Meet Deandra James | Blogger and Podcaster

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deandra James and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deandra, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
You know, it’s funny that I’m answering this question. I say that because I ask myself constantly if I should give up or if I should keep going. When you’re not seeing the results you want or need to see, it’s easy to shift to the thought of “maybe this isn’t meant for me.” I’m not one to focus heavily on my statistics when it comes to my content, but being a content creator, my statistics play a big role. When I’m not making the sales I thought I’d made or I’m not getting as many likes as I hoped, that really discourages me. How I know that I should keep going is first, the drive and passion I have for what I do has never left. No matter what it is you’re doing or trying to do, if it’s something you’re passionate about then you should never give up on it. The road isn’t going to be easy no matter what it is but if it’s worth it then you’ll keep going. Second, I know I should keep going because I’m seeing the positive impact that I’m making on others. I’ve been told by people how I’ve motivated and inspired them. They’re telling me that they really enjoyed reading my work, which sometimes shocks me because I’m so critical of what I do. You are your biggest critic and no one can judge you as hard as you judge yourself. It’s easy to feel we’re not doing the best and that we should give up, but others see things in us that we don’t see in ourselves. If you’re constantly getting good feedback and responses…that’s your sign. That’s your sign to keep going and never stop.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a lifestyle blogger and a podcaster residing in Georgia. I never thought that being those things were possible to do as a career. When it was time for me to go to college, the only two professions that I felt were right for me to become were either a doctor or a psychologist. I ended up majoring in nursing but quickly realized that it wasn’t for me, then I switched to psychology the following year. I ended up graduating with a bachelor’s in psychology, but I learned throughout my time in school that psychology was just not for me either. I never enjoyed the classes and college for me overall just wasn’t the best experience. Not long after graduating, I decided to create a website to post my poetry. I wanted a legit blog because at the time I was posting my poetry on Tumblr. Despite my original reasoning for creating the blog, it quickly turned into something more. I realized that I wanted to post more than just my poetry. That is when I posted my official first post on June 18th, 2018 and my blog, The Black Princess Diaries, was born.

Looking at where I started and where I am now, it definitely wasn’t easy at all. It’s still not easy and I still have a long way before I’m where I want to be. Because I was starting from zero, it was hard to grow subscribers. That was my main focus in the beginning. Due to being bullied a lot growing up, I’ve always been someone who preferred to remain hidden, but that had to change. If I wanted people to see me or my work, I had to step out. I created an Instagram for my blog and was creating blog posts every single day. It’s crazy to think about now how I put out a post every day, but I did. While doing this, I never had a moment where I didn’t wonder if my post was good enough or if this was pointless. I’m my biggest critic and I would critique myself pretty hard sometimes. Not on,y that, but eventually I started working as well, so I was working while blogging. Despite walking across the stage, I had to go back to school to retake some classes so I was in school all at the same time. It was a lot to take on, but I started to love blogging more and more each day. There was no way I was going to stop.

I would love to say that I’ve overcome all my challenges but that would be false. Then, it was just a hobby but now, this is so much more. This is what I want to do as my full-time career. When you have to add on different factors like money, things get more complicated. I’m focusing on expanding every single day and building an empire. There are more bumpy roads than I can even count, but what I’m going towards is worth it. During my time as a creator, I’ve learned that it’s okay to not have it all together or be perfect. It’s okay to say you need a break and to take that break. I’ve learned that things take time…growth takes time. I’ve learned to appreciate the supporters that I have and to develop a bond with them. Everyone is so focused on getting to 10k on Instagram or getting a certain amount of subscribers, but I rather have 10 supporters that appreciate my work and that bond with me versus 10,000 people who are barely active and possibly might even have bad intentions.

Something that I’m most proud of is how hard I continue to work. I’ve never been this motivated or determined until I started blogging. I’m doing something that isn’t seen as “the norm”. I know it’s 2021 now, but it’s still easy for people to assume that content creating isn’t a real job or that it’s easy. It’s not easy in the slightest. It would’ve been easier for me to just continue on with my education, get a master’s degree, and work for someone else in my field. However, I wouldn’t have been happy or have a feeling of accomplishment if I did. I’m also proud of myself for continuously doing little things that get me out of my shell. I spent so much of my life hiding or trying to fit in. It’s my time to shine and I’m excited for all of the opportunities that have come my way, the ones that have arrived, and the ones that are still waiting for me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Columbus and it’s one of those cities where you have to really look or you’ll miss the interesting moments, spots, etc. With that being said, we’d have to take a trip downtown! Downtown is the place where you can find some of the most interesting things and people….you just have to come at the right time. While we wait, we can take a trip to Iron Bank Coffee! I love going there for a coffee and to get some work done. They even have some nights where there’s live music.

After grabbing a coffee, we’d have to check out places to get a sweet treat. To do that, I’d have to take my friend to Rocket Fizz and Kilwins. Rocket Fizz has some of the best candy and sodas. There’s even candy there that reminds me of my childhood. The ice cream at Kilwins is so delicious! They also have fudge and more treats to enjoy if ice cream isn’t your favorite.

For food, fun, and drinks, we have to take some visits to Wild Wing Cafe and Stars and Strikes. Wild Wing Cafe has some delicious wings, good drinks, and karaoke! I’m personally obsessed with the buffalo chicken dip and can’t go without ordering some whenever I eat there. Stars and Strikes is great if you want a combination of games, drinks, and appetizers. I always get a mix of feeling like a kid again with the arcade but also the adult vibes with the drinks and I love that.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I absolutely and without a doubt must give a shoutout to my mom! I love her so much and I love how supportive she has always been from the jump. She means everything to me and is part of the reason why I will never stop until I can give her the world that she deserves. I’m so blessed to not only have her but my grandparents and my friends who support me as well. I also have to give a special shoutout to my friend, Kalia. She goes above and beyond for me because she believes in me so much…often more than I believe in myself. She paid for me to go to a virtual business boot camp because I wasn’t able to afford a ticket, but I wanted to experience it so bad because I knew I would gain so much from it. I never asked her to buy me a ticket, but she sent it on her own because she believes in me. She also takes all of my photos that are on my Instagram. I’m so grateful to have the people in my life that I do because they really keep me moving forward when I feel myself falling back.

Website: https://theblackprincessdiaries.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblackprincessdiaries/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_BPDiaries_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblackprincessdiaries

Image Credits
Kalia Gunn