An Interview with Victoria Berkeley
by Nia B., 19
Have you experienced having a person who guides you to the right path and brings light during the most challenging times? Having someone to lean on and receive guidance can make all the difference. Whether it’s a close friend, family member, or mentor, having a listening ear can help us overcome challenging situations and find our way back to success. It’s crucial to value and express gratitude towards these individuals and aspire to be a positive influence and support system for others when they need it most.
One person who has been a great inspiration to me is someone I will never forget. She has been a pillar of strength and an unwavering source of support, offering guidance through every challenge I’ve faced with grace and wisdom. Her selflessness has taught me the importance of putting others first and giving back to the world around me. From her hard work and determination to incredible kindness and compassion, this fantastic individual embodies everything I aspire to be. I am immensely grateful for her influence and the valuable lessons she has imparted to me.
It was my pleasure to soak up knowledge from the woman who raised me for nineteen years. Who shaped every aspect of my life: a pro makeup artist who is also a dedicated mother, entrepreneur, sister, and friend to all. I was intrigued to learn how she gracefully balances her various roles and responsibilities. Witnessing her ability to juggle multiple tasks while being a caring mother to her daughter has been truly inspiring.
As an entrepreneur, she initially began by offering makeup services to her close friends without charging them anything. As she continued pursuing this activity, she realized it ignited a strong passion within her. However, despite her enthusiasm, she faced multiple rejections in the industry. Her dedication paid off as she gained recognition for her talent and skill in the makeup industry. She is now a successful entrepreneur with her makeup brand, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and never give up on their passions.
Nevertheless, she remained persistent and continued striving towards her goal until the golden opportunity presented itself. The turning point occurred when she met a professional makeup artist, Victoria Stiles, who recognized her talent and took her under her wing. My mom had been struggling with finding the right tools and guidance to help her become a successful entrepreneur. That’s when she met Mrs. Stiles, who quickly became the missing piece of the puzzle my mom had been searching for. With Mrs. Stiles’ guidance and support, my mom finally established the structure to run her business confidently and firmly. I’m so grateful for Mrs. Stiles and her positive impact on my mom’s journey.
Having a mentor was the breakthrough that she needed to establish herself as a successful makeup artist in the industry. While she has faced many obstacles, including rejection, through her experiences, she has come to understand the significance of persistence and how it can impact one’s path toward success. Furthermore, she has gained the wisdom to recognize that not all opportunities are suitable for her and that it is essential to choose wisely to achieve her desired outcomes. Through her self-awareness, she has made better decisions and aligned her actions with her values and long-term goals. Additionally, she has become more open-minded and adaptable, willing to learn from her mistakes and embrace new challenges. With a clear sense of purpose and a growth mindset, she is on the path to achieving success and fulfillment in her personal and professional life.
Keeping a positive mindset has been crucial, especially during tough times. During my mother’s youth, she faced numerous challenges that made her life difficult. She became a teenage mother and had to take care of herself without help from her family, which forced her to grow up quickly. Seeing how she turns to prayer whenever she experiences doubt and difficulty is impressive. She often tells me, “Challenges are there to make us stronger, so embrace them.” It’s truly inspiring to witness someone turning to prayer during difficult moments. My mom always reminds me that challenges are meant to strengthen us, not break us. She encourages me to embrace these obstacles with a positive mindset. It’s remarkable how faith can offer comfort and strength during tough times. I aspire to cultivate such faith and resilience in my own life.
Her struggles with her marriage and self-discovery outside of being a wife and mother have taken a toll on her mental well-being, but prayer has helped her stay grounded. Despite the overwhelming responsibilities of being a spouse and parent, she remains focused on her personal goals, which is truly inspiring. As her daughter, she shows me you can be a devoted parent and pursue aspirations.
Self-discipline is the most critical detail in her journey to success. Without it, she couldn’t maintain her focus. She has learned to create strict schedules to finish deadlines on time. Becoming her own boss takes a lot of discipline, as there’s no one there to hold her accountable. She learned self-discipline by cutting out and limiting distractions that didn’t align with her higher self. She established a consistent routine, began budgeting, and invested in her mental and physical well-being to become the best version of herself. She was the only one who could see herself through the process. When she received her first big job, that accomplishment made her want to keep going to see how far she could go.
Balance within her personal and professional life is critical, and she does it her way. I have a fantastic role model in my mother, who is excellent at balancing work and self-care. She sets aside dedicated time slots for appointments but also ensures that she prioritizes the activities she loves. She once shared with me that it’s easy to get caught up in being a spouse and parent, but it’s essential to remember that you have a life outside of those responsibilities.
She has learned that working hard is crucial to seeing her visions come to life, and she pushes herself extra hard to retain consistency. She also cares for her mental health during this process and doesn’t feel guilty for not always thinking about work. Becoming her own boss means she’s in total control of her time, and that’s empowering. She cares for herself and prioritizes her personal life to achieve this balance.
If you aspire to become an entrepreneur but need more background knowledge and expertise, my mother advises understanding that nothing happens overnight and that patience and resilience are essential. She discovered that finding joy in the process and overcoming the challenges from her difficult upbringing would bring the most significant rewards. She has grown as a person and professional by being 100% authentic with her supporters. She doesn’t have to separate her personal and professional life, and that’s the beauty of it. However, she knows how to be a chameleon and adapt to any environment, which is essential.
My mother once said, “No rain, no flowers.” She believes that to experience joy and beauty, one must first endure hardships and challenges. She suggests that difficult times and struggles are necessary for personal growth and development. Without setbacks and obstacles, we would not appreciate the good things in life as much. Facing difficulties is crucial for personal growth and success, just like how rain is vital for a flower’s growth and beauty.
Whenever I think of someone who has truly inspired me, my mind always goes to her. She is a prime example that regardless of how many events are thrown at you to see you fail, you must prevail and keep going.
My mother is a hard worker. My mother is the definition of never giving up because if she had let the environment she was born in dictate her life, she wouldn’t be as far as she is today. My mom’s definition of the word “no” is just one step closer to someone saying yes, and that’s what everyone reading this article should take from this: you can do anything you set your mind to, regardless of your upbringing. You have to know that persistence is critical, and that is why my mother inspires me and why she should inspire you, too.
Atlanta, Georgia
Bridge Ink 