Today we’d like to introduce you to Alka Kumar.
Hi Alka, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in the south, my siblings and I were often the only South Asian kids in the area and we constantly felt like outsiders. Whether we like to admit it or not, we spent a lot of effort trying to blend in. I now know this to be the story of many immigrant children. I did eventually meet some South Asian friends in high school, but really found other people whose backgrounds and upbringing were similar to mine when I went to college. I made some amazing friends and rekindled my relationship with my culture, but also realized along the way that many brown women who grew up in similar environments to me were accustomed to viewing other brown women as competition (this was also something that I did subconsciously too).
After graduating optometry school, I started to share videos online about eye health along with videos celebrating my culture. It was a fun creative outlet that I enjoyed. Eventually, that evolved into creating content centered around women in their late twenties and thirties and as well as celebrating South Asian culture.
I currently work as an optometrist full time with a non-profit organization and in my free time, I create content. Working and creating content at the same time can be a little bit of a struggle some days, but I truly do enjoy it. I hope my page is a safe space for women in and around their thirties and a space where I can continue to honor my South Asian heritage.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I definitely would not call it a smooth road. Holding a position as an optometrist, while posting content can feel daunting at times. Similarly as someone who enjoys down-time and alone time, sharing personal moments with the internet is not always the easiest thing to do. Hate comments and cyberbullying are real things that all content creators deal will unfortunately.
Although it has not always been a smooth road, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge all of the privilege I have held along the way. I am still a very small micro-creator, but so many individuals have supported me in this journey and I am extremely grateful.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have two main roles currently. My first role is that of a mobile optometrist- I currently work with a non-profit called National Education 20/20 Foundation where we strive to bring quality eye-care and ear-care to Georgia students.
My second role is more creative- I create content centered around women in and around their thirties as well as content that celebrates my South Asian background. I am proud of the content I share, especially as someone who tried to blend in to American society as a child by ignoring my background.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I have learned along the journey is that you have to be your biggest fan. I know it’s so cliche, but if you do not believe in yourself- no one else will.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alkaakumar
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alkaaakumar
