We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nikaylah Langston. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nikaylah below.

Nikaylah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s one of the most important lessons you learned in school?

In the realm of content creation and entrepreneurship, one of the most important lessons I learned came from a memorable experience during my high school years. It was a lesson about staying the course, which means not giving up when things get tough or don’t go according to plan. This lesson has had a profound impact on my journey as a content creator and entrepreneur, and I’d like to share the story behind it.

During high school, I participated in an extracurricular activity that I was passionate about from the start. I was enthusiastic and genuinely loved every aspect of it. However, as time went on and I delved deeper into this competitive sport, challenges began to arise. It became more difficult, and I started facing setbacks and obstacles. Gradually, my initial excitement and enthusiasm began to wane, and I found myself contemplating quitting.

Feeling overwhelmed by the hardships and the realization that success in this activity wouldn’t come easily, I sought guidance from a teacher whom I trusted. I poured out my frustrations, explaining how things were not going as planned, and how I was considering abandoning my pursuit. It was in that vulnerable moment that my teacher imparted a piece of wisdom that would forever stick with me: “Stay the course.”

Those three simple words carried immense meaning. They reminded me that giving up when things get tough only robs us of the opportunity to witness the beauty that lies within the journey itself. They encouraged me to persevere through challenges and embrace the hardships as an integral part of growth. And most importantly, they taught me the importance of finishing what I start, no matter the difficulties encountered along the way.

As I ventured into the realm of content creation and entrepreneurship later in life, this lesson became even more relevant. Building an online presence, creating valuable content, and running a successful business are not easy tasks. There were times when I faced self-doubt, discouragement, and a lack of visible progress. However, the lesson of staying the course resurfaced in my mind, reminding me to push forward.

I learned to apply this lesson to my content creation efforts. Even when faced with low views, minimal engagement, or negative feedback, I chose to persist. I understood that success wouldn’t happen overnight and that consistency and perseverance were key. No matter how many views I received or comments I garnered, I kept going, refining my skills, and creating content with grace.

Likewise, as an entrepreneur, staying the course became my mantra. I realized that setbacks and failures were inevitable, but they didn’t define my journey. Instead, they became opportunities for growth and learning. I remained focused on my vision, even when others couldn’t see it, understanding that being a visionary often means paving your own path.

The lesson of staying the course has been an anchor throughout my content creation and entrepreneurial journey. It has taught me the value of resilience, perseverance, and commitment. By embracing this lesson, I have been able to navigate the challenges that come with being a content creator and entrepreneur, and continue moving forward, even in the face of adversity.

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.

Allow me to introduce myself to those who are not yet familiar. I am Nikaylah Jenae, a multifaceted entrepreneur and content creator. My journey began when I ventured into the beauty industry as an eyelash technician, specializing in various lash styles that enhance women’s beauty and make them feel truly radiant.

In addition to my lash expertise, I have embarked on another exciting business venture called IT GIRL LIFESTYLE. This brand is all about curating lifestyle, health, and wellness content, with the aim of motivating like-minded individuals to become the best versions of themselves. IT girls are empowered individuals who excel in both their personal and professional lives, understanding that true success starts from within.

As part of IT GIRL Lifestyle, I have developed a digital planner to assist fellow multifaceted individuals, like myself, in managing their busy lives effectively. This planner includes a range of templates, such as gratitude journals, semester schedules, and monthly calendars, designed to enhance organization and productivity. I am proud to announce that physical planners will be available for purchase starting January 2024.

Under my personal brand, Nikaylah Jenae, I curate beauty, lifestyle, and fashion content aimed at inspiring and motivating young women. I take pride in offering authentic content that showcases the behind-the-scenes work involved in content creation, providing transparency and demonstrating that achieving big dreams is indeed possible.

As a social media influencer, I have had the privilege of collaborating with renowned companies such as Clinique, where I participated in an on-campus event. I have also worked with prominent brands like Too Faced and PrettyLittleThing, serving as an ambassador and contributing to their recent campaigns. What sets me apart is that I have carved my own path, witnessing few individuals who resemble my journey in the content creation world. By becoming a blueprint for myself and other aspiring girls, I strive to create space and take up room in areas where we are underrepresented.

My passion for content creation and entrepreneurship stems from a constant desire to grow and achieve more, both personally and professionally. Sharing my expertise and experiences in achieving certain looks and styles with others has always fascinated me, leading me to make it accessible to the public. I relish every aspect of the process, from hairstyling and makeup artistry to editing and storytelling. Entrepreneurship has come naturally to me as I have transformed my interests and passions into cash-flow generating ventures.

Being multifaceted, I extend my reach beyond a single craft. What truly makes me an IT GIRL is the fact that, at the age of 20 and while pursuing an undergraduate degree in advertising and public relations at the prestigious University of Tampa, I am the owner of multiple businesses. My ambition knows no bounds, and I am continuously striving to inspire others to embrace their authentic selves and gracefully overcome all odds.

In the near future, I will be releasing an ebook focused on content creation, aimed at assisting other creators in mastering the art of editing short-form content. My ultimate goal is to remain true to myself, surpassing all expectations, and living a life filled with grace and authenticity.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Yes, my side hustle eventually turned into my main/full-time business and career. Here’s the story of how it all began and how it scaled up to where it is today:

I started my content creation journey on a small scale by making videos showcasing my outfits and confidently presenting myself as if I were a model. The response from people was incredible, and they were really enjoying the content I was putting out. At that point, I knew I wanted to pursue content creation as a career, but I hadn’t yet decided on the specific direction I wanted to take.

After some experimentation and exploration, I identified three main categories in which I wanted to create content. These categories aligned with my passions and interests, and I felt they would resonate well with my target audience. With this clarity, I decided to go all-in and make content creation my full-time pursuit.

To scale up my business, I developed a plan and set clear goals for what I wanted to achieve. These goals included milestones such as increasing my audience size, building a strong online presence, collaborating with other content creators, and monetizing my content. By having a roadmap in place, I was able to stay focused and work towards these objectives.

As I dedicated more time and effort to creating content, my business started to grow steadily. I constantly challenged myself to produce high-quality content, engage with my audience, and explore new avenues for expansion. This included leveraging social media platforms, attending events and conferences, and collaborating with brands and influencers in my niche.

One key milestone was when I reached a certain number of subscribers or followers, signifying that my content was resonating with a larger audience. This milestone gave me the confidence to continue pushing forward and investing more into my business.

Another significant milestone was when I started generating income from my content. This was achieved through various means, such as brand partnerships, sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and creating my own products or services. Earning an income from my passion was incredibly rewarding and motivated me to keep growing and improving.

Of course, scaling a business is an ongoing process, and I’m still in the process of growing and expanding my content creation business. However, by recognizing my potential, setting goals, and consistently delivering valuable content, I’ve been able to turn my side hustle into a fulfilling and successful career.

Remember, realizing your own potential and having a clear vision for your goals are crucial steps in turning your side hustle into a thriving business. Stay committed, keep learning, and embrace the opportunities that come your way. Good luck on your own journey!

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Throughout my journey of personal growth and self-reflection, I have actively sought out various resources that have greatly influenced my management and entrepreneurial thinking. Recognizing the need for change and improvement, I embarked on a quest for knowledge and wisdom, delving into books, videos, and podcasts that have profoundly impacted my mindset.

One podcast that resonated deeply with me was “Know for Sure” by B. Simone and Megan Ashley. Their insightful discussions and Christ like advice opened my eyes to new perspectives and empowered me to approach challenges with confidence. And walk with god every step of the way Additionally, “To all the people” podcast by Janell Roberts provided me with valuable insights into effective communication, getting out of your own way and the importance of emotional intelligence

In my pursuit of personal and professional growth, I discovered books that have become cornerstones of my entrepreneurial philosophy. “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” exposed me to the transformative power of perseverance, teaching me to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Another impactful read was “You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life” by Jen Sincero. This book instilled in me a sense of self-belief and a courageous mindset, encouraging me to take risks and pursue my goals fearlessly.

By immersing myself in these resources, I have been able to develop a strong foundation of management principles and entrepreneurial thinking. They have equipped me with valuable insights, strategies, and a profound understanding of the importance of personal growth as the catalyst for professional success. Continually seeking out knowledge and applying the wisdom gained from these resources, I am committed to evolving as a leader and entrepreneur, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/nikaylahjenaee?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=97a48633-4694-4442-a05e-3652b2c35f67&fbclid=PAAaYeefaiVIGmc55pa40cKuOpj-5ReGDKQrPo6G0cabDLKpEL59zLrRwzYM4
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nikaylahjenae?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikaylah-langston-125b07232
• Youtube: https://instagram.com/nikaylahjenae?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==