Today we’d like to introduce you to Hafsatu Kamara.
Hafsatu, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up, I always pictured myself in the role of a doctor; majoring in medicine, attending medical school, specializing in pediatric or orthopedic, the whole nine. But as I continued my journey in college, I realized a hospital wasn’t the setting for me. Not because I didn’t have the stomach for it or the academic capabilities: I don’t mind the sight of blood and I was ace’ing most of my college course while barely studying. What I came to realize was that the dream to become a doctor was more so to please others and not myself. I’m more so passionate about connecting others with the right people, the right image, the right vibe. I had a natural instinct of seeing what you’re lacking and creating a way, specific to you, to solve that.
I attend college as a student-athlete majoring in Nursing at Coppin State University in Baltimore, MD. While there, I realized the potential I had to become an elite athlete and represent my country, Sierra Leone at the Olympics. Therefore, I decided to transfer to California State University Northridge (CSUN) where I’ll be able to do train and compete at a high level while pursuing my education. I majored in Exercise Science while at CSUN and once I graduated, I moved to Phoenix, AZ to train with an elite Olympic training group called Altis. If you know anything about professional track and field, competing at the elite level doesn’t equate to an elite paycheck. To support my track career, I started off working online as a customer service consultation, then as a barista in a restaurant, before acquiring a position with ConsultMent (formerly known as Dygert ConsultMent) as a social media content creator.
At the time, I only used social media for personal gain but while working with ConsultMent team I was able to unlock the talent of capturing the true essence and voice of clients. This has been key in my role because anyone can put together a social media post but what you truly want is an individual who can promote your message with finesse and love. That’s me, I’m individual!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Juggling my track career and my entrepreneurial career has definitely been an unexpected balancing act. With long early mornings on the track and the weightroom to multiple conference calls, emails, content creations, editing, researching, networking, each day continues to be filled with so much opportunities for growth and lessons to be learned. When I first started out as a freelance marketing assistant learning the ropes and with just one client, I had to find ways to make up for the lack of income. Most days, I had just enough for rent and some basic food necessities that would keep me going until the next week. But I didn’t let the lack of income deter me to chase a path that I knew would bring temporary satisfaction. I saw my role with ConsultMent as something that would lead me to bigger things within the company while also equipping me with the skills I needed to build my own empire.
That commitment and dedication has done that. While competing at the 2016 Rio Olympics, I was able to leverage my skills in marketing to put myself in a position where I was gaining the attention of sponsors. This has made all the difference as I continue my professional career; being affiliate with well-known brands like Fabletics, Clorox, and Vitamin Shoppe has increased my visibility as an athlete influencer and my skills as a digital marketer.
BrandME Program – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
BrandProgram is a Digital Marketing program I designed to teach high schoolers in schools where the curriculum doesn’t allow learning beyond the basis. I teach the digital marketing space and how to create and monetize their social platforms. It’s a way to introduction them to what the workforce is looking like now: entrepreneurial drive people building careers digitally.
As an independent digital marketer, I am able created a digital imprint for businesses and individuals. I develop marketing strategies, create unique brand content, develop campaigns and ads, and reputation management. I specialize in social media marketing, with focus on brand awareness, content development, and brand ambassadorship program. I am most proud of my unique creative skills. I am able to create a unique captivating content and use my network to increase your reach. As a professional athlete, I’m a disciplined hustler by nature; one thing that you can guarantee from me is that I am going to make things happen.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as being able to obtain freedom not only in your financial space but within your relationships with family, your dreams, your spiritual beliefs, and your wants. I know I’m succeeding in any area if I am to spend more time doing things that I want as compared to doing things that restrict me. For example, if I am able to have 3 hours of “me time” compared to 1 hour, that’s success and progress. If I am taking my mom on vacation, that’s success. If I can dream about building a community center in Sierra Leone, and can immediately start on that plan, that’s success. Having the freedom to care for others and myself the way we should be cared for, is the highest level of success for me.
Pricing:
- Free Digital Marketing Consultation
- 6-Week Digital Marketing Trial ($800)
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @BrandMeProgram, @hafsakamara
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kamarahafsa
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/hafsakamara
Image Credit:
Saman Assefi (@samanassefi )
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