We were lucky to catch up with Zay The Don recently and have shared our conversation below.

Zay The, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

It all started with a vision—a dream of creating a platform to put Baltimore on the map and shine a light on the people who truly deserve it. I believed in the idea before anything else, and that belief was the spark. At first, it was just me, writing articles on the internet, highlighting people and issues that needed attention in the city. I was committed to giving Baltimore a voice, and each article was a step in that direction.

As my audience grew, so did my ambition. I wanted to create something bigger, to reach more people, but I wasn’t sure how to get there. That’s when a turning point came—out of nowhere, a well-known figure in the city named Tru reached out. I had never met him, but he saw my work and offered me an opportunity to join his company, Tru Relations, as a journalist. That moment was pivotal.

Working with Tru Relations allowed me to hone my skills as a journalist and expand my platform to have a greater impact. I learned to navigate the media world, build connections, and most importantly, stay true to my mission of highlighting urban culture. From those early steps of believing in myself, to writing and getting noticed, I’ve grown an influential platform that continues to shine a positive light on the urban culture

Zay The, 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?

My name is Zay The Don, and my story is one of coming from the bottom and rising through the struggle. I always knew I was destined for greatness, but I had to trust in God and believe in myself to get here. Growing up in Baltimore, I saw how easy it is for talent and potential to go unnoticed, especially in communities facing challenges. I was determined to be different, to create something that gave me and others a voice.

Today, my work includes curating articles and headliners, conducting interviews, producing digital magazines, and coaching people on how to create financial freedom. What sets me apart is my connection to the struggle—I know what it’s like to have nothing and fight for everything. I use my platform to uplift those who are often overlooked, providing exposure to artists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who deserve the spotlight, while also teaching people how to make money in their sleep.

For me, it’s about giving back to my city and using my journey to inspire others. I want people to know that no matter where you start, with faith and self-belief, you can make it. My brand is built on authenticity, passion, and a commitment to highlighting urban culture and helping others find their own path to success.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I first realized that I wanted to leave my mark on Baltimore and become someone people knew and respected for my work, I was really just shooting for the stars because I had big ambitions and high hopes, but at the time, I didn’t know anybody, and I didn’t have any support so I would’ve known that I’ve made it this far. It was just me, believing in what I wanted to accomplish.

Seeing how far I’ve come—from nobody knowing who I was to becoming someone the youth and my peers look up to—is incredibly fulfilling. I’ve worked alongside people I once admired and earned the respect of high-level individuals through the work I’ve done. The journey has been challenging, but to now be in a position where my community respects me and my work speaks for itself, that’s what makes it all worth it.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I built my Instagram platform to 41.9k and my Tiktok to 12.3k by constantly promoting my business posting good content. Also staying relevant too by keeping up with what’s going on and posting quality content that make people stay in tune

My biggest tips for anyone is

1- Stay Consistent
2- Don’t Forget Tip 1
3- Promote Your Business Every Day
4- Engage With Your Followers
5- Make Sure You Posting Quality Content
6- Have A Plan

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stan.store/Zaythe_don?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYsgKJcTnRDdkvQmAUzuL6pTJGzWMa8i6IUYtEBNcR8KnRSIDG6M3V0eB8_aem_HQFpSBI7DeQDYTZdYyO51w
• Instagram: Thereal_zaythedon
• Facebook: ZayThe Don
• Linkedin: Isaiah Young
• Twitter: ZayThe_Don

Image Credits

Gee.jolie & Ahviews