We had the good fortune of connecting with Tahirah Bailey Reed and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tahirah, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite quote is my personal mantra: “Me over everything else”. It is not selfish to put myself first. How can you give to others if you’re empty. I spent many years prioritizing everyone and everything else in my life. I got rewarded sometimes with thank yous, smiles, gifts, promotions, pats on the back, but how was I emotionally? Angry, resentful, unfilled, exhausted, and suicidal. I had given so much that I had nothing else to give and I believed not being alive was the best solution to the pain I felt. But I recognize now that it is necessary to put my happiness first. Setting boundaries is not an insult. It does not mean I no longer care about others. It just means I will provide to you on my terms and that will benefit us both because I will actually have something to give versus an empty shell.

What should our readers know about your business?
Pure Gems is your guide to living the life you deserve through self-care and personal growth. Our site is filled with unique self-care practices and reviews of clean, life improving products to help you create a fulfilled and healthy soft life. All of the products included on our online marketplace are created by women-of-color.

A lot of the features and guidance on the site come from my personal trials with self-prioritization and self-acceptance. It is a daily challenge for me to put myself first but I believe it is the key to living a fulfilled life. You cannot pour from an empty tank.

With our curated events, product spotlights, and guidance we strive to help those who are seeking fulfillment and a joyous life living as their authentic selves.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The DC area is filled with tons of hidden gems and is a culinary treasure chest. I think pretty much every type of cuisine popular to unknown exists in the area because we are so multicultural. Everything is here, you just have to explore. My favorite way to explore the city is to not have a plan. Just hop on the metro and get off anywhere in the city. From there you can hop in and out of museums, view the architecture, ride or walk the trails, and of course explore the restaurants. If I’m you’re tour guide we will most definitely stop by Stan’s. It’s a DC staple with delicious food, a chill, come as you are vibe, and a unique, must-have drink experience. I love popping people’s Stan’s cherry.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to shoutout my tribe Tyana Wilson (TheCraftFactoryDMV)and Elbi Elm (TheCulturistUnion)! Together we are helping each other build businesses that the world has never seen. We provide each other guidance, accountability, shoulders to cry on, listening ears, and a safe, judgement free zone to discuss our dreams and make turn them into reality.

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Image Credits
LilyAnnRivers Creative Suite

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.