Women we Love: Q & A with Achea Redd

Achea Redd is a woman on a mission. She’s wanting to help one woman at a time, by sharing her own story about anxiety and depression. And thus is how  Real Girls F.A.R.T. was founded. We love this woman because she is so real and honest.. and who doesn’t want more of those women in our lives? Meet Achea Redd.

Q: We love that you are facing Mental Health Issues straight on. Tell us more about what Real Girls F.A.R.T. means?

A: The “FART” in my name is an acronym, but it did not start out like that. The word FART is symbolic for mistakes, mess ups, or things we are not proud of about ourselves. Society would have us to believe that women have to meet these standards of beauty and perfection. Anything less than the “bar” is inferior leading us to believe that we aren’t enough and that we can’t afford to have any internal or external imperfections. My goal was to change the narrative and turn a negative word into a positive one, hence F-fearless, A-authentic, R-rescuer, and T-trailblazer…(F.A.R.T.)

Q: Why do you think we are facing such a mental health crisis as a nation? Is it just social media? Or have people put these challenges to the side?

A: Mental illnesses have always been around, for as long as humans have existed.  I do believe however, that they have become more environmental and societal than biological in latter days. I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder known as GAD ( Generalized Anxiety Disorder). This particular disorder along with some others can present symptoms the same as “healthy anxiety” which is what we have all had at some point. The major difference between someone with GAD and someone without is the lack of serotonin production in the brain and the frequency they experience anxiety symptoms.

Social media and reality TV is like gasoline to the fire of mental illness that has already been burning.

Q: Family has been a grounding role for you.  Tell us about your immediate family… how have they embraced your new role as a community leader?

A: My family is very important to me. I’ve been married for nearly 12 years and we have two children, a son and daughter 11 and 7 years old. For the longest, I was very content with staying at home being a wife and mother. I didn’t think that I could do both. Meaning, have something else that I was passionate about other than my family. What I have found is that having a passion, a purpose in addition wife and mom has enhanced me, not hindered me. Has it been a balancing act? Yes.  Am I a little more tired? Yes. Do my husband and I have to communicate more often about schedules? Yes. Do my kids eat fast food in the evenings sometimes? Yes. But it’s been rewarding and it’s forced me to actually PRACTICE what I PREACH…Saying no, me time, etc.

Q: No doubt that we can tell that Fashion is part of your daily thoughts.  How does fashion play into your everyday life?  Does it allow you to share more about who you are as individual?

A: I LOVE FASHION!!!!!! In particular, I have a jones for shoes (all types; especially sneakers and boots), purses, tees, and jeans. I base every outfit on how I’m feeling that day. I have a very mixed vibe. I’m more tomboyish-street chic (I totally made that up lol!!!!) This is the first time in my life that I actually I have embraced it so I try to show it on a regular basis, even in my sporty stuff.

Q: We love that your services range from Lifestyle Coaching to Empathy training, let’s rally and get something going for our ladies that we love!!!

A: Yeah there’s a range of things I can do, but what I’m most passionate about is gathering women together, trading stories, bonding over those stories, and using that said synergy and connection to change our communities. I would love to join forces and host a gathering of some sort. Sisterhood is where it’s at!!!

Q:  Tell us in a quick summary what you would like the outcome be from starting your business: Real Girls F.A.R.T?

A: I want give a voice, a platform, a spotlight to women and girls who don’t have a voice. I want to be a voice for them and give them hope that they aren’t the labels that were assigned to them. Even if the label was that of a mental illness. They can be REAL. A GIRL. and….have moments or mess ups that don’t determine their final destination.