Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zenovia. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Zenovia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is starting a non-profit organization that encourages Black Families to get outside and adventure together. This organization was born from my families lived experiences. As we would head out to hike, paddle board etc…we rarely encountered other Black families. It took some time before we truly thought about “why”, but it was frustrating to witness. We wanted to be a part of shining the narrative of who enjoys the outdoors and who it was for, so we started Black Kids Adventures, Inc.

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 a two time graduate of Alabama A&M University where I earned a B.S. and M.S. in Biology. A former Regulatory Affairs Specialist in the Pharmaceutical Industry, I currently works as a content creator and run a non-profit organization, Black Kids Adventures, Inc, which focuses on getting Black and Brown families to spend time together exploring and enjoying nature.

Originally from Chicago, IL, my husband and I have been residing in Huntsville, AL since 2008 and have 3 adventurous sons. We love exploring AL and beyond with our boys as well as finding creative ways to be adventurous at home!

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I’ve built my audience by being authentic. Above all things, I believe it’s important to always be your true self when using social media. Will it result in fewer likes, follows and shares? Absolutely, but it allows the creator to hold on to the values and things that are important. When you bend and shape yourself into what others or the algorithms want, your voice becomes meaningless.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2011 I was working a job I loved and felt had potential for growth and longevity. My husband had a good job as well, so we purchased a new home and conceived our first child soon after. 5 months into the pregnancy we decided to visit Myrtle Beach for a baby moon and it was great. We laid out on the beach, discussed what life would be like as parents and leisurely explored before returning to Alabama. Upon my return to work, I was met with news that my lab may be closing soon. By the end of that week, the lab closed. I was 5 months pregnant with a new mortgage and no job. While my husband worked to provide for us, I’d be lying if I didn’t say being laid off during that time shook me and changed the entire trajectory of my life. With two degrees under my belt, I’d become a stay at home mom overnight.

I loved the time this shift afforded me with my child, but I wasn’t always confident or sure of the future. Even so, my husband and I pivoted and worked together to tackle everything that came our way. I was blessed to be home with each of our kids, not without much sacrifice, and would eventually be lead down a path that got me to where I am today.

Going through this, I now love to tell people to try and focus on the journey. Because despite our careful plans, life will always though a ball no one was expecting. If we focus on the journey, we’re always ready to pivot and take what was meant from every situation we encounter.

Contact Info:

• Website: blackadventurecrew.com & blackkidsadventures.org
• Instagram: @blackadventurecrew & @blackkidsadvenrures
• Facebook: @blackadventurecrew & @blackkidsadvenrures