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

Hi Onteria, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
This will sound extremely cliché’ , but the truth is that I find staying true to myself has always been the factor behind my success in any of my endeavors, and especially behind my brand. In being true to myself, inclusive of my flaws and all the things I work every day to better about myself, I’m able to not only resonate with others who feel similarly but I become a better person for it. Plus, when I stay true to myself and who I am, I don’t have to work so hard to build my brand or live in it because it comes naturally and I enjoy it!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a digital content creator what I think stands out about me most is I don’t focus on trying to be perfect as a wife, mother, or woman in business. I’m very vocal and authentic in my work and I display that through not only my written content but photos as well. If you take a look at photos on my blog, you’ll see that I may not have on make up, my son may not be pristine (what toddler is at any given moment) and I may have a small pile of junk lying around somewhere. As I’ve grown in not only my craft as a content creator, but just as a woman, I’ve come to realize no one is perfect, and striving for perfection is overrated. Instead, I try my best to strive for progress by consistently refining myself to do things better over time. That’s how I’m aiming to become my best self. I definitely see life as a marathon and not a sprint. To get where I am, though I’m no where near where I want to be, it has not been easy. I’ve had to take the time to create an ideal state of what balance looks like for me and my family. That’s required me to develop my own systems, processes, and boundaries. What I’ve learned is that giving myself grace and allowing a little bit of flexibility here and there actually makes me more productive. What I want the world to know about my brand story is that there are so many layers to all of us as people. We go through life, we learn new things through experiences, and I aim to share my experiences and learnings with all who resonate them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If any of my best friends were visiting we’d definitely have a week long trip of great eating. One of my favorite spots is Chops Lobster Bar for lunch or dinner, hands down. We’d definitely go there! I’d also love to shop at my favorite malls Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square Mall. I’m a simple girl. Good eats and good shopping does me good! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, I have to give a shoutout to my husband, David. I don’t know if he really understands how much his encouragement and cheering for me give me the momentum to keep pedaling no matter what. I’ve always been a go-getter, but having someone to call your partner who is by your side 24/7, sees both your great days and your not so great days, and still sticks it out in the trenches with you is severely underrated. He’s my partner and my friend, and I love him so much for loving me unconditionally, always being my sounding board, and even telling me the things that I may not want to hear. I also have to give a shoutout to my parents – my mom for always stressing the importance of creating your own pathway, being a leader, and getting things done no matter what. My father taught me to speak my mind, even when it seems no one else agrees with me.

Website: https://www.ourwestnest.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-west-nest-llc-b93654195/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/onteria_shaki

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/OurWestNest

Image Credits
All photos taken by LaJoy Photography LLC.

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