Today we’d like to introduce you to Ngozi Ahanotu-Anorue.
Hi Ngozi, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Words are my foundation. Growing up, I enjoyed reading everything and writing about anything. I was a record-breaking reader, writer, and speller throughout school. Once I understood the gift that God placed in me, I really stepped into it during high school and college as an entertainment journalist. I would interview recording artists for my personal music blog(https://misssdip.blogspot.com/), Creative Loafing, Ozone Magazine, and other publications. Additionally, at Georgia State University I wrote for the college newspaper, The Signal, and various student organizations I was involved in. I just knew I was going to be the next Lola Ogunnaike.
Well, my entertainment journalism dreams didn’t exactly pan out how I hoped but I continued working extensively on my writing. With the help of amazing women like Lola Jaye, Chante Lagon, and Shonitria Anthony – I was able to pursue writing full-time through a number of different clients and outlets. That’s how my content consulting agency NIA NIA Creative Content Studio came along. It’s through my continued efforts to pursue writing professionally and ultimately become a master writer that I’ve been able to take my agency to the next level. This year we employed a number of contractors as client requests are increasing.
There was a time I never saw myself making money as a writer because of how certain generations have assumed creative careers mean ‘struggling artists.’ Thankfully that’s far from the case nowadays. Anyone can take their creative skills to corporate, tech, or freelance and comfortably make six figures.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The dream is never smooth. NIA NIA is the finale to a number of different creative businesses I’ve started over time because I needed to release my passions and the things that set my heart on fire.
Now readers shouldn’t get it twisted – I also love money. I love to make it. I love to be generous with it. I love to save it. However, I didn’t reach a true livable wage as a professional writer until 2019. Before that, I didn’t have much savings and was working for $15 an hour at Sears. I hustled hard and learned a lot of lessons that put me in a position to have a profitable business today and a growing tech company right here in Atlanta.
As you know, we’re big fans of what you’re building at hiihat. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the company?
Gratefully, I’ve been able to create systems and processes to onboard clients with ease at NIA NIA Creative Content Studio. Now, my focus is building a tech startup designed to reimagine how fast people can circulate their money throughout Black communities and support Black life and experience.
When people are on the hunt for Black education, products, news, or services created by us – the major search engines, Black-owned directories, and marketplaces barely touch the surface. hiihat stands out by helping you find exactly what you’re searching for without having to wonder if it’s Black-owned. Ultimately, it’s all about confidently and affordably making the switch to Black-owned products that accompany everyday living. hiihat is a search engine that makes it hassle-free to do so.
We love what you’re doing for the Black community and allies with hiihat. Can you share with us how you came to start this company and where you are now?
While I am mostly non-technical, it was important for me to do the hard work to build this. I saved thousands of dollars. I found a black-owned development company in Atlanta to put this together in a matter of months after spending $3,000 working with amateurs. There was even a guy who told me that I’m basically trying to build Google and I should stop while I am ahead. I am so proud to say that last August, we hosted BLKquest, the first-ever scavenger hunt for Black-owned businesses in Atlanta. There was a $1,000 grand prize and we had ten teams competing. Also, we recently launched Click Credits for Black businesses to affordably advertising directly to Black audiences via search engine marketing. This is our biggest effort to put Black-owned businesses at the forefront of search. At hiihat, we have no debt, we’re making revenue, and fully operational with new features every month. We also have advisors and contractors committed to helping me build this next big thing. Our goal is to really help circulate the dollar faster in Black communities from the beginning of the day to the end. We know it’s more than possible. Everyone can start by visiting hiihat today.
Lastly, if we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I’m really just like I am now. I was very inquisitive. I always asked questions or asked why. I really enjoyed my reading and my writing. I was never into math and science, although I can appreciate the intelligence that is necessary for it.
I also love TV, film, and music. When I was 11 years old, my older sister took me to my first concert – N*Sync and Britney Spears. Til this day, good stories and live music makes my world go ’round. I try to do that for others through NIA NIA Creative and hiihat every day.
Contact Info:
- Email: ngozi@hiihat.com
- Website: https://hiihat.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/hiihatglobal
Image Credits:
Franklyn Ikpa @izushots
