Today we’d like to introduce you to Denika LaShae.
Hi Denika, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It is often said that if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans. I’ve fallen into this trap many times, and, to be honest, things have rarely unfolded as I envisioned. Over the past two decades, I have pursued various career and entrepreneurial endeavors that didn’t reach their full potential, leaving me feeling lost, bewildered, and at times, even cursed.
From photography to customer service to military service, I spent much of my life searching for a stable, consistent career that would allow me to function as a “normal” adult should — only to come up short. For a long time, I avoided the possibility that something deeper might be standing in my way, but it inevitably became unavoidable.
Over the past few years, I’ve slowly learned to face that truth, understand it, and ultimately embrace it. And now, what once felt like an obstacle has become the driving force behind everything I pursue:
The Significance and Importance of Mental Health.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Coming to this realization was in no way a smooth road. After enduring more than five hospitalizations for what I later learned was the onset of Schizoaffective Disorder, I gradually came to realize that mental health was destined to be a significant part of my purpose, whether I liked it or not.
I struggled deeply with this, but my new mission is to define success by my personal “small wins” rather than the narrow, flawed definitions the world told us to chase. For me, success is less about applause or external validation and more about consistently doing the “little” things that strengthen and protect my mental well-being such as going for a walk, spending less time online, or practicing mindful exercises like breathing, meditating, or journaling.
It may not seem like much, but these small daily habits can make a world of difference in how we show up — and over time, they help break down the stigma that so often follows those living with mental illness. My ultimate goal is to challenge that stigma by creating various spaces where open, honest conversations feel safe, natural, and judgment-free.
Escaping the label of being seen as simply “crazy” is also another obstacle many of us face…so much so, that we start to believe it ourselves. But we still feel, dream, laugh, and long to connect with others and at our core, we are human — just like anyone else. My hope is to help others see that more clearly.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I now utilize platforms like YouTube and TikTok to help me with this long term project. By blending relatable and mental health related content, I want to gently open people’s eyes to the reality of what it means to live with mental illness. I want people to see we are not so different from anyone else. Yes, we face unique challenges that can make everyday life harder, but at our core, many of us simply want the chance to be seen for who we are beyond our conditions. This is especially important as a Mom because it’s so much bigger than me and my generation. The world can be unfair, cruel, and deeply judgmental toward those with mental illness, but I hope to change that by fostering understanding, and creating a multitude of spaces where empathy, connection, and relatability thrive.
I take pride in the fact that I was divinely guided to pursue this mission and set apart for it. It isn’t easy, and being vulnerable about these subjects can be challenging and at times embarrassing, but I embrace it because I know that sharing my truth can inspire & empower others while also changing the world’s point of view.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If you would like to support or learn more about my mission you can visit www.thelashaebrand.com to explore the different platforms where I am working to shift perceptions and change the conversation around mental illness.
I’m in the process of developing each platform and will be sharing content that dives deeper into all aspects of mental health. Whether through artistic or personal expression, these platforms are designed to support, inspire, and spark conversations around mental well-being.
I’d love for you to join me on this journey—and I hope what I share encourages you to prioritize your peace and take care of your mental well‑being by whatever means necessary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thelashaebrand.com
Image Credits
Sundé Marie Imagery, LLC
Wayne Shot It Visuals LLC
