Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Akilah ‘Nyuki’ Walker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Akilah ‘Nyuki’, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Hi! Thank you for having me. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome is still a challenge for me. I seek help within my community, utilizing mental health services and support groups. Grounding myself started with self awareness, for awhile I was in denial that I needed help and I had reached my breaking point when I became pregnant with my second child. It was during the pandemic and it felt like the walls were closing in. I remember answering a questionnaire and my OB/GYN had recommended a support group for mothers. In 2020 was my first experience with a support group and one on one life coaching. It opened the door for me to continue addressing mental health symptoms that I would experience and I’ve been in therapy ever since.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Akilah, but you can call me Nyuki. It’s pronounced ‘Yo-key’ and its Bee in Swahili. Akilah is Arabic for ‘knowledgeable one’ and it truly describes who I am. I love to read books mostly autobiographies, biographies, science, business, health and wellness. I am also an artist, creative director of hair and production. I love to be behind the lens with the photographers I work with and hair gives me the creative freedom to bring the photographer and my clients concepts to life. Recently I was diagnosed with Premenstral Disphoric Disorder (PMDD), its a more serious form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It causes physical and emotional symptoms in the week or two before my cycle starts. So I’ve been finding new ways to stay motivated and inspired, recently started creating crowns. Each crown representing the trials I have overcome while experiencing mental and physical symptoms that I could not explain. So I’ve been having a lot of fun creating each one. I also have a collaboration with a local photographer Jess W Photography. I will be the model, I’m so excited to continue building my modeling portfolio.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I continue to learn honesty is important to my self awareness and development. Being honest with myself connects me to the resources I need to push through any obstacle that comes my way. Integrity, trusting in my community to assist me in hardships brings optimism and strength to keep pushing through. I’ve been blessed to network with individuals, businesses and organizations of healers who help me in confidence. Faith, its not talked about enough. My prayer warriors encourage me through trials and tribulations. I am grateful my heart is open to share my testimony.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
Being diagnosed with PMDD has been a challenge and at times feels like a life sentence. Alot of people speak of PCOS and PMS and all are manageable. Yet seeking answers and for someone to take my case has been exhausting and at times intensifies my symptoms. Lately I have been leaning more on grounding myself in faith reading the bible for hope, giving me the strength to continue fighting this demon. It sneaks up on me and deters me from God’s will and plan for my life. Being surrounded by like minded individuals that also believe in health equity for all builds my confidence to continue to manifest a world that helps heal me. I plan to continue to be a health and wellness advocate in my community, sharing the wealth of wisdom and knowledge my community has blessed me with thus far.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @nyukihairstudio
Image Credits
Marcus Lenard Photo
