Phenomenal Woman of the Month: Makia Golliday

Makia Golliday
Sophomore
Texas State University, 19

1. What does Phenomenal Woman mean to you? 

I believe that a Phenomenal Women is an individual that can overcome the obstacles of life, remain optimistic in tough times, and reach for her goals no matter how impossible they may seem.

2. What is your brand and how did you get started? 

My brand is still being developed however, it’s “Candidly Cayjuyn  Spyce” which started as a blog for a Digital Media course. I have plans to revamp “Candidly Cayjuyn Spyce” as a Youtube Channel focusing on motivation, advice, inspiration, fashion, hair, and music. I want to use my brand to highlight confidence and happiness.

3. What is your dream goal and how do you plan to achieve it? 

My dream goal is to develop my own non-profit organization based out of Galveston County. I will build my own community center that focuses on the arts from dance to audio production. I want the center to serve as a safe space for all youth and young adults from all backgrounds. I plan to achieve my goal by reaching out to members of Galveston County and starting small as an after school program first.

4. Name a moment that inspired you to feel more confident and inspired you to be comfortable in the skin you are in.   

I am a proud member of Black Women United and the moment that inspired me occurred at a meeting last semester. The meeting was entitled “I Am” and the goal was to self-affirm saying “I Am___” without repeating the previous statement. It was hard for many of the members including myself. I did not want to say “I Am Beautiful” because I did not feel that way so I shared “I am Creative”. I realized in that moment that we are all unique and that confidence is more than skin deep. I realized that my skin was more than the melanin I possess or my features it is my character as well and I have felt better since that day.

5. Name a person (dead or alive) that you look up to and why?

I look up to the artist Solange Knowles-Ferguson because of her transparency, strength, uniqueness and work ethic. I discovered her album “A Seat at the Table” as a senior in high school and like many listeners I felt like it was written specially for me. I did not realize how much the music would resonate with me now and on a higher level as a sophomore in college. I feel she is just an amazing being and a blessing to this earth.

6. When it comes to being a woman, what do you feel should be the three core values that a woman should uphold?  

 I feel a lady should always uphold these core values of perseverance, integrity, and respect at all times.

7. Favorite quote and what it means to you.  

My favorite quote is actually a scripture from the Bible.   Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you “declares the Lord. “ Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. This scripture means the world to me because it serves as a reminder that no matter what the situation looks like God still has a plan for me.

8. Piece of advice that you would give to young girls who are not confident with themselves? 

Dear young girl,

We are all unique and beautiful beings purposely made to stand out from one another. You have to embrace your “flaws”, fall in love with you “flaws”, fall in love with yourself, and confidence will come easier. Confidence will be rooted in you and no one can take that away from you. You must walk into every room knowing that your presence just made it a little brighter.