We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Haadiyah Flagg a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Haadiyah, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was packing up my life in upstate New York and moving down South to align with the dreams and vision I had for my future. It wasn’t just me…I had my family with me, so every move, every adjustment, carried extra weight. Uprooting everything familiar to chase something bigger was both terrifying and freeing.

There were moments that tested me…moving from place to place trying to find stability, dealing with cultural shocks, and learning how different life feels when you’re rebuilding your foundation from scratch. There were days filled with doubt, and plenty of people who didn’t understand why I’d take such a leap. But deep down, I knew I couldn’t grow if I stayed comfortable.

The beauty in it all was what came after…the new opportunities, the people I met, the lessons in resilience, and the deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives. I learned how to adapt, how to stay grounded, and how to keep my vision front and center no matter what life threw at me.

That move not only helped me evolve, it helped my family grow stronger and more connected. We beat the odds together, and every challenge along the way became proof that stepping out on faith can lead to something greater than you ever imagined.

Haadiyah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m the founder of Glow With Purpose Skincare, a vegan, plant-based skincare brand created with the mission to help people achieve healthy, radiant skin… naturally. I’ve always been passionate about wellness, beauty, and self-care, but my deeper journey into skincare started from a very personal place. I struggled with dry skin and hyperpigmentation, and I wanted products that actually worked without compromising on clean, ethical ingredients. That’s what led me to create a line that blends the best of nature and science… because I believe your skin deserves both.

What started as me experimenting with ingredients in my kitchen has grown into a brand that’s helping people fall in love with their skin again. Every formula is crafted with intention… infused with botanicals, vitamins, and plant-based actives that support skin health from the inside out. My line includes everything from moisturizers and cleansers to serums and masks, all designed to target common issues like dryness, dark spots, and early signs of aging while keeping the skin nourished and balanced.

But Glow With Purpose isn’t just about skincare… it’s about purpose. It’s about confidence, self-love, and embracing the beauty of who you are, naturally. What sets us apart is our transparency, our inclusivity, and the heart behind what we do. I don’t just sell products… I educate, empower, and build community. My audience knows that when they shop with GWP, they’re not just buying skincare… they’re joining a movement toward intentional living and conscious beauty.

I’m most proud of how far the brand has come… especially being a woman of color building something from the ground up while raising a family and staying true to my values. Every win, every customer testimonial, every person who says, “My skin is glowing and I feel more confident,” reminds me why I started.

At the core, I want people to know that Glow With Purpose is about healing and glowing… inside and out. It’s about creating space for self-care that feels luxurious, intentional, and affirming. Because when you take care of your skin with purpose, you’re really taking care of yourself with purpose.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Whew… one of the biggest things I had to unlearn was the idea that I had to have everything figured out or that success had to look a certain way. Growing up, I was taught that stability meant following a “safe” path…get a job, stay comfortable, don’t take too many risks. But deep down, I always felt this pull toward something bigger… something that allowed me to create, lead, and impact others.

When I made the decision to leave upstate New York and start fresh in the South, that belief system got shaken up real quick. I had to unlearn playing it safe. I had to unlearn doing things just to please others or fit their version of “secure.” Moving with my kids, having moments of uncertainty, and rebuilding everything from the ground up taught me that faith and discomfort are part of growth.

The backstory behind that lesson is really about survival and transformation. There were moments when it felt like everything was falling apart…new environment, financial strain, adjusting to a different culture…but those challenges built my resilience. I learned how to trust myself, even when I couldn’t see the full picture.

Now, I move with intention instead of fear. I create from a place of authenticity instead of perfection. And I understand that unlearning old beliefs is part of becoming the woman and entrepreneur I was meant to be. That mindset shift didn’t just change my business…it changed me.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

Right now, I primarily sell through my official website for Glow With Purpose Skincare, though I’ve also explored selling on other platforms like Etsy and Instagram. My goal has always been to create a more personal and connected shopping experience… so having my own site gives me full creative control… from the branding and visuals to the customer journey and education around each product.

The pros of selling on my own site are definitely the freedom and ownership. I can tell my brand story the way I want, build direct relationships with my customers, and keep everything consistent… from packaging to messaging to how people experience Glow With Purpose. Plus, I can collect feedback, email subscribers, and nurture that community connection without outside restrictions.

The cons, though, are that it takes a lot more work behind the scenes. You have to handle your own traffic, marketing, and tech setup… there’s no built-in audience like you’d get on platforms such as Etsy or Amazon. So while it’s more effort, it also gives me more creative power, which I value as a founder who’s hands-on with my brand.

Platforms like Etsy or Amazon do have their advantages… mainly visibility. They already have millions of shoppers searching for skincare and beauty products daily. But the downside is that your brand can easily get lost in the mix, and those platforms take a cut of your sales. It’s harder to build a true connection with your audience when you don’t fully control the customer experience.

So for me, selling on my own site has been the best way to keep Glow With Purpose authentic, aligned, and intentional. It may take more effort, but I’d rather grow something that feels mine… something rooted in purpose, not just profit.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Glowwithpurpose.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganskincarequeen?igsh=bzZ0eG9rd3RhajZn&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haadiyah-flagg-matthews-690aa31b8?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@diyahsdiary?si=7O36S5hx4w4YH9Jn
• Other: https://website.beacons.ai/yourglowguide/live/fac729ef-3ce4-4b50-ac1f-f27dbc338470