We were lucky to catch up with Anukkah Laquette recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Anukkah, thanks for joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

Never Gave Denied came from a TikTok video I recorded in November of 2023 about being “delayed but not denied”. I decided to do a transparency video for my supporters; because I’m known for doing blind reactions and making people laugh, but behind the scenes I wasn’t happy. I felt so behind and was comparing myself to other content creators. I reflected on everything in my life that didn’t go as planned or didn’t follow through for me. Then I realized that even though everything in my life was delayed, it never gave denied, it never gave out sad, it never gave on my behind. God allowed people, situations, and things to enter into my life to remind me of who I was because I was exactly where I was supposed to be; and after I posted the video, I received messages, calls, and comments about how people were inspired by my story. While I was trying to figure out my podcast name, I thought about my overall vision for the show; which was to highlight stories of people who were delayed in life but were not denied, and after rewatching my old video I realized that someone brought it to my attention that I said, “Never Gave Denied” which was the point of my show and that’s how my podcast name was born.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Anukkah Laquette, I’m from Darlington, South Carolina, and I am a Morris College Alum, I’m a dog mom to Sircey and the Godmother of Asha and Laylah. I’m the host and creator of Never Gave Denied Podcast. I’m also a content creator, pageant judge, freelance graphic designer, plus size model, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

I got into podcasting because I wanted to showcase small businesses, local talent, and creatives to be seen and heard; with an emphasis on highlighting the individuals from my community. The problem that I’m solving is that there are so many talented people from my hometown and other small cities but, they get overlooked because they’re not popular or talked about often. What sets me apart is that I’m here to create a promotional, uplifting, and encouraging atmosphere for my guests. I give them a space to finally celebrate themselves and make an episode that’s all about them.

I’m most proud of myself because I accomplished so much even though I faced challenges. I always wanted to have a podcast for years and though I was scared; I chose to start it this year. I didn’t know at that moment, but I know now that I was walking in my purpose; because the devil “tried” everything in his might to stop me from achieving my dreams. While I was recording Season 1 Episode 7 – Season 2 Episode 5 my mom was diagnosed with Kidney Failure, I had to relocate back home to take care of her, was homeless (living in hotels), and had to drive two hrs. to and from work every day. Plenty of times I wanted to quit my podcast because I was so tired and overwhelmed but I pressed through despite the hardships; and now my mom is doing a whole lot better, my blind reaction videos are reaching millions of views, my show is touching the hearts of my listeners and I’m being featured in Canvas Rebel. I am also proud of my guests, every last one of them is so talented and they all inspire me to keep doing what I’m doing. I truly love being able to provide my listeners and guests with inspirational episodes of Never Gave Denied Podcast.

I want everyone to know that “Yes life was delayed, but it Never Gave Denied.” Keep going even when life doesn’t go as planned, you never know what God has in store for you. You also have to walk by faith and not by sight or listening, because even when your eyes are closed you still can hear negativity and that can distract you from your purpose.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Your success story won’t happen unless you take the first step to make it happen. You have to be consistent even when the followers, money, or views are not coming in. Just think that one minute your video can have 0 views then the next you can have 10 million views just like I did. Post the content until your dreams become a reality. Also, it’s ok to start over, and over and over again; your journey is yours for a reason. Your vision shouldn’t change; Yes, the path toward your goal may change but your vision should always stay the same.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson that I had to unlearn was that life “Never Gave Denied”. When I was rejected, thought my life was supposed to go one way but ended up another way, or saw others receiving what I thought I was ready for; I would get upset, question my abilities and worth as a person. Then I realized, that if something was meant for me then it’ll be for me, if things didn’t go as planned that was a sign that I maybe wasn’t ready yet. That “no” doesn’t always mean no, it could mean “not right now”, be patient, work hard, and wait on God’s timing. Trust me, everything will fall into place at the right time.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: AnukkahC_
• Facebook: Anukkah Chandler & Never Gave Denied Podcast
• Youtube: Never Gave Denied
• Other: TikTok: Anukkah_blindreactions

Image Credits

White Dress Photo: Taken by the Hatten Agency