We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Christina Zeigler-Russell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Christina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I became a content creator back in 2007 after my daughter was born so I guess you can say she was my inspiration. She was born with the most beautiful natural hair, and I started researching how I could preserve it without using any type of chemicals and that’s when I discovered Youtube and decided to create my own platform to document her journey. Shortly after starting my own Youtube channel www.youtube.com/phillydiva19154, I discovered that I had a really good niche for hair, makeup, fashion, and shopping and began making tutorial videos. My audience started to grow and collaborations with brands started as well. After taking a much needed break several years later, I realized that I missed sharing content with my audience. If I could change one thing it would be not taking that break, simply because I know my content creating career could have progressed much more than what it is now, but everything happens for a reason.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was born and raised in Philadelphia therefore on most social media platforms, I am known as “Phillydiva”. Growing up in Philadelphia in the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and now 2000’s, I have seen many different types of fashion trends which has not only influenced my own style, but it allows me to show the newer generations that most trends come and go. For the most part I can say my mother was a huge inspiration for my style. I remember her having all different types of accessories, shoes, bags, makeup and I loved how she had her own style. Currently I am very excited and proud of the type of content I am producing which is allowing my audience to not only see my outfits of the day, but it allows them to see fashion taken outside of the box. I follow a few fashion tips in styling, but the main one is to be true to who you are. Transparency in fashion is very liberating because it allows you to express yourself in ways unlike anything else.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or content creator is definitely being able inspired or influence others to be true to who they are. It makes me smile every single time someone says to me that “I’ve inspired them”. That is always my ultimate goal, and I want people to feel good about themselves. I truly believe if you look good, then your will feel good. Far too often as a woman we get into these ruts and don’t feel like getting dressed or do anything, but I truly believe there is something magical about getting dressed or getting your hair and nails done. Self-care is not only physical, but also mental and spiritual and if I can inspire or influence at least one person, then my job is done.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Well, when I first started content creating, I knew nothing about monetization, in fact I still don’t but I am learning. I really wish I would have grasped more information about it years ago but again everything happens for a reason. Currently there are several ways of monetization through content creating and I encourage people to do their research if you seriously considering content creation.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/phillydiva
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/PBB4s8C4k3xyhUiv/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/phillydiva19154