We have always mentioned that our impact is only as a result of the love and support that we receive from our followers. What some of you may not know is that we have some pretty amazing women that follow and support us too.

We decided we would like to introduce you to some of these kick*ss ladies.

This week, we got met the fabulous Trish Archer. Check out what we got chatting about…

 

What are the main experiences or influences in your life that you believe led you to where you are today?
Growing up I was always a talker. My mother would say I came out of the womb talking so I think I was always destined to be a broadcaster, I had no idea what path my life would take.

I was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and moved to Ireland at the age of 11.

Spending my early childhood in Jamaica made my view of the world slightly different from most of my peers in Ireland. From a very young age I recognised the importance of hard work, the adults I was surrounded by all had several jobs and had the sort of determination that was enviable.

“You don’t get handed anything in life” was a common phrase I would hear from my grandmother, so I have always been acutely aware that I had to work that little bit harder when I emigrated.

Having a mother who told me to reach for heights greater than myself gave me encouragement and helped build my confidence. She led by example. She was a single mother working multiple jobs to provide for me and she never let anything stop her. To me she was Superwoman and I knew I wanted to be as strong as she was and I wanted to make her proud.

I felt empowered from a very young age, there were no boundaries set so I really believed there wasn’t anything that I couldn’t achieve.

What advice would you give a young girl who feels that a career in radio/presenting might be for her? Where does she even start?

The best piece of advice I got was “don’t let the no’s ever stop you from trying again”.

The broadcasting industry in Ireland is small so I would advise you to start early.

I made it my business to get work experience wherever I could, you must be brave when it comes to asking for what you want and making it known that you are passionate about it. You need to get used to hearing your own voice in a broadcast capacity. Get comfortable with your instrument. If there is a presenter you like, ask yourself why. What is about them that made you listen and learn from them.

You have to work hard and dedicate a lot of time to your craft. Be resilient, as you will have setbacks but push yourself to see past the short-term disappointments and it’ll be worth it in the end.

 

What made you fall in love with your job?

I love that connection you feel with your audience. I love hearing people’s stories and sharing mine.
There’s nothing like meeting someone who listens to you in the morning and hearing them say “You really brightened up my day” or “You really changed my mood for the better”.

 

What do you think is the biggest challenge young women face now?

I think the biggest challenge women face is a lack of representation and a lack of women in power.

I think as a woman you must fight to have your voice heard. When you speak up or have an opinion, you are branded “dominant” or “overly confident” even “too-much”.

I don’t want any woman to feel like she cannot achieve her goals because where she sees herself, only men have those positions. I don’t want any young woman to feel like she is not being heard or listened to.

I believe that our voices need to be heard and our stories need to be told and let’s not have men do it. Women of colour especially have suffered from discrimination in the business world. Being a woman is a magnificent thing that holds so much power, we need to feel no fear when trying to bring it to the world.

What is the one piece of advice that someone gave you that has always stuck with you?

Over the years I’ve been given so much advice probably because I ask so many questions, but I find the best advice usually comes from someone who has your best interest at heart or from people who have a lot of life experience.

“Don’t Be too hard on yourself”

The world is tough enough without you constantly beating yourself up, mistakes are made sometimes. Don’t let it keep you down for too long and don’t keep beating yourself up about it. Brush yourself off and carry on again.

Could you give the 3 top tips that you wish you could have given your younger self?

1. Don’t let other people rent space in your head for free.

2. Listen to your mother and start that healthy habit of putting a little away.

3.  Follow your instincts & listen to your gut.

What advice would you like to give the Shona Readers?

My advice to Shona readers would be to not let the world dictate what it is you want, need, or desire.

We are constantly being bombarded with images and stories that might make you feel overwhelmed. You start to compare yourself to the masses and I always say it but comparison really is the thief of joy.

Enjoy your life and don’t be too rigid with goals. That doesn’t mean you are doing it wrong. There isn’t a set path for your age or gender. Write your story how YOU would like.

Don’t be afraid to express quirks and your individuality but please still be kind. As women, we must support each other and lift each other up, make each other feel good. It is free and the reward you feel within yourself is worth it.

Who are your heroes?

Michelle Obama

Lavern Faleye – my Mother

Mya Angelou

Oprah

All women that have gone through some adversity and never saw any of it as a setback, rather they used it to propel themselves.

 

Tell us about your teenage years? (Was it easy? Did you fit in? What were the challenges
you faced?)

Growing up it wasn’t a walk in the park for me.

It was especially difficult because I didn’t quite fit in. I was the only black girl in my class and school so there was no escaping the feeling of being the odd one out.

There came a point when I accepted the differences and I remember telling myself it’s only a negative if I continue to think it is. First-year was difficult. All I wanted to do was fit in and find like-minded friends. I was popular in Jamaica, I had lots of friends and was well-liked so I was acutely aware of just how much of an outsider I was when I emigrated to Ireland.

In second year and third year, I started to find my groove. I was that girl who was a part of all the clubs. I forced myself to join several extracurricular activities because I wanted to find my niche. I did well in the Junior Cert and had a small group of friends. I got the lead in the school musical and I felt like I was on top of the world.

Towards the end of fourth-year things went horribly wrong.

I was bullied and picked on, but I stood my ground. I remember not wanting to attend school and every day walking through the gates felt like I was entering hell. That was my lowest point in my school years.

My colour made me an easy target, I couldn’t blend in with the masses. The name-calling and passive-aggressive behaviour were a daily occurrence. Slowly but surely things started to change. I took back control and maybe that was evident to the girls that got pleasure out of trying to hurt me and break my spirit.

I made friends outside of school in clubs and groups and my confidence grew. When you start to explore unique hobbies, even ones that make you uncomfortable the inner peace and satisfaction you gain will transfer to other parts of your life. There was also a lot of encouragement from my mother who never stopped being there for me and encouraging me.

By the time sixth year rolled around I was in a good place, I had a new set of friends. I remember seeing the girls I had distanced myself from and having this overwhelming feeling of content, knowing I did the right thing.