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Slay Of The Week: Ayanna Alexis
dymond phillips • September 3, 2018
Yes you read that right, Slay Of The Week is back and I'm super excited about this one. Throughout the week I was going thru old pictures and videos and realized how much work I was putting in, compared to now and honestly it's crazy how hungry and eager I used to be. Don't get me wrong I still been grinding but I had to fall in love with my blog again. With all that being said, are you ready to get into this weeks Slay Of The Week?
If you're like me and watch Youtube 24/7, you should have came across her channel. If not you have to follow her on Instagram.. She's a beautiful young lady from Chicago. Also, she just recently graduated from Hampton University in May. If you still don't know who I'm talking about......allow me to introduce you to the very amazing, Ayanna Alexis.
Who is Ayanna Alexis you may ask? Ayanna is a multifaceted woman, focusing on elevating others and making her personal mark on this earth. I first began watching her on Youtube last year when I was researching about Vlogmas. I instantly began to admire her. Even though I started watching her in 2017, doesn't mean she is new. She's actually been an influencer for over four years. I instantly fell in love with her channel because of how authentic she is. You can tell she has a passion for Youtube. When I decided to bring back Slay Of The Week, I knew I had to get in contact with her. I reached out and was so excited when she agreed to let me interview her. I was super nervous to reach out but when I saw that she moved to Miami and I was living in Miami I knew it was the perfect time.
One major thing I learned while talking to Ayanna Alexis is that, thru all her success she is very humble and works hard to be more than just a influencer. She's interested in being an avid social media user. "I work every day to influence more and more people. YouTube, Instagram and Twitter are the outlets I tend to focus on. I have grown not only a following on those channels but overall lasting relationships. I create unique and exciting content on all of my channels while also leaving a daily quote to keep the audience inspired." -Ayanna Alexis
So many people nowadays tend to start Youtube channels and businesses for all the wrong reasons. They see the perks and hype but don't understand the work that has to go into being a brand. I knew I had to ask her, Why Youtube? She responded by saying, "I decided to start a YouTube channel because I am obsessed with YouTube and I watch it more then TV. One day I just decided to create my own channel and see where it took me! I did it out of passion, not for the money or anything. When I realized my channel was gaining more traffic and attention, I decided to take it more serious, really focusing on quality content eventually leading my channel to what it is today. I create social content that I enjoy creating while also satisfying and appealing the audience. I mainly focus on lifestyle creating lifestyle vlogs while also keeping up with what is trending and catering content to current day trends. Having built up an audience, I have not only influenced and inspired many but have become inspired and more motivated than ever before."
In life if you have no guidance or inspiration it's hard to stay focused. One of my biggest inspirations has to be my mommy. I love asking people who inspires them because motivation is the key to success. Ayanna's biggest inspiration is her parents, "They inspire me to work harder each and everyday as they are both very successful themselves." she says. Coming from successful parents has to be hard but very motivating, My mother is a young lawyer who had a baby in high school. If she can still overcome that obstacle and follow her dreams I have no excuse. My mom always supports me and tells me to follow my dreams. Everyone’s parents aren't always supportive of their career choices. I know the influencer industry is like no other, so I wanted to know how Ayanna's parents reacted when she decided to start Youtube. "They loved the idea! They didn’t fully get it at first, but they have always been my number 1 supporters and I love them so much!" What’s your piece of advice you’d give someone when it comes to life? Her response was amazing!!!! She said, "Don’t be scared of change! Step out of your comfort zone, that can turn your whole world upside and introduce incredible opportunities. If you are uncomfortable you are right! You can grow if you don’t step out and go for it!" Many people start Youtube but never make it to where Ayanna's made it. I asked her why she thinks that is and she said, "The three Ps Passion, Patience, and Persistence. I've never given up. My subscribers motivate me everyday! All of the sweet comments and messages motivate me to continue going and push even harder!"
As you should know, I attend the illustrious Clark Atlanta University which is a Historically Black College or University. A lot of people don't understand how going to an HBCU experience can shape the person you are. No my HBCU is not perfect but the it's a place like no other. Congratulations are in order, as I said earlier, Ayanna graduated from Hampton University back in May. Hampton is also a HBCU, I had to ask her, Why'd You Choose An HBCU? "I choose an HBCU because coming from a predominantly white highschool I wanted to be around a more diverse atmosphere. What better way to do that then an HBCU! I don’t regret my choice at all! I had a blast, made so many memories, and learned a lot! There is no experience like an HBCU! Shoutout to Hampton!"
There's so much more to Ayanna than just Youtube. After asking her what's her dream job she responded by saying, "My dream job is to be self-employed focusing on YouTube full time but also having my own clothing line and owning other businesses." Like I said earlier Ayanna recently moved to Miami, FL for a new position. She is the Influencing Marketing Specialist for Boxy Charm. I wanted to know what else she had coming next. Ayanna said, "Continuing to vlog my life! Create more quality content, do more meet-ups and events! Grow my YouTube family! I recently had a Meet and Greet event in New York where I had the distinguished pleasure to speak on an empowerment panel and shed knowledge to young men and women about YouTube creation. I was able to connect with subscribers from all over and personally engage and answer questions. I honestly don’t know where I’ll be in five years, but I see myself well into my career, self-employed, financially stable, in a steady relationship if not married, and living my best life!"
It was truly a pleasure talking to and interviewing Ayanna Alexis. She is so genuine and honest. I love how she pushes towards her goal everyday and never lost site of what she wanted. Many people can learn how to stay consistent and follow your passion just by hearing her story. She is someone who I admire and who motivates me to become a better influencer. Thank you for sharing Ayanna, much success to you and your brand in the future! You can keep up with Ayanna Alexis on Instagram @ayannaalexiss, Twitter @ayannabozeman, and YouTube Ayanna Alexis.
