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Founder's Letter: Have I Become Too Self Conscious As A Black Woman?

It’s been a while, so how are you? I hope the festive period was kind and the new year has gotten off to a gentle start. I was thinking about what to write for my first newsletter back and if I’m honest, this always feels like the hardest newsletter I write in the year because I always want to start off on the right note.

I spent my festive period on an Instagram ban, which I’ll probably discuss in another newsletter. It allowed me to reflect, and I came to the conclusion that I have become far too conscious as a black woman.

Stay with me. I know as black women, we have always been, and likely always will be, conscious about how we come across in professional arenas and even in some social settings when we’re not in company that looks like us. I guess these thoughts were brought on by something that happened at a children’s party my daughter attended. While I won’t go into detail about the comments made, another mum said something, and before I could react, my brain, in record speed, said: “Tobi, you are the only black parent here. If you say something and this lady cries, this is going to backfire on you.” So I took a deep breath and pretended the comment didn’t bother me.