respective industries.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Everyone today has a side hustle and some sort of business. You have to know who you are if you want to get into business. Success doesn’t come overnight and you may be tempted to quit often!! Don’t quit. But… also don’t watch what everyone else is doing. Do it your way! On your time! Figure out your Why and your vision and find your tribe of supporters to help keep you encouraged. Sometimes it will take 10 No’s before you get a maybe, but I believe if you’re passionate about what you want to do and determined to win. Nothing can stop you. You may slow down….but you won’t stop.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The It Takes Work Volume of “The Black Label Experience” journal, captures elements from both the CARY brand and the Camouflaged Beauty Podcast. It includes snippets of experiences women face that can keep them from being their best in the workplace.
Challenge Adversity Respect Yourself (The CARY brand) is a lifestyle brand for women’s empowerment. As an advocate, speaker, and author, I am most passionate about connecting with women. I enjoy speaking to all women but especially young girls who are just starting to find themselves. My vision is to inspire the next generation of women to overcome whatever labels society places on them or they have placed on themselves in hopes that they will transform into the very best version of themselves.
The Camouflaged Beauty Podcast showcases the stories of Military and Veteran Women. These women are phenomenal! They are multi-talented mothers, wives, business owners and students while being top-notch in the branch of the Service they belong to. Whether active, guard or reserve, these women fulfill a duty that is hard to explain unless you have been there but is by far the most rewarding experience I personally have had to date.
What are your plans for the future?
My vision is to release “The Black Label Experience” Journal is 3 volumes. This first one is about women in the workplace. The next two volumes will be about Black Labels in families and relationships. I want to shed some light and share my experiences with some of the challenges, misconceptions, and stereotypes women of color face that may or may not be true. I like to say; I don’t speak for the culture, but I want to add to the narrative in my own way.
I want to take the CARY brand into neighborhoods of young girls who are labeled “Troubled” and more. I want to work with these young women to find their voices and change course so that they can bloom beyond our wildest expectations!!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camouflagedbeauty_/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/TheCaryBrand
