Meet Zakiyya Whittle | Educator & Owner of lifestyle brand ON A LIVING SPREE

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

Hi Zakiyya, how do you think about risk?
Most of my life I’ve always played things safe. I would take the easy route and stay in my comfort zone. During my career as an educator, I worked at the same school, in various roles, for eleven years. At the end of the tenth year, my spirit spoke to me and said it’s time for change. Well, I didn’t listen and returned to the same school. Well don’t you know, my job role changed at the beginning of the year and I was assigned to three new schools. I was kicking, screaming and crying because I did not want to leave. However; a sense of peace came over me and I knew that it was time for me to spread my wings and fly!!! I’m so glad I did. I completed my eleventh year at my new schools and during this time, I saw my purpose. God spoke to me and I listened. The following year, I received a job promotion. I always say that, “God had to MOVE me to MOVE me!!!” I took the risk and came out of my comfort zone. This same mindset allowed me to take the risk and launch On A Living Spree in the Summer of 2019. I am now so openminded about new adventures and ideas. A quote to live by, “Making a BIG LIFE change is pretty scary. But know what’s even scarier? Regret!!” Life is too short for REGRETS!!! Take the RISK!!!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
On A Living Spree is a lifestyle brand company and a MOVEMENT to encourage people to LIVE. Life is too short, so LIVE IT UP before the “DASH” is complete!!!! The main mission and goal is to help people to find out what excites them about life. Far too often people are just merely working to pay bills, rather than taking vacations or creating memories with loved ones. When our dash is done, people will remember the memories that were created. “Memories over Materials!!” I want people to realize, we are only given one life to live, we must MAXIMIZE moments. Being a business owner is not easy by any stretch of the measure. However; it’s also not hard because I love what I do. Spree-Sters, people that wear On A Living Spree apparel, love the message behind the brand. So it excites me when they post pictures on social media sharing their stories or adventures. I want to leave the world with this: “What’s Your Living Spree? What fuels your passion for life?” If you can’t answer; you’re encouraged to WAKE UP, STOP EXISTING and START LIVING TODAY!!!!

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?
Oh this is a fun one!!!! My IG Page @dineandtravelwithz informs people about places to go and visit. My number one go to spot would be Nine Mile Station at Ponce City Market. This rooftop restaurant is EVERYTHING!!!! Currently they are offering dining in igloos. It’s an intimate experience. The views, drinks and food are amazing!!! I celebrated my birthday there in October 2020. We all had a BLAST!!! There is also a carnival the the top of Ponce City. It’s fun for both children and adults. I am totally a SunDay FunDay type of woman!!! My favorite FUN brunch spot is Loca Luna!!!! Oh my, I ALWAYS have a good time. The vibe is so much fun and they have bottomless mimosas and sangria!!! You can never go wrong with bottomless!!! My favorite bars are The James Room and Vesper. Both of these bars gives speakeasy vibes. The vibe is so DOPE!!! I recently joined C&C Social House, a private social club and it’s also super dope. My favorite sports bar is The Beverly. The food and drinks are always on point. The mac-n-cheese is MMMMMMMM GOOD!!! I am also a SUCKER for a good rooftop!!! Besides Nine Mile Station, I also love the rooftop at The Clermont Hotel, Bazati, Tom Dick & Hank and the Glen Hotel. I now how four restaurants where we MUST EAT!!!! 1) Arnette’s Chop Shop in Brookhaven 2) Terra Terroir in Brookhaven 3) Girl Diver in Glenwood Park 4) Breakfast at Barneys in Atlanta!!!! Being that I am a lover of life and new adventures, I am always exploring new places in the city.

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?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to all of my family and friends. My mother and father have always supported and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. My brother is my bestfriend and pushes me to be my best at all times. I have to thank my village of friends and sorority sisters. They always show up and continue to support me in all of my endeavors. Most importantly, I must thank God for giving me the vision to encourage people to LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST!!!

Website: www.onalivingspree.store

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

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