Drink Water & Mind Your Business
A Black Woman’s Guide to Unlearning the BS & Healing Self-Esteem
Self-esteem ain't self-taught―and it does see color.
Let's be real: society was not built with the needs of Black women in mind. And as a result, we learn that the only way to feel good about ourselves is to prioritize everyone else's needs over our own. We find our value in being the perfect partner, mother, daughter, employee, and friend. But that is exhausting. Instead of feeling good about how dope we are―regardless of our service, bank account, or looks―we only feel good about what we do for others.
Supremacy culture teaches us to hate Black people, to hate women, and to especially hate Black women… except when they need us to either save them or serve them. So in a world where our service is required for acceptance, how could we ever feel good about ourselves while also giving the middle finger to systems of power? How can we possibly live our best lives? How are we supposed to feel confident, secure, and fabulous AF in our bodies?
Self-esteem ain't self-taught―and it does see color.
The answer: Self-esteem. Self-esteem as we know it has been gatekept by the white and male supremacist delusions for far too long. It's time to put power where it actually belongs.
In Drink Water and Mind Your Business, Dr. Donna Oriowo helps readers understand the basic foundations of self-esteem―what it is, how society molds it, and how it affects us all―and offers real, meaningful solutions to feel like the most glorious and badass versions of themselves. Based on years of research and Dr. Donna's career as a licensed sex and relationship therapist, this book will help you set boundaries, prioritize your needs, understand your immense worth, and pursue a life that brings you pleasure and joy.
Let's be real: society was not built with the needs of Black women in mind. And as a result, we learn that the only way to feel good about ourselves is to prioritize everyone else's needs over our own. We find our value in being the perfect partner, mother, daughter, employee, and friend. But that is exhausting. Instead of feeling good about how dope we are―regardless of our service, bank account, or looks―we only feel good about what we do for others.
Supremacy culture teaches us to hate Black people, to hate women, and to especially hate Black women… except when they need us to either save them or serve them. So in a world where our service is required for acceptance, how could we ever feel good about ourselves while also giving the middle finger to systems of power? How can we possibly live our best lives? How are we supposed to feel confident, secure, and fabulous AF in our bodies?
The answer: Self-esteem. Self-esteem as we know it has been gatekept by the white and male supremacist delusions for far too long. It's time to put power where it actually belongs.
In Drink Water and Mind Your Business, Dr. Donna Oriowo helps readers understand the basic foundations of self-esteem―what it is, how society molds it, and how it affects us all―and offers real, meaningful solutions to feel like the most glorious and badass versions of themselves. Based on years of research and Dr. Donna's career as a licensed sex and relationship therapist, this book will help you set boundaries, prioritize your needs, understand your immense worth, and pursue a life that brings you pleasure and joy.
Self-esteem ain't self-taught―and it does see color.
Now Available for Pre-Order
//
Now Available for Pre-Order //
About The Author
Dr. Donna Oriowo, LICSW, M.Ed is the author of Drink Water & Mind Your Business and Cocoa Butter & Hair Grease. Dr. Donna has been featured in publications such as Essence, Huffington Post, Bustle, NPR, The Atlantic, etc.
She will be hosting her own podcast: Desire Dialogues with Dr. Donna in April 2025. She hosts a free weekly community space for Black women called In My Black Feelings every Tuesday at noon (edt). Donna currently lives with her family in the D(M)V.
Book Reviews
“
This book is the one! I have never felt so seen, heard and gathered all in one place. Dr. Donna takes us on a journey of self-discovery, truth bombs and reflection while building our self-esteem along the way. And if you know anything about Dr. Donna, she will always squeeze in a unique way to talk about sex and pleasure.
This book was truly written for us and by us as each chapter builds upon one another. You will walk away feeling empowered to tackle any of life's issues in a way that only a black woman can. Take the gems in this book to help you protect your edges, drink your water and mind your business from this moment onward!"
—Kiaundra Jackson, LMFT
“
Donna this book is thoughtful with exercises that are helpful and contributive to the healing and self reflection process.
—Dr. Lexx Brown-James, author of The Black Girls’ Guide to Couple’s Intimacy
“
Donna Oriowo has given us an essential book for surviving and thriving in the current era - or any era. Practical, funny, empathetic, shame-free, and joyful."
—Emily Nagoski, PhD New York Times Bestselling author of Come As You Are, Burnout, and Come Together
“
Drink Water & Mind Your Business isn’t just another self-help book. Dr. Donna Oriowo is doing something that hasn't been done before. She’s diving DEEP into self esteem in a way that hasn't been done yet. Especially for Black women! And of course, Dr. Donna teaches us the connection between self-esteem, sex, and pleasure for Black women. In a world that tells us who we should be, how we should look, and what we should tolerate, this book is the unlearning we didn’t know we needed.
Dr. Donna challenges the BS we’ve been taught, giving us the "tea" to reclaim our self-worth, prioritize our pleasure, build our boundaries, and stand firm in our full, authentic selves. For any Black woman who's ever questioned their confidence, struggled with embracing their desires, or felt like they needed permission to put their self first, this book is their permission slip.
It’s time to heal, unlearn, and thrive on your own terms!
—Dr. Shamyra Howard, LCSW Certified Sex Therapist
“
Being a Black woman in a world not built for us can be so draining. We are TIRED. Thankfully, Dr. Donna Oriowo is here with the soul medicine we need to help us protect our boundaries, kick people-pleasing to the curb, and take control of our own narratives. Drink Water and Mind Your Business is a funny and empowering read that’s layered with professional insights, raw experience and seasoned wisdom. Written for us from a place of deep love, this is the self-esteem guide that every Black woman needs to become the fullest version of herself.”
—Uju Asika, author of Bringing Up Race, A World for Me and You, and Raising Boys Who Do Better
Drink Water & Mind Your Business FREE Resources
Officially Available May 13th (check back then!)
When you sign up today, you’re not just accessing resources. Oh, no. You’re unlocking handpicked gems by Dr. Donna, designed to quench your thirst (literally lol) and keep your eyes on the prize: Y-O-U! (and the community you build and maintain for collective self-esteem
Get the tea on all things book related!
Sign up for info on freebies, book tours, giveaways, and MORE!
Book Debut: May 13th