Meet Va'rai Unique, a multi-talented entrepreneur, author, and innovator making waves in the literary and business worlds. As the author of "Unlocking Your Renaissance," Va'rai empowers readers to master their internal narratives and sculpt authentic lives. Her exceptional business acumen earned her two prestigious awards in 2023: 'The Most Innovative Consultant' at the Influential Business Women Awards and the Global Awards for Business Strategy Consultancy of the Year.
Va'rai's diverse background, from advocating for youth in foster care to her current roles as a writer, entrepreneur, and personal development expert, has shaped her unique approach to success. Her commitment to empowerment is a beacon of hope and encouragement for others. Whether through her writing, public speaking, or innovative business strategies, Va'rai's work continues to inspire.
BEAUTI
What are the top three beauty essentials you swear by? Is there a must-have beauty item you always carry with you?
The top three beauty essentials I fully endorse are sunscreen, lawless lip-plumping gloss, and a great fragrance. I never go anywhere without all three and reapply them frequently throughout the day because who doesn't want to smell good, have kissable lips, and look young every day?
COCKTAILS
Are you more inclined toward mocktails or cocktails? If you could have an exclusive one-on-one cocktail and girltalk session with any person, living or deceased, who would it be? What drink would you enjoy? Where would you go for this rendezvous? And what two thought-provoking questions would you ask them?
So, I do usually love a good cocktail, but lately, I’ve been loving mocktails, too. You can’t go wrong with a margarita because there are many different flavors; however, Strawberry and pineapple are my favorites.
Regarding girl talk, I would love an exclusive session with the late Empress Dowager Cixi; her tenacious spirit inspired me. I’m not sure the Empress would enjoy a cocktail, but I’d probably have some champagne with her. I can picture our girltalk conversation on Richard Branson’s exquisite Necker Island, where the flamingos come and hang out on his white sandy beaches, surrounded by crystal clear waters. The relaxing atmosphere would be the perfect setting for two Queens. There is so much that I want to know about her, so I would ask her questions that would give me more insight into her mindset. So the first question would be: how did she overcome her humble situation to become the powerful Woman who launched modern China? In hindsight, I would ask her what she learned and what she has done differently.
GIRLTALK
Congratulations on your recent book, 'Unlocking Your Renaissance'! What unique inspiration, perhaps a personal experience or a profound realization, led you to write this work? And what message do you hope readers take away from it?
Thank you for the compliment; honestly, I wrote the book because of the constant encouragement of others I would advise. After getting the same question regularly, it was evident that it was time to release some of my knowledge so a piece of me could live on forever.
The value readers will gain as they navigate through my book lies in the diverse landscape of empowering techniques. I hope they witness their Renaissance blossoming while unraveling patterns hindering their progress. It is a guiding light for those striving to master their internal narrative, shatter barriers, and sculpt a life that authentically reflects their true essence.
Your exceptional business acumen, recognized with prestigious awards in 2023, is truly impressive. How have your background and experiences shaped your approach to both writing and business?
Thank you for acknowledging my two awards from last year. Winning ‘The Most Innovative Consultant’ at the Influential Business Women Awards and the Global Awards for Business Strategy Consultancy of the Year was a great honor!
My background as a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur and remaining fluid in learning through experiences have helped me cultivate my strategic mindset, resilience, and ability to navigate the complex challenges that life can unexpectedly bring our way. When I was an advocate for young people in foster care, I often had to speak to government officials and leaders to help change legislation to give youth in transition a healthy chance for positive change. Standing firm in my beliefs while trying to change the minds of individuals with such a skewed viewpoint while being persuasive enough to get the desired responses I wanted was the type of quality that has become critical for my constant business success. I also love being spontaneous and open to change, which has helped me develop unique strategies.
Growing up in the United Kingdom and traveling extensively allowed me to draw from real-world scenarios while remaining relatable.
As someone who excels in literature and business, your ability to balance creativity with strategic thinking in your professional endeavors is inspiring and a testament to your versatility. How do you manage this balance?
Sitting back and thinking about your question, I create balance by prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries. I also have to manage my time effectively by focusing on the essential tasks and delegating when possible because delegating is imperative for growth and long-term sustainability. I also practice what I teach in my book, incorporating mindfulness practices to reduce stress (l prefer meditation). I also make time for activities that make my heart sing, whether that’s random sight karaoke, followed by a stop at the Korean spa, or regular hiking.
A couple of years ago, I decided to write my book. I designed the cover and wrote the outline but shelved the project later that year. Last year, I was streaming on the American version of a Japanese app and found that I was getting asked so many questions about the mental health space. It helped spark my passion to get my book on shelves, and I finally decided to make the dream of being an author a reality.
In '‘unlocking You’’Renaissance,'‘ you explore ‘‘personal growth and transformation themes. How do these themes resonate with your journey, both personally and professionally?
Personal growth and transformation resonate with me personally and professionally because I have always had an innate desire to live a life of liberation. I noticed from a young age that I would always ask myself good questions after interactions. I was always challenging myself to do better in some way. It is one of the reasons that led me to become certified as an NLP practitioner. The only way to be the best version of our true selves and live a life of freedom is to continue a journey of transformation and then empower others. These are three things I live by constant transformation, liberation, and empowerment.
Your website showcases diverse interests and talents, from literature to personal development and entrepreneurship. How do these different facets of your identity complement each other, and how do they influence your creative process?
As a multi-hyphenate creator, my skills are used efficiently in several professions, and I feel like I’m onI'mdoing one.
I'm grI'mful that all my endeavors seamlessly intersect, particularly within the creative industry. The skills and experiences I possess and share with the world naturally overlap. As a result of my work, I find inspiration in how each facet naturally feeds into the other, shaping my creative process effortlessly.
What advice would you give aspiring authors and entrepreneurs looking to discover their path in the literary and business worlds? How do you manage your time effectively to balance your writing and business responsibilities?
As cliche as it sounds, my honest advice to those desiring to uncover their path as an author and other entrepreneurial endeavors would be to buy my book! Inside, readers will find a detailed, step-by-step guide with practical exercises to address this question thoroughly. I designed it to provide a comprehensive answer, as this is a common question I receive regularly.
Your unique perspective and insights, which have garnered attention, are a testament to your innovative thinking. How do you stay inspired and creative in your writing and business ventures, offering your audience a fresh and intriguing viewpoint?
To stay stimulated and innovative as an author and serial entrepreneur, I diversify how I show up by engaging with different types of content. Whether reading books from different authors, listening to podcasts, exploring art, traveling, etc. The idea is that exposing yourself to a wide range of creative expressions and ideas can spark new insights within yourself.
I also like to collaborate with like-minded people on new projects. For example, at the beginning of this year, I had the opportunity to assist as a stylist with a few celebrities. I said yes, showed up, and showed out, which gave me and my audience something fresh and exciting.
Your book delves into unlocking one's potential. How do you continue pushing boundaries and exploring new career and personal development avenues, inspiring and motivating your readers?
I constantly research new ways to expand my mindset and grow my businesses. I previously shared the importance of saying ‘yes’ more to break up the daily generic rituals we sometimes get caught in. Some other keys that I have used to unlock new avenues that will inspire and influence both myself and others are always remaining a lifelong student, being fluid with the process while attaining your new goals, and never being scared to try something new and start over. It might not always work out how you expect, but what if it’s even better than what you initially thought? And finally, what others think about you is not your concern; let them assume and live your life!
Looking ahead, what are your specific aspirations and goals for the future? How do you envision expanding your impact in literature and business, sparking hope and excitement in your audience? Can you share any upcoming projects or initiatives that your audience can look forward to?
One of my goals is to help me expand my impact as a renowned thought leader. I will be fully immersing myself back into public speaking. I used to travel to the United Kingdom and Europe, and I miss the electrifying energy you can feel from the people in the crowd while they’re being inspired by what you’re sharing with them. I have also started the outline for my new book, hopefully, released next year, and judging from my pre-orders, I can tell that there is already excitement from readers. I have some pretty neat ideas I am also working on to be more interactive with my network. Hopefully, what I’m planning will produce a growth spurt within the transformation collective, but everyone must stay tuned to find out exactly what I’m planning. But in the meantime, I’m happy with being behind the scenes doing what I do best: working on brand partnerships and being on set, ensuring all my clients look and feel their best.