Author Sashe Omigate is making it her mission to encourage women to speak their truth and learn to love themselves despite their past heartbreaks, set backs and disappointments. The former exotic dancer-turned-author, philanthropist and producer knows firsthand how depression can have a damaging effect on a woman’s life and cause her to make poo relationship choices—such as dating married men at 16 and getting caught up in sexually compromising situations. However, as she watched close relatives deal with addiction to crack cocaine and was diagnosed with clinical depression, Sashe became inspired to pen her first book, Truth Is.
Truth Is is a daily hand-guide for women who are desperately searching for their meaning in life. In the book, Sashe empowers readers through lessons on self-reflection, failed relationships and business ventures, helping readers become the powerful, purpose-driven women they want to be.
Here, Sashe talks to us about the experiences that led to this book as well as the creation of the Imani Within foundation to help others find the courage to pursue a life of purpose by letting go of the fast life.
Madame Noire (MN): Tell us about your journey with from being an exotic dancer to becoming a philanthropist, writer, and producer.
Sashe Omigate (SO): I have always been a giver as well as writer since childhood. It wasn’t until 2013 I decided to start my organization, which was during the time I danced. I kept that dark life away from those who knew me on a business level as philanthropist and producer for a very long time. There were times I would shoot a commercial for my organization to promote an upcoming event, taking up majority of my day from 11 am-6 pm. Then I would have to go directly to the club and dance from 8 pm -3 am. I remember times when I would see my actors in the club as well as business partners and literally go back in the dressing room or hide somewhere because I didn’t want to be seen. It wasn’t until my last year dancing when I decided to no longer be ashamed that I was a giver by day and hustler by night. I was no longer using dancing as my crutch but as a tool to make my business flourish.
MN: What led you to seek change?
SO: We all have moments in life when we wake up and we feel unfulfilled because we are not living or doing what we were called to do. I felt burdened by unfullfillment. I ignored the signs for a very long time until I couldn’t ignore them any more. I felt as if there was something else I needed to do and I knew what I was already doing wasn’t enough. Everyone has a calling, some fear it, others have yet to discover it, and the rest are living it. I wanted to be the individual that decided to live it. The day I decided that was after I spoke with my business coach Maja Sly. She had reinstated a few things I already knew which was “It’s no one else’s job to feed that vision other than me” and that I had to live unapologetically. Sometimes need to be reminded of the things we already know that’s why they say repetition is key when it comes to learning.
For a very long time I feared the perception of others, which held me back from my calling. Everyone that I shared my vision with from close relatives to friends was discouraging. They brought up my past mistakes and failures as if it dictated my future. I believed for a long time that what I was doing was going to discourage many from working with me in the future. However, that day I thought about the conversation I had with my coach. I knew if I was ever going to be fulfilled I had to do what brought me joy, which was my non-profit organization, and somehow I had to find a away to do it full-time. When you are doing what you’re called to do so many things will align and it won’t seem forced. I have given up dancing and become an entrepreneur full-time, which can be a challenge at times. However when I wake up I believe it will all work out because I’m doing something that is so much more than myself and it’s not for frivolous things, but to make a difference in humanity.
MN: What inspired you to write Truth Is?
SO: The reason behind me writing Truth is is that I wanted to help other women who may have felt the way I have when facing disappointment numerous times –feeling stuck as if you can’t move forward. I have friends and family who have asked me, How am I able to move forward from uncomfortable setbacks that I have faced, and they have told me they wouldn’t know what to do if they were in my shoes and commended me for my strength and undeniable faith.
Truth is will encourage so many women to become the powerful, purpose-driven and fearless women they were called to be and that is why I wrote the book. To help other women that may not have someone like myself in their life to call on, but if they read this book it will have an impact on them in so many ways. That is one of the things I was called to do; be impactful and uplifting. It is very important that women understand that past mistakes and setbacks cannot keep them away from their destiny or calling. They must know those trials have molded them or will continue to mold them into the person they were called to be. Their voice can become silenced by their dark secrets, forcing them to live a life that wasn’t intended if they do not overcome emotional damage of their past pain.
MN: How do you suggest women find faith if they have not been raised in a faith-centered family?
SO: Women must first understand faith is something that is believed with strong conviction. Then, they must be honest with themselves about what they want to manifest in their life and if they believe they’re worthy of having it. If you honestly want things for yourself and question if you deserve it or not it will be hard for you to have faith. Faith comes from a deeper belief from within, and for myself I truly believe I am worthy of whatever I want for myself, so no matter how horrible a situation may be I seek faith because I believe.
MN: Why should people read your book?
SO: Many women forget there’s courage in transparency and I want women to know that it is powerful to live in truth moment to moment. So many of us forget that we have to accept our own stories first in order to truly accept others as well as walk in purpose. When you live in truth you start seeing your life go to different heights and it gives you a sort of freedom that you would not have expected. Truth is will help women become the powerful, purpose-driven, fearless woman they were called to be and manifest the life they truly want. It is a guide readers will turn to again and again for motivation, healing, and inspiration.
