1. underestimate the extent, value, or importance of (someone or something).

…to underestimate the value of someone or something.

I feel like my value is underestimated.

..like I’m not of importance.

I feel…underrated.

…and I hate it.

I recently came across a video on Facebook that chronicled Solange’s career and I have one thing to say about it: This woman has been working HARD for YEARS.

After over a decade, Solange reached mainstream success in 2016 with her 3rd album, A Seat At the Table (ASATT).

So what was she doing up until last year? And why wasn’t anyone paying attention to her?

Before ASATT, I heard a couple of Solange’s tracks which were good, but not enough to make me an avid listener of her music.

I took notice of Solange’s sense of style but I never really gave her a chance musically.

Recently, I went back and listened to more of Solange’s music (and watched her old music videos) only to discover that this woman has always been talented. She’s always had something to say and was always unapologetic in doing so.

But why is the world just now catching on? Why are we just now seeing the light that has always shone through her?

Being underrated does not mean that you have no value, it means others just can’t see it…yet.

It could take months or even years for other people to see your light.

So, how do you keep going when you feel like you’re not being recognized?

I’ll admit, sometimes I feel like I’m invisible.

My numbers (site readership & social media) aren’t reflective of the amount of work I put into LuxeStreetChic.

I know I’m talent. I know I’m creative. I know I work hard for what I’m passionate about but I am the only one who sees it.

Shouldn’t me being able to see my own light be enough?

Why do I desperately want others to see it too?

I had to ask myself one simple question:

What are my true motives and intentions?

I learned that what I really wanted was for people to praise me, approve of me, and validate me.