Q and A with Aja from Minnesota, living in Wisconsin

“I want my daughter to feel empowered to speak her truth always and understand the strength that comes from believing in herself.”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I’m Aja Marie, single mother of three, business owner, affordable housing advocate, and Realtor. I’m passionate about housing, affordability, human rights, innovation, and creative arts. I’ve been in the housing industry for over 20 years, working for a mortgage company since the early 2000s and building Habitat for Humanity homes. During this time, I processed orders and analyzed product configuration requirements for a large window and door manufacturer for over a decade and a half. My current focus is serving the underserved with real estate, building partnerships with housing authorities in Wisconsin and Minnesota in order to better understand how I can create more opportunities in a challenging financial market. I continue to learn more about tools, resources, and technologies that can assist with sustainability and eco-friendly practices for generations to come.

In my spare time, I enjoy listening to and creating music, attending shows, and supporting local artists, shamelessly singing in the shower.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: When I was young, I found my creativity. My family would say my creativity has helped me navigate many aspects of my life, whether it’s how I make friends, how I parent, or create art. I started my post secondary education in graphic design, followed by pursuing my bachelor’s degree in computer science. I was always ambitious and never lost sight of my childhood dreams. The light I felt has helped me stay motivated and secure with my abilities to do anything I set my mind to. Creativity has allowed me to have a unique perspective and navigate life off the beaten path. I appreciate and understand what it takes to be a true pioneer.

Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: Facing fear is more empowering than anything else in life. It’s okay to be afraid, but how we handle our fear defines our future and is paramount to our success. We are resilient. If you feel stuck in your job or life situation, don’t be afraid of change or even starting over.

Q: What does feminism mean to you?

A: The definition of feminism may vary to different folks. My take is: Feminism in its truest form, is about equality in humanity. It’s about learning to embrace and appreciate the value we each hold individually and the strength of our ancestors that comes from within. It’s the ability to honor our mothers going back to our origins, the magic of our womb and ability to create and hold life, combined with the power we carry while navigating past challenges of oppression and adversity, redefining our truths with authenticity. In other words, we can bring home the bacon and fry it up in the pan, nurse a baby while doing homework, and reinvent ourselves overnight. We can become a mother and a father, as we’ve learned how to navigate single parenting not by obligation but by understanding what it takes to guide life into adulthood. We are master healers and nurturers, and that will always be a strength.

I come from a family of mothers who were the primary breadwinners, and whom I have the utmost respect and adoration for. I have learned how to heal my father wounds as I raise my sons and appreciate the balance of what both genders (and everything in between) bring to the table for humankind. Being able to celebrate these qualities is at the heart of feminism for me.

My mother reminds me of the significance for opportunities and wages to be equal for men and women so they can have a fair chance for success in supporting their families, highlighting the impact for families where single moms are the main breadwinners in households where the father is not present. As a Midwestern woman, I grew up in a people-pleasing culture, sandwiched between the expectations of older generations and the perspective of newer ones. I’ve learned the value of brutal honesty and that putting ourselves first allows us to show up better for those we love but also to cherish our sacredness. I want my daughter to feel empowered to speak her truth always and understand the strength that comes from believing in herself.

MORE ABOUT AJA: I was born and raised in Minnesota, but my family traveled from Norway to Wisconsin and from Nigeria to Minnesota. I currently reside in Wisconsin near the St. Croix River and serve both Minnesota and Wisconsin communities.

Connect with me!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094667050748&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Instagram: @ajamarie_irl

Website: http://www.WriteANewBeginning.com

Thanks for reading!