The Unashamed Queen: Takeia Cage

Happy Friday, ASSASSINS!!! We’re back with yet another Feature Friday and today’s guest is one motivational, authentic and busy woman! Allow me to introduce you to Takeia Cage, she is all about women empowerment so I knew we needed to connect! This unashamed queen has her hands in several endeavors and I don’t know how she manages them all so effortlessly! Nonetheless, I hope you all enjoy the interview and become inspired while reading!

Tell us about yourself and why you started UnashamedQueens.com!

Hello beautiful people,

I’m Takeia, and I reside in Minnesota.
I’m an advocate, momtrepreneur, and motivational blogger.

I started Unashamed Queens back in Jan(2016), and it was probably one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. I’ve always wanted to be a part of a sisterhood that was filled with love, support, celebration and overall just an uplifting community where you can come be yourself, and not feel ashamed of your journey. I didn’t see too many sisterhood communities in my own community, so I felt that if I wanted to see change in my community, I needed to be the change I wanted to see, and I did just that! I’m just so grateful for Unashamed Queens, and the many communities I was able to create this year.

What does the name “Unashamed Queens” mean and how did you come up with it?

Unashamed Queens means that you’re a queen who isn’t ashamed of your journey, and the many unfortunate circumstances you’ve endured in your life. Being Unashamed is not only a lifestyle, it’s an amazing feeling to actually be unashamed and free from anyone and their negative perceptions of you, because YOU know exactly who you are, and you don’t need anyone’s approval/validation because you’re Unashamed of your truths!

You also have a t-shirt line that’s an extension of your brand! Why did you decide to start the line?

Yes, I started the shirts this year and to be honest I didn’t think they were going to do as good, but they did great! Now I am in the process of re-branding, and I’ve connected with an amazing creative that’s creating my vision for the Unashamed Queens brand, that I’m really excited for you all to see the final look this fall.

On top of your blog and t-shirt line, you’ve also started a personal group where women can express themselves and network! Any plans to expand on that and make it a business venture?

Yessss! #UnashamedBloggers was definitely inspired by the Unashamed Queens brand, and I definitely plan on expanding this community by bringing in other creatives, and creating this amazing sisterhood of bloggers. I wanted to continue to push sisterhood into all of these communities, and make them all safe-spaces for creatives to connect and network with other women without any competition or jealousy. I truly believe we have some really amazing + talented women in the #UnashamedBloggers group, and I’m so blessed to be able to create this community for bloggers. I also have a Miami meet up summer 2018, so be on the lookout for that, and I’ll have more details coming this fall for you all.

Recently you launched your own podcast; Congratulations! Did you always want to have your own show?

Awww, thank you soooo much! & Yes, I’ve always wanted to have my own talk show, and talk about things people normally don’t feel comfortable sharing. I remember there was a time in my life where I was afraid of sharing my truths with others, because of how judge-mental this world can be. But over the years my confidence has grown tremendously, and knowing that me sharing my truth can help someone else feel comfortable sharing theirs as well, makes me so proud of the many things I’m doing in the community. I do plan on bringing other inspirational women onto the #UnashamedGirlTalk podcast this fall, and just continuing this sisterhood through love, pain, joy and positivity.

With all the great ventures that you’re currently in, how do you manage to find time for yourself, family and friends?

Self-care is a major key in my life. Not only do I have all of these amazing things on in my life, I did have to understand that it’s okay to turn your work mode off, and take care of myself, and love on the people that are in my life as well. I’m always in work mode, and a few months ago I did experience a really bad burnout because I didn’t take ANY breaks! I was always showing up for everything + everyone, and not giving myself anytime to just relax and take everything in. Now I know the importance of self-care and unplugging from everything + everyone, especially when you wear so many hats in your life. I try to do something with the people I love at least once a week, preferably Sundays (my favorite day of the week). I do have some really amazing people in my life, and they understand me + my need of recharging without them feeling like I’m neglecting them. This makes everything so much easier, because if they didn’t understand my need for recharging, I probably wouldn’t be able to have them in my life.

What are some hardships that you’ve had to overcome?

Self-sabotage has definitely been one of the things that was/is still hard for me at times. I struggled with not feeling worthy for years, and it really took me a while to get to a point in my life where self-love + acceptance was a priority for me. & just simply knowing that I am worthy of greatness, and that it’s okay to feel like this at times, but you also have to pick yourself up as well. There are some days where I don’t feel my best, and then there are days where I feel like I can do anything I set my mind to.

For anyone wanting to follow in your footsteps, what advice would you give them?

I would encourage them to be their authentic self, and to always stay true to YOU because comparison is literally the thief of joy! I would also encourage them to never stop learning + growing. Everything isn’t going to always be sunshine and roses, but the reward in the end will always be worth it!

What is your overall goal/mission for Unashamed Queens?

My mission for Unashamed Queens is to continue to expand all over the world, and bring sisterhood back into every community because we’re stronger together! I also want to be able to travel to different places, and hold conferences for women to be able to share their truths, without feeling ashamed of the things they’ve been through.

Anything else that you would like for us to know?

If you’re a blogger, and want to be apart of the #UnashamedBloggers community, please email me at UnashamedQueens@gmail.com

I also do the #UnashamedGirlTalk Twitter chats every Saturday at 8pm central time, so if you’re on twitter feel free to join and chat with us!

Below is where you can find me on social media:

Twitter: TakeiaCage + UnashamedQueens
Instagram: Takeia.Cage + UnashamedQueens + UnashamedBloggers
Snapchat: Takeia.Cage
Website: UnashamedQueens.Com
Blog: MyVicariousLifeBlog.Com

Look at that. . . Takeia made my life easier by already adding her socials! Thanks girl, I appreciate it! LOL. Please make sure to connect with Takeia on all of her socials and I’ll talk to you again on Tuesday!

Until Next Time ASSASSINS. . . Stay Motivated!