In continuing with my spotlight on exceptional black women, I would love to introduce you to Queer Freedie Brooks Dae Jones! I began following her a month or so ago, and I feel as if I’ve been blessed by the cosmos! Her upbeat personality, her spark about life and love for the universe has opened me up to receiving all the blessings, and positive energy the universe has to offer me. Her account (@Artbaesel twitter) is very special for our community. She is able to create beautiful art especially for black women that allow you to feel represented and acknowledged. I highly recommend following her and creating the life you desire!
Lynette: Can you give our readers a quick introduction of who you are? ( name, state you live in, college/major, and your craft or beliefs that make you unique and special etc…)
Dae: My name is Dae and I am a queer New York native. I am a college graduate with a bachelors in political science. My interest include health, wellness, and art. I consider myself to be a healer of sorts and most would describe me as eclectic.
Lynette: If you could describe your craft or beliefs in three words what would they be and why?
Dae: Three words I would use to describe my spirituality are self-love, consistent, and fulfilling. Self-love first comes to mind when I think of my spirituality because it always helps me to be as selfish as I want with myself. It’s consistent because no matter what I’m going through, I always get to return to my spirituality. It’s fulfilling because every day I make the choice to flow more into myself and my practices. I am happy because I am full.
Lynette: What do you believe is your purpose and calling with your craft or beliefs and why?
Dae: I believe that my purpose and higher calling are to be a healer. I am obsessed with cultivating a healthy, safe space within all of my friendships and interactions. I simply want to see everyone being their best selves and I enjoy being a part of that experience.
Lynette: What are 3 things that keep you motivated and or who inspires you to be your authentic self?
Dae: 3 things that keep me motivated and inspire my true self are yoga, meditation, and daily affirmations. Yoga is always a safe space for me. I am allowed to release whatever it is that I am feeling during my practice. It is a physical check-in with my body. Meditation allows me to check back with myself mentally. There is no overthinking involved. I am able to focus on my breath and take a minute to really appreciate it. Daily affirmations are a form of self validation for me. It really allows me to work on my solar plexus chakra. All three of these acts are very intimate and dear to me.
Lynette: Why do you believe black women connect with you and your work so strongly?
Dae: I believe black women connect and work with me because we have the same mission. We want to cultivate safe spaces for each other. We want to learn together and grow together. We view each other as plants. We want to water each other, but in a really beautiful and organic way.
Lynette: What are two things you would like for our readers to know about you and your platform?
Dae: I want people to know that me and my platforms are safe spaces for everyone.
Lynette: How has social media influenced your work or belief system in any way?
Dae: Social Media has made it possible for me to connect with others who share the same or similar beliefs to my own.
Lynette: Where do you see yourself in a year with relation to continuing working with and inspiring black women?
Dae: A year from now I see myself creating and connecting more with people of color. I hope to hold workshops and meet ups for people to connect and speak. These events will encompass things like yoga sessions, nutrition classes, and other topics of health and wellness.
Lynette: How do you stay authentic to yourself and remain in your truth.
Dae: Honestly, I remain authentic to myself with the use of constant reminders. I have an affirmation wall and I usually read a few when I wake up. I journal as a way to get my feelings on paper. I also listen to wellness podcasts and I try my best to implement suggestions that I feel can help into my life. Coconut oil love rubs and aura baths. A lot of self affirming acts.
Lynette: If you could give one piece of advice to our readers about being authentic and living in your truth, what would it be?
Dae: Always be you. There is nothing more beautiful than your uniqueness. There’s only one of you and you deserve to take up as much or as little space as you want.