Blogger of the Week - Shariah Nicole
Q: Can you tell our readers about yourself?
Hi! My name is Shariah. Thank you for this opportunity! I’m a 25-year-old creative that really loves to inspire. I like to give credit to God for everything that I have and everything that I am. I enjoy traveling, fashion, reading, wellness and exploring all the good things life has to offer. By trade, I’m an educator. It’s not just what I do, but it’s who I am at core. So, my platform is essentially a blend of all the things I love.
Q: What/Who inspired you to become a blogger?
As a corporate professional, I realized I needed an outlet to cope with the fact I hated my job. I was also going through a lot of transitions, and I found many people could relate. So, I created a platform to share my experiences and ultimately build community. I follow several influencers that have inspired me to delve into the space, and I like the thought of designing my life by utilizing my creativity. My tribe has heavily influenced my decision to press forward as a blogger. The support is a blessing. I’d also say, I tend to look for inspiration in the small things. Small things can have a huge impact.
Q: What was your greatest failure (lesson learned) when you first got into blogging? (optional question)
Whew! I’ve learned so many things on account of me completely giving up. One big thing is to never trade your authenticity and give yourself permission to evolve. I’ve started over as many times as I’ve needed to because...life. I can appreciate each beginning because it’s taught me more about myself than anything. I also think it’s important not to rush your process but embrace it. It’s easy to get caught up in someone else’s success story. However, you’re writing your own.
Q: What is the most rewarding moment in your blogging journey so far?
The most rewarding moment in my blogging journey would have to be creating a YouTube channel because it highlighted a full circle moment for me. My first time on YouTube was when I was in middle school and I had joined a dance group. It was all giggles, but I really loved it. I became so intimidated by the influencer realm as an adult that I stopped believing I had anything valuable to offer. So, using my voice on YouTube and a host of other things has been incredible. It’s almost like I’m nurturing my inner child. Doing this interview speaks volumes, so I’m super grateful for the opportunity.
Q: What advice would you give others that are starting their blogs?
Done is better than perfect. You’ll learn things along the way. I would probably not announce creating a blog until it’s done because then you might receive an applause for just the idea, and not the actual execution. The execution has been one of my challenges, and it’s typically most challenging until you conquer it. Also, no idea is necessarily a dumb idea when creating a blog. There’s literally a space for everyone, so trust that what you have to give is enough.
Q: Where would you like to be as a blogger/influencer five years from now?
It’d be cool to travel the world, publish a few books, host some workshops, and focus on building a family.
Q: Lastly, what are you most proud of as a young black woman with everything that is going on in today’s society? (can be more than one thing if you want)
As a black woman, I’m proud to a black woman. That alone is empowering because we are faced with so much opposition. However, we endure and always come out victorious. As a black woman, I am happy to see so many of us creating spaces where our voices are amplified. It’s a sense of collectiveness that warms my heart. We are so multifaceted, and we are alike, but different in our own ways. I just love being black. And I love being a woman. A black woman. As I continue to grow, I’m recognizing and embracing all that I am. I’m learning to love the parts of me that have been hidden or diluted. It just feels good to have a voice and be confident in it.
Be sure to subscribe to her Youtube channel: Shariah Nicole
