Today we’d like to introduce you to Ida Mhunduru.
Hi Ida, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
There are many things I can attribute to who I am right now, among them are being raised by my resilient (Atlanta-born) mom and Gambian dad. I can also add living abroad as a kid and into adulthood. However, over the last 6 years, a lot has changed in my life. These changes have greatly impacted who and where I am today. The catalyst to this massive change was when my then husband came to me, out of the blue one afternoon, and said he no longer wanted to be married.
On top of this, I found out I was pregnant shortly after. My pregnancy did not change anything in regard to the separation. We moved into different homes and I began my new chapter on my own – well me and the little one growing inside. These two challenging events were the beginning of something beautiful.
During my pregnancy, I started following other pregnant women sharing their journeys on social media. One in particular was Elle Lindquist (West Cottage Pottery). She became my friend, although she did not know me personally. My family were on the East Coast. I had friends, but very few could be there when I was at my lowest. However, Elle’s videos were always there. I told myself that if I ever created content on social media, I would create a space online where moms could relax, laugh and feel connected – a space like the one Elle had created for me.
During the height of the pandemic, we all went inside, and I began to do just that. My daughter was home, work was crazy as I was in packaging and clients’ shipping needs went through the roof. So, I only had one hour a night to myself. With that one hour each night, I hopped on Tiktok and created content. I would post just one video each day. I committed to doing this for a year to see what would happen. I had heard from a famous podcaster that if you want to build a business, you needed an audience, and the best place to build an audience was on Tiktok.
In just one year, I grew a community of 150,000 on Tiktok, left my high-stress job to spend more time with my daughter, and do work I loved and enjoyed.
As of today, we are about 300,000 across Tiktok and Instagram, I have helped more than 100 businesses leverage short-form videos to promote their products and services, I released two children’s books, becoming an Amazon bestselling Author, worked with major brands promoting their products, and a major dream opportunity came recently when I was selected to be a part of Spotify’s Sound Up Kids & Family 2022 cohort in podcasting.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Hahaha, smooth road? What’s that?
Absolutely not! But in some ways it has. What I mean is, everything has always worked out.
I was a single mom taking care of everything by myself. I was going through divorce and working in jobs that were difficult places to be.
I finally left my job with an idea and a bit of saving but only enough to sustain for a few months.
However…
Challenges are always going to be present. I heard someone say you will have challenges no matter what, so might as well do what you love. So, that’s my goal now, I love taking my time in the morning with my daughter. I love social media and what it can be – a place to add good and build community. I love creating and storytelling, so these are the things that I am going to do.
It’s not easy and at times, it’s downright scary, but I am really enjoying the journey!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a social media content creator, consultant, children’s book author, and a Spotify SoundUp Kid’s and Family Podcaster. I am most known for my content on Tiktok and Instagram. It’s a space where moms can come, relax and laugh. I am most proud of my children’s books that are now the inspiration for the new podcast I am working on. These books were just a note in my iPhone and now have helped me become a best-selling author. They also have led me to being a part of this pioneering cohort with Spotify. I am so excited to share this project with everyone, so stay tuned. The little ones in your life are going to love this audio experience coming soon!
I believe what sets me apart is simply being me. It’s what makes each of us so special, so unique, so genius. When we accept all that we are, that’s when the magic can happen and often because we’re being intentional and loving ourselves the whole way through.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have to mention my sister, Sukai. I think when I was born, she thought I was her baby. We’re in our forties but she still introduces me as her little sister. We’re so different but have supported one another in our different spheres of influence. She is an incredible friend, mom, wife, daughter and sister! She also happens to be Woman of The Year in IT 2021 (WIT).
I want to thank Elle Lindquist for inspiring me and creating a community for me and so many others. I want to thank my friend Tee (aka) Becoming Unfiltered. She was a stranger on the internet who never shied away from giving me her feedback and it used to irritate me. I laugh about it now because we became really good friends. She was the person who challenged me to stop talking about the books in my notes and instead actually turn them into published books. She also is the person who coached me the whole way through. I appreciate you Tee! Thank you for being an awesome friend and continually irritating me into my greatness!
I love and appreciate these three women, but the one I love and appreciate the most is my mom. I wouldn’t be here without her and her belief in me. I love you mama! I need some peach cobbler please! (she makes the best).
Pricing:
- Suzie (with a “Z”) Mysteries Book On Amazon $12.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.workwithida.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toeverymom/?hl=en
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Suzie-Mysteries-Case-Mysterious-Cold/dp/B095LYK85C
Image Credits
Janet Howard Studio
