We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Harriett Kou. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Harriett below.

Hi Harriett , thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

I hope the legacy I leave behind reflects the heart of everything I’ve poured into my work, my writing, and my role as a mother. Through my book I Know Who I Am and my blog Better Perfect You, I’ve shared my journey of self-discovery, resilience, and growth with the intention of inspiring others to embrace their authentic selves. Those platforms represent more than words on a page they are reminders that each of us has the power to heal, evolve, and stand firmly in who we were created to be.

But more than anything, the legacy I want to build is through motherhood. Being a mother is my greatest honor, and I hope my children will remember me as someone who loved deeply, encouraged them to believe in themselves, and showed them what strength, faith, and compassion look like in action.

After I am gone, I hope people will say that I lived with purpose, that I uplifted others, and that I left behind words, actions, and lessons that continue to give life. I want to be remembered not just for what I accomplished, but for how I made others feel seen, valued, and empowered to be unapologetically themselves.

Harriett , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For those who may not know me, my journey has always been rooted in healing, identity, and empowerment. I often hold close a quote from the great Jay-Z, “You can’t heal what you don’t reveal.” That line shifted everything for me. When I first began working as a Social worker and blogging, I had to confront my own fear of sharing worried it might feel like I was “telling my business.” But I realized that transparency is what allows others to see themselves in your story. That was the spark behind my blog Better Perfect You and eventually my book I Know Who I Am: Finding Your Identity in a World Full of Chaos.

By profession, I am a mental health clinician. That work has deeply shaped the way I approach writing, mentoring, and building my brand. In both my clinical and creative work, I aim to solve a universal problem: the struggle so many people especially young women face when it comes to self-worth, identity, and emotional resilience. I provide tools, words, and safe spaces that encourage people to understand who they are, affirm themselves daily, and embrace their own healing journey.

My book is a daily affirmation journal designed to encourage young girls to believe in themselves, to write, and to process their feelings in healthy ways. Beyond publishing, I’ve also hosted seminars, including one in West Africa, Liberia, where I taught young girls about self-esteem and the power of education. That trip expanded my vision not only to inspire but also to invest. Today, I’m committed to sponsoring the tuition of four girls in Liberia, and I continue to advocate for the importance of educating young girls as a foundation for stronger families and stronger communities.

What sets me apart is the combination of my clinical expertise, personal transparency, and cultural advocacy. I don’t just write or speak on empowerment I live it. I use my career knowledge, my lived experiences, and my creative platforms to bridge the gap between healing and growth.

What I am most proud of is seeing transformation in others whether it’s a young girl in Liberia who now believes she can lead, or a reader who messages me saying, “Your words helped me today.” Those are the legacies I want to build.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my work, it’s this: my mission is to help people uncover their identity, heal their wounds, and walk boldly in who they are meant to be. My brand isn’t about perfection it’s about progress, truth, and empowerment.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, my creative journey has always been guided by a mission bigger than myself: to help others discover their identity, heal, and step into their purpose with confidence. Whether it’s through my blog Better Perfect You, my book I Know Who I Am: Finding Your Identity in a World Full of Chaos, or the workshops and seminars I lead, everything I create is rooted in empowerment and education.

One of the most meaningful extensions of this mission is my scholarship program for four girls in Liberia. After hosting a seminar on self-esteem and education there, I felt called not just to speak to their potential but to invest in it. By covering their tuition, I hope to remove barriers that keep so many young women from accessing education and opportunities. For me, that scholarship program is not separate from my creative journey it’s the living proof of what I write and speak about.

My ultimate goal is to use my voice, my writing, and my platform to build a legacy of healing, growth, and generational change. I want every young girl, whether she’s reading my book, hearing me speak, or benefiting from my scholarship program, to walk away believing: “I know who I am, and I matter.”

How did you build your audience on social media?

Honestly, I wouldn’t say I’ve “figured it all out” when it comes to social media I’m still learning every day. What I can say is that the way I’ve built my audience so far has been by simply showing up as myself. People want to connect with someone real, not a perfectly polished image. When I share my truth whether it’s through my blog Better Perfect You, my book I Know Who I Am, or just a candid post about life as a mother that’s when people respond the most.

My advice for anyone just starting out is this: don’t overthink it. You don’t need to have all the answers or be perfect. Share your story, your struggles, and your growth. Be consistent, but most importantly, be authentic. Social media works best when people feel they’re connecting to a real person, not just a brand. For me, the more I lean into being genuine, the more I notice people engaging with what I put out.

I’m still working on understanding how all of it works, but I believe that as long as I stay true to myself and my mission, the right people will find me and connect with my message.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.betterperfectyou.com/
• Instagram: betterperfectyou
• Facebook: Harriett Kou

Image Credits

@Coophotography