*Note: Woman Wednesday is a part of our blog. Each Woman Wednesday post will feature a woman who would like to share information in the hopes of inspiring and motivating other women. Comments are welcome below. 

 

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Q and A with Kerry, Baltimore County, Maryland

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I am extremely passionate about self-expression. I think that everyone should be able to have a platform in which they can truly be themselves and celebrate their identities while broadcasting it for the world to embrace!

Growing up, I loved any form of expression I could partake in. I love writing poetry, especially when I’m in a bad mood, because it helps me let off steam. I was highly involved in performing arts growing up, from dancing to theatre to orchestra; my YouTube channel is my baby! I love being able to create content and interact with others on topics that interest me.

Self-expression is also why I’m obsessed with makeup and work as both a beauty influencer and makeup artist. Makeup allows for so much to be said without any words at all! I think expressing myself is my own form of therapy. It allows me to be more aware and accepting of myself, others, and just life in general. I think all of these things are what ultimately led me to wanting to be a blogger and journalist. With that as my career, I get to use my voice while also lifting and highlighting the voices of others, and it’s the coolest thing ever.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: Oh gosh, young Kerry Ingram was something else! I grew up in a suburban setting with two older sisters and fantastic parents, but my sense of identity was something I sort of struggled with for the longest time.

My mother is Puerto Rican, and my dad is African American. Having two parents with completely different backgrounds exposed me to diversity within my home, but in school, that wasn’t quite the case. I went to schools where the majority of students were either 100% black or 100% white, with very few mixed or Latino children, so it was confusing for me growing up and not knowing who to identify with. I dealt with the classic mixed-kid scenario: not being “black enough” or being “too black” or just “odd” in general. I was still able to make friends in elementary school, but middle school is where it got rough. I definitely dealt with some bullying, but I think that it shaped me into who I am today. It taught me the importance of self-confidence and speaking up. It drove me to want to learn more about myself so that I could be there for myself.

I was totally still an insecure and lost teen when I started my YouTube channel, and I started it with the sole purpose of me being able to feel more comfortable with myself. It ended up turning into a large part of my identity. I’ve learned so much about myself throughout my time blogging. I couldn’t image how my life would be without it now!

Q: What would you like others to learn from you?

A: The main thing I always try to communicate to others is to love yourself. Honestly. Loving yourself doesn’t equate to arrogance, it just means being able to be real with yourself, own up to your mistakes and flaws, while also embracing them, and being able to live your best life. Treat yourself the same way you would treat your significant other, your best friend, or your mother. Be nice to yourself. Do fun things. Find peace in doing things alone. Spoil yourself rotten. You deserve it.

I want others to know that it’s okay to be different; it’s okay to not fit into traditional molds. Your story is still just as important, and people will most definitely listen to it. You just have to believe in yourself enough to share it. 🙂

Kerry & My Lilianas would love to hear from you! Comment below! 

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