We recently connected with Kareema Weaver and have shared our conversation below.

Kareema, appreciate you joining us today. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?

Family and friends’ support is crucial and can make an impactful difference on your road to success. I only shared the news with my close friends and family when I began blogging. I rarely advertised on my social media accounts and did not require or ask my friends and family to support me. Although through the years, my family and a few friends have been my number one supporter. Not because I asked but because they genuinely love and support me, and most importantly, they are rooting for me to win.

I have been reflecting on my blogging journey and growth this past year. As proud as I am of what I have built, I am immensely grateful for my support system. As creators and business owners, you get comfortable hearing no and the naysayers, but the words I replay at night are words of encouragement. The random text, “I just checked out your blog, keep going, you’re doing great!” Often, when the term support is mentioned, the thought is that it needs to be of monetizing value, but in reality, we are seeking a kind comment, like, share, and a bonus for a new follower, subscriber, or customer.

So, now, I boldly require support from my friends and family when I share my new endeavors. At the bare minimum, I expect well wishes; anything less than that is a red flag, an indicator they do not belong in the inner circle.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Kareema Weaver, the creator of the Misunderstood Afro-Muslimah. I created my blog to share my experiences as a Black American Muslim woman while debunking negative stereotypes. My blog has grown into a multimedia platform, and I work with various publicists to review movies and novels. I share my day-to-day life through my social media platform. I began sharing my journey with having Polycystic Ovary Syndrome( PCOS) in My PCOS Life, where I have partnered with Thinx as a Thinx Leader to help bring awareness and build a community of people who share the same and other related hormonal conditions. I recently partnered with Leafwell, an online medical marijuana certificate platform, sharing my journey with Glaucoma and how cannabis has aided and reduced my symptoms. My blog is an accurate representation of myself, and I intend to create a platform I wish I had when I was younger; y’all know representation is vital.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

As a creator, you need a lot of confidence and perseverance. When I began my creative journey, I set a goal to be vulnerable and authentic through my words. I am constantly pushing myself out of my comfort zone and seeking ways for growth. Honestly, I underestimated how much of a disservice I was doing to myself by being my number one naysayer. People are attracted to confidence, and I faked it until it became my reality. Being a creator is a full-time job that requires and thrives off of authenticity. Tackling the things you might want to hide and pouring them into your craft in hopes that one person resonates and enjoys your vulnerability. But also with the understanding constructive criticism is our friend, although it may hurt. As a creator, I read every comment, and it takes a lot of strength to share my words with the world and allow feedback.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of my blogging journey is connecting with people globally. My blog has always been my therapeutic release, but a surprising twist is feeling so seen. I genuinely appreciate every kind comment and people sharing their stories and experiences. My words have shown me we are all human, and everyone wants to feel seen and be understood. I am honored that I not only created a therapeutic release for myself but have inspired others, and people consider my blog and presence a safe place.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://themisunderstoodafromuslimah.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theafromuslimah/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themisunderstoodafromuslimah
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AfroMuslimah
• Other: https://linktr.ee/theafromuslimah

Image Credits
Lambert Aryee and Bunmi Abari