We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Naeemah Purcell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Naeemah below.
Naeemah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
I actually am happy as a creative. I get to create so many different things that people can enjoy! Believe it or not, I do actually work a somewhat regular job that helps me afford to bring all of my ideas to life, while also giving me the freedom to afford to give time to all of my projects.
Naeemah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hi everyone my name is Naeemah Purcell, but I also go by the stage name Queen Pedii. I’m currently 32 years old, born and raised in Washington DC. I’ve always loved entertaining others so I knew that this would be the industry that I would absolutely be in. I started a YouTube channel when I was in high school doing different things around my school, at home or on outings with friends. Then I progressed to my first podcast in 2014 called Pedii Talks Music. At the moment I’m working on my app for mental health awareness called Brighter Day, the Not Your Normal Discussion Podcast as well as my Queen Pedii clothing and shoe line.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When I was 14 years old I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I had to learn how to live with a debilitating Chronic Illness that would cause me to lose the use of my joints at the age when I should have been enjoying making friends and living my life. I was told at one point by my doctor that if I didn’t start responding to certain medications that I would be in a wheelchair by 22. I’m 32 and I’m still standing tall and walking fine. I have continued to live my life to the fullest as much as possible. I travel, workout, do yoga etc. My illness won’t stop me from creating new experiences and meeting new people.
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?
A lot of people don’t know what goes on behind the scenes. Most people just see that you have a show or you’ve posted a video and think to themselves well that seems easy I can do that too. They can but, also you need to be patient, have thick skin and be willing to learn from others. I use a software to stream Not Your Normal Discussion and it took me a few tries to be able to get my timing right for commercials, promos etc. i have no engineer so I run the show by myself. It’s a hard task to do but I get it done.
People also don’t know the amount of hours it takes to edit a video or show. I’ve had times where I’ve fallen asleep at my computer because it got so late at night. Everything that I do takes a lot of time and patience. I want people to know that just because you haven’t had a video go viral doesn’t mean that you should just give up outright. Sometimes it takes months and sometimes years but, you have to put in the hard work and use your personality or else you’re just another person that uploads their video hoping for a moment.
When I wrote my book no one but my close family or friends knew that it took me a long time during the pandemic to figure out how I wanted the story to flow and whether or not I wanted to do real life pictures or have them be drawn. It was definitely stressful but all some people saw was that I produced a book. Everything takes time.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.queenpediiwrites.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queenpedii
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pediiakanaeemah
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/queenpediiwrite
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@queenpediiwrites
- Other: https://linktr.ee/QueenPedii
Image Credits
Glenn Taylor Photographer