Mental well-being is a cornerstone of my small hair care business, Niya the Nurturer's mission. Beyond the physical aspects of hair care, I am committed to fostering positive mental health through the promotion of self-love and self-care. The messages conveyed through my products and public platforms emphasize the importance of embracing individuality, promoting confidence, and nurturing a positive self-image. Niya the Nurturer aims to be a source of empowerment, encouraging individuals to prioritize their mental health as an integral part of their overall well-being. Not only being inspired by my passion for natural hair care but looking at myself and the struggles I had with my mental health growing up and wanting to feel beautiful in my own way. I've struggled since I was a little girl with wanting to fit in with those who do not look like me, are in the same financial bracket as me, are skinnier than me, and are much more fortunate. I thought I wasn't beautiful because I didn't have these things, which caused me to have an identity crisis, and go home crying, not talking to people, and refusing to look at myself in the mirror because I thought, "I'm not worth it." I would lose so much weight and then gain the attention I always desired, now I felt that people only "saw" me or "respected" me because I was skinnier. But what saved me was my natural hair, her. Niya the Nurturer is not just a business venture, it's a manifestation of my beliefs, a platform for uniting, learning, and flourishing (My business slogan). My goal is to use this business to break down barriers, fostering understanding and appreciation for diverse hair care practices around the world. In a society often marked by division and ignorance, my vision is to unite people through the common thread of hair care. By sharing the wisdom of different ethnic communities and the products they use, I hope to promote unity, positive mental health, and the values of self-care and self-love. This is a movement towards cultural appreciation and collaboration that includes a focus on mental health. Through my public platforms, I aim to educate my customers about the diverse ingredients sourced globally and how they are traditionally used by various communities. It's about creating a space where we can all listen and learn from each other, ultimately flourishing together as a community that celebrates diversity and prioritizes mental wellness. My passion stems deeply from my younger self, and what I've experienced. Aside from my family, my natural hair, self-care, and business keep me going. I've struggled with self-harm and depression in my past and used to not be ok with the idea of being my own company. I've also became a part of the percentage of women who have been sexually assaulted in my past, which still affects me to this day. Social media and the world around me made it seem like I need a big friend group to keep going and a facade. Throughout my spiritual awakening, I've found that my time by myself was needed, and I wasn't able to receive that before because I put others before myself. It is in my blood to nurture my loved ones, but I had to learn to do that myself. Once I did, I was able to communicate my emotions through journaling, take more time to plan things out regarding Niya the Nurturer, and plan my future. I see my mental health journey as such a huge inspiration and remembrance to keep going, because not everybody has the strength to do so. Nobody should ever feel that they are not good enough, pretty enough, or even worth it. Especially with the difficulties of standard beauty in the Western society, I as a Black woman experience how my sisters are treated because of how we look. And with that comes self-hatred, and identity crisis. I shed tears of happiness when I see another Black woman in her prime, it shows that it's possible for us to make it. I want to be that example too. The impact of this scholarship extends beyond my success, it empowers me to be a catalyst for positive change, particularly in the realm of mental health awareness. As I grow personally and professionally, I am committed to using my success to create opportunities for others and contribute to the greater good. I will invest in a vision that has the power to unite, educate, and uplift communities, promoting mental well-being as an essential part of the collective journey toward flourishing.