Conversations with the Inspiring Abiola Fakile

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abiola Fakile.

Abiola, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Hi there! How I got started? That’s such a loaded question, but in relation to how I got started with my blog, it all began with a gap year and a ticket to Nigeria. If that didn’t give it away (or my name), I am Nigerian, and it had been so long since I had been back home (NO, I was not born there and YES, I still call it home).

I had dedicated the next year after graduating from traveling and “figuring life out”. As my time to travel home got closer, I decided that I wanted to document my travels as my first time being an adult (22 at the time) and going back home, making new memories.

After much research, I decided to invest in a camera, canon rebel xsi, to be specific. This camera did more for me than anyone could ever know. It was more than just a vessel for capturing images on my travels, but it sparked something new and refreshing in me. It pushed me to see what others couldn’t, it enhanced my love for people, and jumpstarted the creation of my blog, ‘Becoming Abi’. With much support from my friends and boyfriend, I decided to dive into the blogging world and I was so scared, but it opened up the door for many other pathways. My work had not gone unnoticed and soon I was getting requests to capture graduations, engagements, and other special moments. I would never have imagined that a desire to create a new experience back home, would be a gateway to tapping into my right brain capabilities.
I forgot to mention, I’m also a first-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Howard University. I’m super excited about that! And funny enough photography and blogging actually go hand in hand. I would love to be a travel photojournalist someday, I’m definitely not giving up on that dream! Who wouldn’t love to take pictures, eat food, save people, and travel all in one token.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth road? HA! Not at all. In fact, it was very bumpy! And most days it still is, but the key is consistency in your dream and a support system that will believe in you even when you don’t believe in yourself. For me, my biggest challenge was building an audience. I had no idea how to run a blog and I didn’t know anyone that had one at the time, so I had to start from ground zero. I needed to find my voice, what did I have that I knew someone like me reading, would care to know/learn about. I had to really dig deep into potential topics and decide how transparent I wanted to be with my audience.

The second biggest challenge was finding a platform for my voice, and as my creative capabilities expanded, I was able to have more freedom when it came to designing layouts. After much research and lots of trial runs, I finally found my groove.

Lastly, and this is something that I still struggle with, being consistent in posting content. There’s a quote that says ‘quality is better than quantity’, and I always have to remember that. But in desiring to grow an audience, consistency is absolutely necessary. When I first started, I had all the free time to post content quite frequently, but as I got involved back in school, allotting the time into my schedule got more difficult. The key is time management, and being aware of your priorities. Now that I’m in a professional health program, time management is a lot more mandatory, so I’m becoming more adamant about implementing this! Hopefully, I stay on track, check in on the blog every one week (just to hold me accountable *wink wink* and subscribe).

I have 3 key pieces of advice for young ladies interested in becoming content creators: 1) Build your support system. This won’t always consist of 10 people or even 5, it may just be 1 person that will hold you accountable to accomplishing your goals and following through on your word, but that’s all you need. 2) Don’t sell out on what you believe for the sake of producing content. Stand firm on what you’ve been grounded on, leave room for positive growth and don’t be discouraged by negativity. And 3) Be as transparent and down to earth as possible. You will have a far more organic following when you’re authentic.

what should we know about Becoming Abi (Lifestyle Blog)? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m a Renaissance Woman! I just love saying that. I never want to limit myself by saying that I am one thing, because I believe “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13). But currently, I am a first-year DPT student at Howard University. I’m actually moving to DC in 3.5 weeks, which I’m really excited about. It’s sad leaving behind my life in ATL, but I love change because it opens doors for growth. And what’s life without growth right?!

Aside from being a student, I’m a blogger and photographer! I absolutely love it! For most of my life, I always thought I was ONLY a left brain (computational, logical, strategical, etc.). Then I tapped into the right brain side of things and that was one the best decisions I’ve ever made. Intermingling creativity with a health background has been so fun and proves to be a challenge, but one I wouldn’t change for the world.
What sets me apart? Honestly, I’m not sure. But what I do know is my genuine passion to change the world and get people on board to help me. After school, my goal is to become an international traveling Physical Therapist, while traveling the world, I hope to be able to serve as a photojournalist for my blog and open others minds as well. So many people are trapped in a bubble with only themselves inside and are not willing or concerned about outside of that bubble. My goal is to change that through the various avenues I play a role in. I’m pretty sure that’s what sets me apart.

I’m most proud of my growth and continuing desire to grow. I don’t know it all, but I utilize my resources in a way in which I find out what I need. As I’m preparing for my move, I’m working on expanding to step into the wedding photography industry in the DMV area. I’ve always loved capturing special moments because I genuinely enjoy seeing others succeed and being happy in life. So if you know anyone the area with photography needs, I’m their girl!

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
Right now, I don’t have a mentor, but I’ve been in search of one as well. In talking to some close friends that have mentors, the key is to reach out to individuals in the area in which you’re trying to grow. For example, I’ve been in search of a spiritual mentor. Someone that is more mature than me in their walk with Christ, can offer unbiased insight. This person doesn’t necessarily have to be 40 years older than you, but more so in a more mature headspace, and that can come at any age (above 25). And when it’s time to find a career mentor, I most likely would search in conferences or school settings in which I can network with other professionals in my field and other health fields.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.becomingabi.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/abiolafakile

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.