Hi! I'm Zaakirah (zaa-key-ra) I help you Go from where you are (stuck, stagnant, scared) and where you want to go in your business and life (freedom). I provide Black and Indigenous creatives with strategies that empower them to achieve their goals through branding and storytelling, and marketing.For the last 20 years, I've been storytelling by any creative means necessary; photography, writing, film, and podcasting.I check all the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility boxes.I’m a visually impaired, hard of hearing, cancer survivor, chronically ill Muslim Woman. Knowing your history helps you propel and prepare for your future. Entrepreneurship is ownership, and flexibility is key. Sign up for my semi-weekly newsletter!
Before the Year Ends, Check In
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Greetings Reader, Can you believe it's the Final Friday of December? We’re standing at the edge of the year now. Not fully finished, not yet begun — just aware. This is the time of year I pay attention to what’s still echoing: the conversations, the risks, the places that stretched me, and the ideas that refused to let go. Sitting with what actually happened for me this year? What changed me and shaped me? What am I no longer forcing and letting it just flow? After three decades on this earth, I’ve learned that some seasons aren’t meant to be wrapped up neatly. They’re meant to be acknowledged, honored, and carried forward with intention. This year reminded me that clarity doesn’t always arrive through speed. Sometimes it comes through pauses, pivots, and being honest about what needs more time. Before the year fully closes, I wanted to share a few reflections and resources, what’s available, what’s shifting, and what I’m continuing to build — in case any of it supports where you are right now. Strategy Sessions are Still Available and 40% Off Until December 29 If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unclear — especially around how to use AI in a way that actually works for you — I am still offering 1:1 strategy sessions. This for you if you want: Availability is limited, and the link to apply is linked below.
I Am Now a Fora Travel Advisor and Can Book, Upgrade, and Organize Your Trips! Travel is not just something I do — it’s part of my DNA. I've been blessed to go to over 12 countries and over two dozen United States. It's also how I observe the gaps in disability inclusiveness. If you’re planning intentional travel in 2026 and want support that goes beyond DIY'ing through your own CHATGPT, travel credit cards, and social media guesswork, I offer travel advisory resources for: • Solo travelers and Nomads With me being a Fora Travel Advisor (not the same as a travel agent - I have access to more perks and hotel upgrades), I offer:
If you’ve been meaning to catch up on content related to the topics of health, identity, travel, resilience, and creativity, here’s where my work lives right now: • 🎧 Listen to my Top 10 See Life Different Podcast episodes on YouTube ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) I'm going to be using Substack more in 2026 especially as I build in public a talent agency and digital magazine arm for See Life Different Media but first I did a year end recap (a 5 Minute Read) that you can read by clicking here Happy Holidays!
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Your Branding and Marketing Therapist
Hi! I'm Zaakirah (zaa-key-ra) I help you Go from where you are (stuck, stagnant, scared) and where you want to go in your business and life (freedom). I provide Black and Indigenous creatives with strategies that empower them to achieve their goals through branding and storytelling, and marketing.For the last 20 years, I've been storytelling by any creative means necessary; photography, writing, film, and podcasting.I check all the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility boxes.I’m a visually impaired, hard of hearing, cancer survivor, chronically ill Muslim Woman. Knowing your history helps you propel and prepare for your future. Entrepreneurship is ownership, and flexibility is key. Sign up for my semi-weekly newsletter!
Reader, Twas' the day before my birthday and it is always a private party. It’s a pause — a moment to look behind me before launching forward. While I get ready to celebrate with cake slices, sparkling juice and rom coms, I wanted to send a snapshot of the stories, work, the stories, and the threads I’ve been holding over the last 350 days. So here are things to watch, listen to, take action on, and read. If you want to read: My year-end recap is now live on Substack — a five-minute read...
Reader, We’re officially 8 days until my birthday, and this year feels… different. Some years/birthdays ask you to celebrate. Others ask you to lock down and lock in because change is coming. This is one of those years. The last two times I felt this exact shift were both seasons that transformed me: 2011, when I was temporarily living with my uncle in the Washington D.C. area, grounding myself before stepping into photography school and a new creative identity. 2022, when my parents took...
Greetings Reader, This season has been full of pivots, clarity, and unexpected blessings. We’re closing out the year with intention, coherence, and community and I want to make sure you don’t miss the opportunities unfolding this month. I put back on my live streaming hat and I recorded three sessions. 1 - Travel Tuesday with the people that I met up with when I spoke at Black Travel Expo in Atlanta back in June. Watch the 1 hour conversation here 2 - International Persons with Disability Day...