✨Hey Sparkle Besties,
What started as a nostalgic trip down memory lane—exploring my Barbie past and adorning it with crystals—quickly transformed into an eye-opening and healing experience. My recent Barbie bling projects stirred a whirlwind of emotions, and today, I’m excited to share this profound journey with you.
The Joy of Creation ✨
Creating the Barbie bling mansion was pure joy! Customizing each room, dressing up the dolls, and meticulously placing every single crystal felt like a dream come true. With every order of new pieces and doll makeovers, I experienced a giddiness I hadn’t felt since childhood. It reminded me of those nostalgic moments watching classic 80s and 90s movies—like “Mannequin,” where Kim Cattrall magically comes to life, or “Home Alone,” where Kevin hilariously defends his home from bumbling burglars after being “accidentally” left behind by his family. (Seriously, where do they do that?!) But nothing compared to the joy I felt working on the Sparkle Barbie Mansion, where each room became a canvas for my creativity, adorned with over 50,000 crystals. Yes, you read that right! And even now, I feel like it’s still a work in progress.
The Unfinished Project ✨
As I “completed” the mansion, an inexplicable urge to continue emerged. I moved on to the Barbie pool and dream boat, and suddenly, old memories began to resurface—some delightful, others deeply painful. I remember being around 12 years old, gathering up all my Barbies and playsets into a white trash bag. I told my mom, “That’s it, I’m a big girl now,” all because someone told me I was too old to play with dolls. Ouch! That painful blow started a series of experiences where I layered on facades to fit what the world wanted, hiding my true self beneath it all.
Confronting the Past ✨
Instead of shutting out those unpleasant memories that arose during my Barbie Sparkle series, I chose to confront them. I stumbled upon an article about the childhood wound of injustice, describing how excessive criticism and unrealistic demands can impact a child. Reading it felt like a personal attack because every word resonated deeply within me.
Building Walls and Finding Worth ✨
What began in my teenage years as a cycle of bullying led me to become someone I wasn’t. I fell into smoking, disobedience, and unhealthy relationships, all fueled by a distorted self-image. I let my external world dictate my inner self, which spiraled into years of depression, obesity, and low self-worth. I was in a constant state of dis-ease.
To protect myself and fix my shattered life, I built walls of rigidity and perfectionism. I thought if I just wore the right makeup, drove the right car, and read the right books, everything would be okay. Boy, was I wrong!
The Turning Point ✨
Hiding who I truly was only attracted experiences that didn’t align with my authentic self. I played the victim card—after all, it was easy with a background of limited resources and countless challenges. I thought I was dealt a bad hand, destined to suffer. But my near-death experience with cancer was the wake-up call I needed. It forced me to double down on my peace and truly commit to my healing journey.
The Revelation ✨
This journey back to my childhood has revealed something profound: self-worth! I realized my value isn’t tied to titles, wealth, or relationships. I am inherently worthy of love, kindness, and respect simply because I exist. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Why did it take so long to get here? Who knew that playing with my Barbies would lead me to embrace my past and recognize how far I’ve come? Perfectionism isn’t real, and I don’t even like it! I cherish open conversations about life’s raw realities—why would I want to hide from that?
Conclusion ✨
Through this Barbie journey back to my childhood, I’ve learned that I am enough just as I am! I don’t need to pretend to be someone I’m not. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). I attract my heart's deepest desires, and those who leave due to my authenticity are making room for my true destiny helpers, teachers, and friends. I deserve a wonderful life simply because I’m human—not because I’m perfect. And you know what? This is what God wants for all of us! He worked mysteriously in this process. Whew! I thought I was just going to decorate a Barbie house with some crystals, but God was like, “Come here, let me show you something real quick!” Won’t He do it?!
I don’t have all the answers yet, but this experience has been incredibly healing. I hope that sharing my story helps at least one person out there, even just a little. I’m grateful for every moment of this journey.
With love and sparkles,
Shakila B. 💖✨🫶🏽
If this story resonates with you or if you have a similar experience, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me on my socials @thesparklecompanychicago. You can find me on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. For more product updates, join my sparkle club on my website at www.thesparklecompanychicago.com. ✨ Click on the link below to watch the behind-the-scenes action on my channel.
What a beautiful expression of transparency! I love it! Yes certain things, sounds, and smells can trigger memories. We do carry things from childhood into adulthood because many of weren’t able to express and talk about our real feelings and emotions. BUT GOD‼️ Continue to encourage and inspire I your journey, Beautiful! Thank you for sharing💕💖💓💗
You are truly an inspiration!!!!! This is a true testament of walking in YOUR path that GOD so perfectly designed for you!!! Walking that path lead you to thrive on a higher frequency & look at you now 🤩🤩🤩 look at the craft God blessed you with 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍💕you are a STAR so keeping shining baby!!!!