As I read the book Her20Somethings, I knew I had to meet the amazing author behind the story. As Zakiyrah’s face looked back at me on the cover, it was a reminder that we as women are not alone. Whether you’re in your early, mid, or late twenties, we are still discovering who we are. We don’t have everything figured out and we can’t be ashamed about it. The author of Her20Somethings, Zakiyrah Ficklin, talks about millennial women changing the world and what she has learned so far in her 20 Somethings. 
Zakiyrah Ficklin, Author of Her20Somethings
What inspired you to write Her20Somethings?
Zakiyrah: ” I wanted to create a guide for other young women to help them transition from pain to purpose and learn some of the necessary lessons I learned while in their 20’s. Life after I’ve written Her 20 SomeTHINGS has been amazing. I’ve been so much more intentional with my time, who I share energy with, and I’ve been very fearless when it comes to “just doing it.”
How 20Something old are you? What are the important lessons you have learned so far in your 20’s?
Zakiyrah: “I’m 24 years old. So far in my 20’s: I’ve learned that there is an expiration date on blaming the past; meaning there’s no way we can walk into who God has called us to be if we’re holding on to people who did us wrong, situations that never happened, or circumstances that we’ve encountered. I’ve also learned that life is urgent. Although we should let tomorrow worry about itself I feel that it’s still important that we prioritize our days. Learning that my time is valuable and once it’s wasted you can’t get it back was a great lesson. One other thing I’ve learned in my 20’s is that you should be who you say you are and do what you say you’re going to do. It’s so important to keep your word because it is directly connected to your credibility, trust people have in you, and your integrity. “
Millennial women are changing the world! What is one thing you want other women to remember about you?
Zakiyrah: “YES! Millennial women are super dope! I want other women to remember that our purpose is not about us, it is about serving other people, and that is exactly what I strive to do.”
You are the founder of H.E.R. Foundation. What is the mission statement and the purpose of the organization?
Zakiyrah: H.E.R. Foundation Inc. is a 501c3 organization based in Atlanta and we work with young ladies who have absent fathers and focus on personal development. So education, financial literacy, and health/wellness. We are currently working on an after school curriculum for APS district. Our ultimate goal is to build a girls group home in Malawi. They are one of the most impoverished places in the world and they lack educational resources and women care products. “
How to stay consistent in your brand? What tips can you give to entrepreneurs about investing in themselves?
Zakiyrah: “One of the best tips I can give you on how to stay consistent is to start small. A lot of times we want to go for the big but we haven’t mastered the small. Once you get comfortable with the small tasks then you’ll be more prepared for the bigger tasks and it will help you feel a sense of accomplishment and stay on your path. Investing in yourself is one of the most important things you can do in your life. Each week do at least one thing that’s invests in yourself. Whether that is buying a new book, going to a conference, going to the spa, taking a cooking class. Whatever area of your life you need to cater to at that time invest in you! “
What are some things you struggle with as a woman in your 20’s?
Zakiyrah: “I can honestly say early on we as women tend to struggle with looking at other people’s success and beating ourselves up because we are not specifically where they are. What I’ve learned is we have to stop allowing the world to set a pace for us. Each of us were uniquely designed and we will reach our destiny at the pace God sets for us.”
How do you juggle engagements, branding, and everything else in your life?
Zakiyrah: “I would be a complete wreck if I didn’t organize my days. I was once horrible at planning out my days and actually executing, but I live by my calendar. If it’s not on my calendar it does not exist. Prioritizing the things that must get done helps me to stay sane and organized. “
What women influence you and why?
Zakiyrah: “I’m influenced/inspired by all women of God walking in their calling, bringing the next one up with them, and slaying while doing it!”
What is the bible scripture that reminds you why you should keep pushing? What doors have God opened for your brand?
Zakiyrah: “Jeremiah 29:11 is my fave! It reminds me that God already has a plan for my life and I should not worry! He’s blessed me with opportunities to partner with the WNBA Atlanta Dream, featured in Modern Luxury Jezebel Magazine, guest on the Willie Moore Jr. Show, and more. I’m grateful for everything that God has blessed me with thus far.”
What’s next for Zakiyrah?
Zakiyrah: “Currently I am working on my second book. Co-authored by my dad (Kendall Ficklin). It is going to definitely help, save, and change lives. Stay tuned for that!”
People say I’m a talented, multifaceted professional who lives her life by design; and honestly I do.
For years, I understood that my purpose was to serve others. I am a firm believer in building a lifestyle based on my purpose and passion. I have always maintained a heartfelt desire to do and be more.
I choose to no longer settle, but aim to proclaim my God-given talents and abilities through serving and inspire other women to accomplish their goals.
Through hard work, setbacks, diligence and experiences, I have penned my first book, Her 20 SomeTHINGS, which is a story and self-help book designed to help young women transition from pain to purpose.
With the ambition to build others, I co- founded the H.E.R. Foundation, a non-profit organization that seeks to develop women with skill-based learning and resources.
I genuinely seek to help women thrive and to spread a message of loving self and loving others. Through the unity of women, I believe we are stronger by giving the world a sharpened insight for what a woman truly represents.
I received my B.A. in Journalism (Public Relations) from Georgia State University and I am two months away from graduating with my Masters of Arts in Public Relations (Woot-Woot). I am super excited about becoming my best authentic self, and I would love to assist you with doing the same!
Contact:
Zakiyrah Ficklin
IG: @Zakiyrah
Facebook: Zakiyrah Ficklin
Email: info@zakiyrahficklin.com
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