Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr Zylia N Knowlin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dr Zylia N, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I have learned that to be successful I have to be authentic. I have to constantly show up as myself. I am most successful when I do what I love. I have learned that being the only one in the room that looks like me is an opportunity to shine and represent my ancestors. I wrote a book, 1991 by Dr Zylia N Knowlin, that exemplifies the strength of the marginalized.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am the proud owner of Empress Haberdashery, Black Girls Write 2 LLC and Empress Eyes Eyeshadow. I offer Afrocentric products including my own line of eyeshadow, my published books in my online store. Additionally, I offer professional writing services. I focus on providing quality products and services to my customers that are high quality and effective. I am passionate about serving my community in a localized place that is convenient and reliable.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three qualities and skills that were most impactful on my journey have been being a good listener, being responsive to people’s needs and being organized (OCD organized). My best advice would be to take risks when possible understanding that you win some and loss some. But just know every shot not taken is a definite loss!
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
My biggest area of growth has been to trust the process. To that end, I have grown and improved in productivity and self accountability. I have taken bigger and better steps to living my life as if everything I want, I already have. You have to see it, live it, be it- before you become it!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blackgirlswrite2.com
- Instagram: BlackGirlsWrite2LLC, DrZyliaNKnowlin
- Facebook: Dr Zylia N Knowlin, BlackGirlsWrite2 Facebook Group
- Linkedin: Dr Zylia N Knowlin
- Youtube: Blackgirlswrite2
