We recently connected with Ndeye Niang and have shared our conversation below.

Ndeye, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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?

Most days, I’m genuinely happier as a creative. I love the flexibility of my schedule, the opportunity to create meaningful content, and the ability to be an example for those who’ve often felt excluded from traditional media spaces. I especially love connecting with so many different people online and sharing, learning, and growing together.

Before becoming a full-time content creator, I came from a more traditional work background. I was a high school Special Education teacher and later spent a year working in marketing as a Social Media Manager. I often reflect on those experiences, especially during the tougher moments as a creator.

When I’m facing creative blocks, feeling emotionally off but still needing to show up online, or struggling to maintain structure, I think back to those previous roles. In those jobs, creativity was encouraged, but my income didn’t depend on how well it was received. I could have an off day without needing to explain myself or push through with forced positivity. Structure was built in and I didn’t have to create it from scratch.

Over time, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of balance. I’ve learned to honor my emotions and take small breaks when needed, recognizing that it’s one of the gifts of this creative path. At the same time, I’ve realized the importance of honoring my word to myself and approaching my own goals with the same discipline I once reserved for the people I reported to.

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

I’m a full-time beauty, plus-size fashion, and lifestyle content creator. I first started creating content in 2017 with a simple goal: to teach people with deeper skin tones how to do their makeup. Over time, my content evolved as I began sharing more of myself—my journey, my style, my experiences with dating, education, and both personal and professional growth.

Being plus-size, Muslim, and having a deep dark complexion makes my presence online unique and powerful. My commitment to showing up authentically, staying true to my values, and using my voice allows me to take up space in meaningful ways. In doing so, I’ve been able to create a community where others feel seen, welcomed, and like they belong.

What I’m most proud of is that people who’ve never met me before often tell me they feel like they know me and that they feel represented by me in a positive way. Every time someone shares that I helped them learn how to contour, feel more confident, or love themselves a little more, I’m reminded of my “why.”

I show up authentically not just for myself, but so others can feel empowered to do the same.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

What drives my creative journey is the desire to help others feel beautiful, seen, considered, and like they truly belong.

For a long time, I didn’t feel that way about myself. I struggled with my size, and my complexion. I genuinely didn’t like who I saw in the mirror. And it showed.

But everything changed when I began doing the self-love work from within. As I started healing internally, it began to show externally. I finally felt like I could participate in beauty in ways I never thought were meant for me.

That shift ignited something deeper: I wanted to show brands, and the world: that people with darker skin tones and larger bodies are not to be forgotten. We are worthy of being represented, considered, and celebrated. We deserve to feel as beautiful on the outside as we are on the inside.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Being a creator means constantly pivoting. When I first started on Instagram, IGTV had just launched—this was long before Reels even existed. From the beginning, I’ve had to learn how to adapt to the ever-changing social media landscape. Going from being a photo first creator- to a video first creator taught me first hand that my passions and creativity can be expressed in any medium!

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that the learning never stops. Growth, experimentation, and finding new ways to express my creativity aren’t optional—they’re essential if I want to sustain myself in this career.

I was a late adopter of TikTok, and while I don’t regret it, it taught me something valuable: always pay attention. Always stay curious. Always be willing to try. Because in this space, your career can depend on how open you are to evolving.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ndeye.peinda/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ndeyepeinda