A Conversation with the Unbound & Unstoppable Oateney Silvera

At Photos by LJK, we celebrate women who walk boldly in their truth, embracing their journey with confidence and grace. Today, we’re diving into a conversation with Oateney Silvera, a woman who is unbound, fearless, and unapologetically herself. Let’s get into it!

Photos by LJK: Let’s start with the basics—what’s your full name?

Oateney: Oateney Silvera.

Photos by LJK: Love it! Now, tell me about the woman who inspires you the most.

Oateney: Honestly? My younger self.

When I look back, I see how truly living life, having friends, and being ambitious shaped me into who I am today. She had no limits, no fear—just a heart full of dreams and the audacity to chase them.

Photos by LJK: Wow, that’s powerful. We don’t always give our younger selves enough credit! If you could go back and give her one piece of advice, what would it be?

Oateney: Keep going, girl!

A lot of people aren’t going to understand your path, but guess what? They’re not supposed to. Do whatever your heart seeks, unapologetically.

Photos by LJK: Whew, that hit deep! Let’s talk music—what’s your go-to song or station when you need to feel empowered?

Oateney: Koryn Hawthorne radio on Pandora. It’s uplifting and gets me in the right mindset every time.

Photos by LJK: Music really does set the tone. What about outside of work—what brings you pure joy?

Oateney: Being by the water.

The beach, the waves—I feel most at peace when I’m in the water, just letting everything else fade away.

Photos by LJK: That sounds like freedom. If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

Oateney: Unbound.

Photos by LJK: Ooh, I love that. Why did you choose it?

Oateney: Because I feel peaceful and free when I’m able to live life completely on my terms. I love exploring the world, new ideas, and every opportunity that comes my way—without limits.

Photos by LJK: That’s the ultimate dream! Now, how do you celebrate your wins, big or small?

Oateney: Travel, eat well, and overindulge in self-care.

Because why not? I deserve it.

Photos by LJK: Yes, you do! Let’s talk about strength—what does it mean to you, and how do you embody it?

Oateney: Unfortunately, as a Black woman, I’ve always associated strength with resilience—and honestly? It can be exhausting.

But I keep going, I dust myself off, and I push through every time. Because that’s just what we do.

Photos by LJK: That’s real. And exhausting as it may be, you wear that strength beautifully. If you could make one major change in the world for women, what would it be?

Oateney: True equality.

And I mean for all women, of every race. No exceptions.

Photos by LJK: Yes, yes, and YES. Now, what’s one accomplishment you’re really proud of?

Oateney: Motherhood.

Listen, my patience is almost nonexistent, so this journey has been one of my greatest challenges. But I show up every day, learning and growing, and I’m so proud of that.

Photos by LJK: Motherhood will test you like nothing else! But you’re rocking it. Last question—if you had a billboard for one day, what would it say?

Oateney: “Woman of the Year: Oateney Silvera.”

Photos by LJK: Yessss! Claim it, live it, BE IT! Oateney, your energy is limitless, inspiring, and real. Thank you for sharing your journey with us—you are truly unbound in the best way.

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