We recently connected with Simone Grace and have shared our conversation below.

Simone, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

In every season of my life, I’ve had to take risks. Some risks left me shaking, barely able to look as I stepped into the unknown. Others I took with full joy, arms open wide, after consulting with God and my ancestors. Each risk taught me something about myself and the world around me.

2023 was a year of silent rejections. I applied for countless jobs, anything that felt “comfortable,” but nothing came back. At the same time, I hesitated to lean fully into my own ventures, like contracting for film and editing, after a situation where I wasn’t paid for my services. That experience left me frozen, questioning whether the risk was worth it.

I also struggled with sharing my body butter and clay masks on social media. I had all this excitement for my products, but I held back, waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect response. I didn’t understand how slow the start could be for a product-based business. When things didn’t take off immediately, I let self-doubt creep in and stayed in the background.

But the lesson in both of those experiences was the same—building anything takes time. Growth doesn’t always look like immediate success, and sometimes the hardest part is simply showing up. Through the encouragement of friends and the quiet reminder from within, I realized I had to trust in my own values. I wasn’t meant to wait for someone else’s approval. I had to take the risk of putting myself, my work, and my products out there, knowing that I add value wherever I go.

Fast forward to 2024, when I finally got a job that allowed me to sharpen my creative skills. Yet again, God needed me to learn the lesson of being where I am respected, and valued. It was time to stop tip-toeing around my potential and to step fully into my businesses and the person I was created to be.

Taking risks, for me, has never been about bold moves alone. It’s been about trusting the timing, valuing the journey, and showing up—whether I’m trembling or running with joy. Each step has taught me that the slow moments, the quiet starts, are just as valuable as the loud successes. And I now know that what I bring to the world is always worthy of being shared.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Simone Grace, though some may also know me as Yvette Simone Barrow. I’m from Brooklyn, NY, and spent two formative years at the illustrious Clark Atlanta University. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s made me who I am today. At 14, I hit a wall of depression, which almost led me to take my own life. This stemmed from the pain of losing my mother at four years old and the confusion surrounding it, mixed with six years of enduring sexual abuse that I didn’t even fully understand at the time.

The day I thought I was ready to end my life, God stepped in. At that moment, I realized that my life had a purpose—something bigger than the pain I was feeling. With the help of my grandmother and a high school friend, I made a vow to God. I asked for guidance and promised that if I was meant to be here, I would live my life in a way that would impact and inspire others, especially young women who might be going through something similar. I didn’t want anyone to feel as alone as I once did.

This vow, along with buried family truths that surfaced during my college years, pushed me toward a spiritual outlook on life. Affirmations became my lifeline, something I live and breathe every day. I share them on TikTok (@simonesgrace) and created an affirmation deck for daily use, designed for all ages. I believe affirmations are not just words—they’re the food and medicine for a healthier mindset, the foundation for the life we deserve. But it’s not enough to just speak them; we must believe in them and put consistent action behind those words.

My skincare line was born from my battle with itchy, dry skin and seasonal eczema. No lotion seemed to work, and during COVID, I had the time to dive into research. I explored the benefits of herbs and scents for our skin and hair, which led me to create my two body butters and a clay mask that can be used on both.

I’ve always been a lover of the arts—especially film and literature. I’ve long admired how people can turn their life experiences or dreams into something others can read or watch, something that inspires or connects on a deep level. That moment at 14 taught me that one day I would turn my experiences into a book or movie. I want to share my story so others can be inspired and know they are never alone.

At the heart of everything I do, whether it’s affirmations, skincare, or storytelling, is the belief that we are all worthy of living a life of value, purpose, and healing. My goal is to uplift, inspire, and remind people that their journey—no matter how challenging—holds infinite possibilities for growth and transformation. You can connect with me on Instagram at @simonesgrace3 and on TikTok at @simonesgrace.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My first few months in college were filled with all the emotions you’d expect when leaving home, but what I didn’t expect was the life-altering discovery that I was adopted. That truth hit me hard, especially being away at school and trying to navigate this new chapter of independence. It felt like the foundation of my identity had been shaken. There I was, in a new environment, far from the comfort of home, trying to process this deeply personal revelation. But even though I felt lost in that moment, I knew I had to keep going. I turned to affirmations, seeking strength and clarity from God and my spiritual guides. Slowly, I began to redefine what family, love, and belonging truly meant to me.

Then came COVID, which locked me down in complete isolation. Spending that time alone forced me to confront myself, to dig deep into who I was and who I wanted to be. It was one of the loneliest times of my life, but it was also when I started discovering my true passions. After the world began to open back up, and after a close family member’s shocking transition, I stumbled into the world of film by curiosity. I took a chance on myself, stepping into the role of a production assistant, and it felt like everything started to align. The resilience I built from college, the lockdown, and the loss of a loved one all led me to this moment, teaching me that even when life throws unexpected twists, we have the power to rise and reinvent ourselves.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being creative is having the freedom to transform life’s trials into something meaningful. Through every piece I create, whether it’s affirmations, skincare products, or stepping onto a film set, I feel like I’m offering parts of my journey to others. It’s in knowing that my art, my words, and my stories may reach someone exactly when they need it the most. That exchange of energy and inspiration, helping others heal or feel seen, makes every challenge worth it. It’s a constant reminder that our creativity is a gift, not just to ourselves but to the world around us.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: simonesgrace3
• Other: Tiktok: simonesgrace. I am currently building a new website that will be shared on my social media platforms

Image Credits

For the first photo with a red backdrop – @lidyaxdereje on Instagram Photographers name is Lidya Dereje

For the images with a brown backdrop – @quez.dagoat on Instagram Photographers name is Marquez McCall (Aka Quez)