Ayana is a Tampa, FL-based lifestyle blogger, influencer, podcaster, and freelance writer. Since launching her blog, she’s worked with dozens of brands in lifestyle, health, and food verticals, including Neutrogena, AdventHealth, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and more. She was also named 2019 Lifestyle Influencer of the Year by the InfluenceHer Collective. Read on for Ayana’s inspiring story of pivoting from what she originally thought she’d pursue as a career, to boldly and vulnerably pursuing her passions instead.

The Basics:

Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Current city: Tampa, Florida
Alma mater: University of Florida
Degree: B.A., Journalism
Very first job: Newspaper writer
Hustle: Lifestyle Blogger

The Interests:

Babe you admire and why?
Megan thee Stallion is at the top of the list right now! I’ve always loved her music, but seeing her put herself through college while being a Grammy award-winning artist is seriously so inspirational. 

One album, no skips: what are you listening to?
Sour by Olivia Rodrigo, of course. Or Beyonce’s Homecoming.

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
Italy, without a question.

Biggest pet peeve?
Loud chewing.

The Hustle:

Tell us about your hustle. 

I’m a lifestyle blogger, which means that I share snippets of my life on both Instagram and my personal blog. I also create content for brands, which is so much fun. I’ve had the chance to work with incredible companies, and it’s now my primary income stream. I’m also a freelance writer! My professional career started in journalism, and it’s really cool to use those skills in a different way. I mainly do SEO copywriting. 

What has your professional journey been like so far? How did you find yourself in your current career? 

To make a long story short, I was a breaking news reporter out of college before finding a job in public relations. In 2019, I left my job as a content writing manager to start my own business. This is my favorite job I’ve had so far!

Some of your writing has appeared in the Tampa Bay Times, Miami Herald, and Bustle; is there a particular piece that is most memorable or that you’re most fond of? 

Yes, two pieces, both in the Times. I wrote about my miscarriage and about my mental health struggles, and the response to both of those articles taught me that my writing can actually make a difference in people’s lives. 

Since starting your blog in 2017, you’ve worked with lots of well-known brands. What collaboration has been the most exciting to be a part of? Who do you dream of working with one day? 

It’s difficult to pick a favorite, but working with Dove was one of the highlights of my career. My dream partnerships would be Starbucks or Target, since that’s where I spend most of my money anyway. 

How have your past professional and academic experiences and lessons prepared you for the work you do today? How have they not prepared you? 

Honestly, networking has been most valuable in my career. College introduced me to people who have helped me get to where I am today. Professors who wrote recommendation letters and friends who put in a good word with their employers have gone a lot further than any technical training I received. 

How has being a woman impacted your professional experiences? What can we collectively do to support and empower women in your industry today? 

The influencer industry is primarily dominated by women, and I haven’t faced any notable sexism as a blogger. Working in corporate offices was much different, though, and I did struggle with not being taken seriously by my male counterparts. One of the best ways to support women is to demand pay equity and encourage women to talk about how much money they make, in my opinion. 

What’s one thing you’re proud to have accomplished in your career thus far? 

I was named lifestyle influencer of the year by InfluenceHer Collective in 2020. It feels weird to brag about it, but it’s an award that means a lot to me, especially because I’ve only been blogging for four years. 

Who are some women in your field that you look to for inspiration?

I’ve gotten to know so many incredible women through my podcast (shameless plug!), and there are a few who I think everyone should follow. Hitha Palepu balances entrepreneurship, blogging, motherhood, and being an author. Kate Baer is an incredible poet whose creativity inspires me. Lastly, Lindsay Silberman is a blogger and businesswoman who is killing it with her brand Hotel Lobby Candle.  

Career and/or life advice for other babes (both inside and outside of your industry)?

My biggest piece of advice is to always ask for more money than you think you’ll get, whether you’re a full-time freelancer or negotiating with a boss. I remember being in an old job and finding out that a male colleague who barely put in effort made $15,000 more than me. Ask for more!

Connect with Ayana:

Instagram / Website / Email / Podcast

This interview has been condensed and edited.

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