Today we’d like to introduce you to Author Kym.
Hi Author Kym, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
QDF | Bestie Tribe began with a simple phrase that carried great meaning: “Have a quality day.” Our original name, Quality Day Foundation, or QDF, was inspired by my late father-in-law, who always encouraged people with those words. We originally set out to provide quality resources to people who needed them most.
Over time, the name evolved into QDF | Bestie Tribe – a community, a family, and a tribe of women dedicated to standing beside survivors of domestic violence.
Our journey officially started in 2018 after I discovered that my bestie was in a domestic violence situation. When I started calling around looking for resources in the DFW area, I quickly realized how limited and difficult they were to access. That experience lit a fire in me because I knew survivors deserved more support, more compassion, and easier access to help.
But honestly, the work started even before the nonprofit. While living in Kansas City, I found myself helping survivors any way I could. After moving to Texas, I noticed that even though there were domestic violence organizations, many survivors still struggled to find the resources they needed. That’s when QDF | Bestie Tribe was truly born.
Seven years later, we’re still here – standing strong, providing support, building safe spaces, and reminding survivors that that they are not alone. Our mission is simple: to show up for survivors by any means necessary.
At QDF | Bestie Tribe, we believe in healing, community, and the power of sisterhood. We’re more than a nonprofit – we’re a tribe. And once you’re part of it, you always have a bestie in your corner.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of our biggest challenges has been funding. Every day, we receive around 25 to 30 calls from survivors looking for help, resources, or a safe place to go. While we’re able to connect many of them with domestic violence shelters and organizations in the area, one of the hardest parts is not always having the financial resources to help in the way we truly want to.
Our dream has always been to eventually have a safe home or space of our own where survivors can escape toxic and dangerous situations and begin rebuilding their lives. But as funding for nonprofits and community programs continues to get cut, that goal has become even more challenging.
Instead of giving up, we had to get creative and find ways to continue supporting survivors. That’s how our Hello Bestie bracelet became a bigger part of our mission. The bracelet, made with 8mm Purple Phantom Quartz and a tag that says, “Hello Bestie,” represents healing, support, and sisterhood. Proceeds from those bracelets go back into helping survivors and supporting the work we do within the community.
I think one of the biggest lessons in this journey is realizing that passion alone isn’t enough — funding matters. There have been moments that were emotionally heavy because we wanted to do more than what our resources allowed. But even through those obstacles, we’ve continued showing up for survivors however we can, and that’s something I’m proud of.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about QDF | Bestie Tribe?
What sets QDF | Bestie Tribe apart is that we lead with lived experience, authenticity, and community. We’re not just focused on awareness — we focus on real connection and showing up for people in tangible ways. Many survivors don’t just need resources; they need to feel seen, heard, safe, and understood. That’s what we try to create.
QDF | Bestie Tribe is a survivor-centered organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence while also creating safe spaces for BIPOC teen girls and women through healing initiatives, storytelling, community outreach, and empowerment-based resources.
One thing we’re especially proud of is that we stay active in the community. Whether it’s connecting survivors to resources, partnering with other nonprofits, supporting outreach efforts, or creating products with purpose, we believe healing happens through community and consistency.
We recently released our teen journal, Growing Through It, Bestie, which was created specifically for Black teen girls. The journal includes real stories, life lessons, affirmations, reflection prompts, and guided pages designed to help young girls navigate healing, self-worth, emotions, and personal growth while reminding them they are not alone in what they’re experiencing.
We’re also proud of our Hello Bestie bracelet, which has become more than jewelry — it’s a symbol of support, healing, and sisterhood. Our goal is to one day see the Hello Bestie bracelet worn all over the world as a reminder that someone always has a bestie in their corner. Proceeds from the bracelets help us continue supporting survivors and community efforts.
What truly sets us apart is that we don’t believe in performative support. We believe in meeting people where they are, building genuine relationships, collaborating instead of competing with other nonprofits, and creating spaces where survivors and young girls feel safe enough to heal and grow.
At the core of everything we do is one message: you are not alone.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
When it comes to work, we do with survivors, we have to move very carefully because of the seriousness, safety, and privacy involved in each person’s situation. So, within QDF | Bestie Tribe, we don’t really operate as a traditional mentorship organization.
However, I personally believe mentorship and community connections are important, especially for Black teen girls. I’ve had opportunities to mentor and collaborate with a few nonprofits in the DFW area that focus on mentorship and empowerment for young girls, and I’ve seen firsthand how powerful guidance and safe support systems can be.
One thing that has worked well for me is building genuine relationships instead of focusing only on networking. Some of the best connections and partnerships came from simply showing up consistently in the community, supporting other organizations, volunteering, attending events, and leading with authenticity.
My advice would be to find people and organizations whose values align with yours. Don’t just look for people with influence — look for people with integrity, compassion, and a real commitment to the work they do. Also, don’t be afraid to collaborate. Community work is strongest when we support one another instead of competing.
Most importantly, stay open to learning. Sometimes mentorship doesn’t always look formal. It can come through conversations, partnerships, shared experiences, and people who pour wisdom into you along the journey.
Pricing:
- $25 Hello Bestie Bracelet
- $15 Growing Through It, Bestie Journal
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bestietribe.org
- Instagram: instagram.com/qdf_bestietribe & bestie tribe community
- Facebook: facebook.com/quality day foundation & bestie tribe community
