Meet Samantha Anyang-Kusi | Lifestyle Content Creator & Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Anyang-Kusi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, what inspires you?
I am inspired by a few things, but one of my main inspirations is other fellow black creators. I love scrolling through my feed on either Instagram or TikTok and seeing the pure magic that other black creators create. It serves as a powerful reminder that if they can achieve it, so can I. The depth of our talent spans diverse realms, encompassing lifestyle, fashion, beauty, men’s health, and beyond. Our talent is so phenomenal across every vertical. We are able to tell stories in such an authentic way that cultivates a sense of community. Observing the evolution of art and its creators is a source of great joy, but above all, I take immense pride in providing unwavering support to my black creators.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
By day, I am a Digital Marketing Manager/Digital Media Strategist. Basically, what that entails is planning and strategizing how to reach a specific audience online using various channels such as social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube, etc.) or Paid Search and Display Advertising on websites and so forth. It’s pretty cool because it’s still a relatively new space that’s constantly evolving, as we often hear about or notice while using these platforms. I’ve been fortunate enough to work in a few different industries within digital marketing and advertising space. For instance, I started in political advertising right after I graduated undergrad and moved back home to the DMV to work in DC. I’ve also worked on digital media and advertising campaigns for brands like Bed Bath & Beyond, Vanguard, Condé Nast, and Vroom. Additionally, I served as the lead manager for higher education accounts such as the University of Maryland and Central Michigan University providing recommendations on digital marketing strategy to increase student registration. There’s so much to learn in each space, but it has been incredibly rewarding at the same time. We get to create art and have fun while doing it. I got here by earning an undergraduate degree from Old Dominion University and a graduate degree from Syracuse University in Communication with a concentration in Advertising.

With my passion for art and my desire to express myself creatively, I started on my TikTok journey in late 2021. I diligently captured quick clips of my daily activities, highlighting my love for cooking by showcasing the creation of delectable dishes. During that period, I had recently relocated to a new apartment, and I documented the process of furnishing and transforming my living space. Moreover, my profound interest in beauty and skincare motivated me to share my favorite products and daily routines with my audience. As I consistently uploaded content, I witnessed an incredible surge in views, accompanied by a growing number of followers. Leveraging my background in digital marketing, I skillfully tailored my content to align with the preferences and enjoyment of my viewers.The transformation was truly astonishing, as what began as a creative outlet evolved into something beyond my wildest expectations. This transformation was especially remarkable considering my initial hesitation to download TikTok, simply because it seemed like everyone else was doing so. But now look at me, scrolling TikTok all night. TikTok has not only expanded my horizons but has also granted me the opportunities to explore avenues, brand partnerships, and a new industry I had never dreamed of.

I’m really proud of the level I’ve been able to achieve despite adversity and challenges. In the beginning of my career, I dealt with micromanagers, coworkers who stepped on toes to advance their careers, and clients who simply weren’t the best. I’m proud of how I’ve been able to speak up for myself when I know something isn’t right and that I deserve better, which can be challenging especially in the beginning of your career or at a lower level.

On TikTok, I share some career advice and an important lesson I’ve learned along the way so far as a black woman, and one recommendation is to keep copies of receipts and be two steps ahead. Unfortunately, oftentimes, we find ourselves in situations only we can fix or where we need to speak up for ourselves. Sometimes one of the ways we have to prove ourselves is by showing evidence or receipts to back up our statements.

What I want the world to know about my story is that you’re not limited by your choices, nor is it ever too late to make a change or try something new.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m still “newer” to the area but a few places I’d add to the itinerary would be:

– Osha Thai
– Le Colonial
– Toast on Lenox
– Chateau Elan Winery
– Georgia Aquariam
– Piedmont Park
– Stone Mountain
– Your 3rd Spot
– Rooftop LOA

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, of course I need to give thanks to God for everything he has done for me and will continue to do for me. None of this would be possible without him. Next, I want to give a shoutout to my oldest sister, Rita Anyang-Kusi. I’ve told her a few times how she’s my inspiration but I don’t think she knows the true impact. She is the founder and business owner of Adinkra Expo. She’s been able to grow and scale her business independently from her hard work, dedication, and determination. She makes me believe that it is truly possible and to never give up. Not only that, her selflessness to help others in any way is so pure. She’s constantly learning and growing while focusing on being her best self possible. For that, I thank her.

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ak-m-s-189849133/

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_samkusi