By Tammy Reese | Thursday,October 24, 2024 | 6:36 pm ET
Arnikia Robinson’s incredible story of personal transformation has inspired audiences worldwide for over 25 years. From her challenging upbringing in Ft. Lauderdale and her venture into street life as a teen, to becoming a globally recognized motivational speaker, mentor, and entrepreneur, Arnikia’s journey embodies resilience, faith, and purpose. With her “Bendable but Unbreakable” brand and her work as an author, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Arnikia continues to empower individuals to overcome life’s challenges and embrace their full potential.
Your journey from street life to becoming a renowned motivational speaker is remarkable. What was the pivotal moment that made you realize you wanted to change your life, and how did you begin that transformation?
The pivotal moment that made me realize that I wanted to change my life was shortly after my mother took my children and hid them from me. As a mother, I started feeling the day to day pressure of not being able to communicate with them. Her, my aunt, and the director of the day care were all with each other in the decision. I knew she was for real even she enlisted others to help her carry out the task. She gave me an ultimatum; be a mother or keep living the street life while she takes me to court to get custody of my children. That’s what made my mind up.
You’ve built an impressive platform with the “Bendable but Unbreakable” brand. What does this phrase mean to you personally, and how do you hope it resonates with those you mentor and inspire?
My brand means everything to me. My motto is “WE MAY BEND BUT WE WON’T BREAK!” Meaning things will come in life that are meant to take us out or keep us down (Bendable). But, by the Grace of God, with Faith and fight we are (Unbreakable). I get plenty of testimonies of people saying that my brand gives them the hope of “it’s not how many times that we fall down but it’s about how many times we’re willing to get back up.” It’s more than a book, a memoir, a powerful message; it’s a way of life.
Your advocacy work in domestic violence and entrepreneurship is impactful. What advice would you give to individuals who are struggling to break free from difficult circumstances, particularly in the face of domestic violence or systemic obstacles?
I would tell individuals who are struggling to break free to remember that they have the power and only them. Love is a beautiful feeling; meaning it’s not supposed to be a dark space or hurt. When a person shows you who they are once; believe them. Always remember who you are and whose you are. I thought every relationship had fights because I was a fighter myself. I didn’t see it as Domestic Violence. One day my mom came to me crying saying that he was going to kill me; I blew her off: cause again people fight. It wasn’t until he put the gun to my head & squeezed the trigger that it was way past fighting. He actually tried to kill me; thank God the gun jammed. So get out because then little fights escalate quickly.
As a mentor, how do you approach guiding individuals who may feel they are too “broken” to achieve success, and what steps do you encourage them to take toward healing and empowerment?
First, I always give the example of broken pieces; no matter how many broken pieces there are you can gather them & put them back together again. It’s only if you lose (even) one piece that it’s completely destroyed. Don’t let that one piece be YOU when you’re working on yourself. As long as you stay true to you & never lose yourself; your life can be put back together again. Then I give assignments to work on that’ll focus on the area that they’re in need of.
The “Bendable but Unbreakable” message suggests flexibility and strength. Can you share a time when you had to remain flexible to adapt to life’s challenges, and how did this help you stay true to your goals?
My brand suggests flexibility and strength. During my street days I did a lot of things that I wasn’t proud of; especially being involved with a gang. After my third raid for narcotics I knew I had to change. I went back to school (full time) while doing hair on the side. Keep in mind, I wasn’t bringing in nothing compared to what I was used to bringing in. But, I knew that it was a change that had to be made in order to secure my future for freedom and not leave my kids out here in the world to be taken care of by my mother. I struggled during that time but it was MIND over MATTER to reach the bigger picture.
As someone who has received accolades like Woman of the Year and Author of the Year, what does recognition mean to you, and how do you stay grounded amidst your success?
Recognition is only half of the satisfaction; knowing that I’ve reached another person and helped another person is the ultimate satisfaction. The testimonies that I get are unbelievable, sometimes it brings tears to my eyes.
Looking back on your incredible journey, what legacy do you hope to leave, both through your work as a motivational speaker and through the creative and entrepreneurial projects you’ve led?
The legacy that I hope to leave is the message of knowing your own strength. To know that every day that you wake up is another day to be great. I pray that every time I speak as a Motivational Speaker I deliver hope and encouragement; meaning that we are all ex- somebodies but your past doesn’t have to determine your future. We can’t change the past but we can dictate our future. People tell me that I don’t look like what I’ve been through; that’s them twins Grace and Mercy. Bendable and Unbreakable both have the word “able” at the end; I purposely did it that way because God is able.
What’s next for you? Are there any new initiatives, books, or creative ventures that you’re excited to share with your audience in the near future?
What’s next for me is more book releases and movies. I’ve broken ground in the movie lane. I’m going to be an actress in a couple of movies next year as well as a stage play. I also have three scripts ready for filming for my own books; so I’m really looking forward to being a producer as well. I have a Podcast appearance this month with “Her Story Her Crown” and I look forward to more speaking engagements while spreading my powerful message “Bendable but Unbreakable!”
Connect on Instagram @bendablebutunbreakable
About Tammy Reese
Owner of Visionary Minds Public Relations and Media, Tammy Reese is an award-winning writer and journalist best known for landing major interviews with Angela Bassett, Sharon Stone, Sigourney Weaver, Laurence Fishburne, Geena Davis, Billy Porter, Morris Chestnut, Nelly, Mona Scott Young, Giancarlo Esposito, Luke Evans, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Connelly, Joseph Sikora, Meagan Good, Leon, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Phylicia Rashad, Omar Epps, Courtney Kemp, Vivica A Fox, Ryan Coogler, and so many more.
She is a proud member of ForbesBLK as well as New York Women in Film and Television.
Other articles by Tammy Reese in Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine.
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