We recently connected with Doniqua Portley and have shared our conversation below.
Doniqua, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was deciding to fully step into my social media and wellness journey while maintaining a demanding career as a real estate paralegal that focuses on litigated matters.
The work is high pressure, detail oriented, and requires a lot of consistency and reliability. I loved my work, but I also felt a pull toward sharing my passion for fitness, wellness, and lifestyle on Instagram.
At first, it was just a hobby, posting workouts, wellness tips, and glimpses of my life, but I quickly realized there was potential to turn it into something more meaningful. The risk came in the form of time, energy, and vulnerability. I knew that putting myself out there could open me up to criticism, and juggling a full time, demanding career while consistently creating content felt almost impossible.
Despite the uncertainty, I decided to take the leap. I committed to sharing my real journey, both successes and struggles, and connecting authentically with my audience. Slowly but surely, it paid off. Not only did I build a community of people inspired by what I do, but it also taught me how to manage my time, prioritize my passions, and find balance. Taking that risk reminded me that growth often comes from stepping outside comfort zones.
Ultimately, the risk transformed how I approach my career and life. I became more confident, disciplined, and willing to lean into opportunities that challenge me, knowing that even if the outcome is not perfect, the experience itself is invaluable.
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’m Doniqua, a real estate paralegal specializing in litigated matters and a fitness and lifestyle creator sharing my journey on Instagram. I am also a new and first time mom, and becoming a parent has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It has changed how I approach both my career and my personal life and taught me a lot about balance, growth, and self care.
I started sharing my fitness and wellness journey as a way to document my progress, but it quickly became a space to inspire others. I share tips, real life experiences, and encouragement to show that health and wellness can be enjoyable, sustainable, and adaptable to life’s changes including parenthood.
As a paralegal, I work on complex contested matters, helping clients navigate challenges and find solutions. This work has taught me discipline, resilience, and attention to detail, qualities I bring to everything I do.
What sets me apart is authenticity. I share both triumphs and challenges, creating a community where people feel motivated and supported while pursuing their goals and embracing life’s milestones.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was expecting everyone you think will support you to actually be there. Early on, I assumed friends and family would celebrate my wins and encourage my goals, but that was not always the case. I ended up receiving the most genuine love and support from unexpected places, including strangers who connected with my journey.
Learning this was hard, but it taught me that it is okay not to have support from everyone and that their absence does not diminish my goals or worth. I learned to celebrate those who show up, trust myself, and keep moving forward, which has made me stronger both personally and professionally.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Yes, I would choose the same profession, but if I could go back, I would go ahead and attend law school to become an attorney.
Fear and financial limitations held me back at the time, and becoming a paralegal was the next best path. It has been an incredible experience that has taught me discipline, resilience, and problem solving, and I’m proud of the work I do.
Having a daughter now has given this even more meaning. I want to show her that it is possible to pursue your dreams and passions even when you are scared to fail. I want her to know that I will always be there to support and catch her as she takes those risks and follows her heart.
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