We recently connected with Christelle Anani and have shared our conversation below.

Christelle, appreciate you joining us today. Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?

If nobody else supports you, your family and friends should. I am fortunate to have a good circle of people around me who love, support, and boost my efforts in this season. My family has provided a safe space for me to quit my 9-5 and chase my dreams, and I am forever grateful. My friends have prayed for me, supported my products, posted me, and used my products/services which helps me greatly. I’ve seen firsthand how some people will just watch and not engage, and I almost let myself get in my head about it. It’s not up to me to make my people support me, the real ones will. It’s crazy that sometimes strangers will be more supportive and engaged, but all that matters is we keep showing up and appreciating those who show up for us.

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

I am Christelle of @thatgirlchristelle on TikTok, IG, and YouTube as of this year. I am a digital creator, micro-influencer, and ugc creator using my passion, creativity, thoroughness, quality, and authenticity to continue building my brand and expanding my portfolio. My niches include lifestyle, beauty, wellness, & +size fashion content. I’m always open to gifted and preferably paid collaborations as they are mutually beneficial.

I am also the owner and CEO of Creatively Christelle – a Digital Marketing Business. I’ve been working in the marketing industry for over 5 years now, with 1+ years of building my brand and community on TikTok as a Digital Creator. My Masters degree in Marketing helps me to make informed decisions to shape the strategy behind the solutions I provide for your business, brand, or platform. I can help to Audit, Provide Recommendations, Content Strategy, Branding, and More. I also provide TikTok & UGC Content (and Strategy), and I even have Digital Products available for immediate download on my website.

I am so proud of myself for choosing creativity and what aligns with my purpose. I didn’t feel fulfilled when working my last 9-5, so this step has afforded me the time to focus on myself, my health, my content, and my business. I couldn’t be more grateful or aligned. I know this has been and will be great for me.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

All my life i’ve been a perfectionist. I’ve been extremely hard on myself, Worst of all, I’ve let perfectionism paralyze me into a state of fear and inaction. I’m unlearning the notion that it has to be perfect in order to be shared. I’m already a harsh critic, so chances are it’s actually good and I’m just overthinking. Towards the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023, I started sharing more, doing more, putting things into motion and action and it feels great. I know that this is just the catalyst to more greatness. I’m feeling so much better, and so much lighter about my work. Just do it! Create, Promote, Learn, Rest, Repeat!

Have you ever had to pivot?

Yes, quitting my 9-5 with an impending recession seems crazy but I had to put me first (if you know, you know LOL). I feel like being a creative makes you literally get creative when you think about, plan, and take actions to better your life. I could’ve played it safe, and while I haven’t necessarily seen the full return on my investment in myself, I know deep down that this was a necessary decision. I can always get another 9-5, but I can’t always have this time where I’m young, experimental, and free.

Contact Info:

• Website: creativelychristelle.com
• Portfolio: Thatgirlchristelle.com
• TikTok:  tiktok.com/@thatgirlchristelle
• Instagram: instagram.com/thatgirlchristelle.com
• Youtube: youtube.com/@thatgirlchristelle
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/christelle-anani

Image Credits
For photos in blue suit/dress – Photographer: Cathy Marszalik | Everything else is Creatively Christelle, LLC // That Girl Christelle