Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Nwachukwu.
Cindy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always been interested in filming and editing small projects for myself since middle school. Any time we were assigned projects in school, I always chose video projects. After transferring to a school closer to home my sophomore year in college in 2015, I longed for a project that would me feel like I was contributing to the world. I had so much positivity in my life, I had a message that needed to be shared, so I decided to put up my phone and start filming videos for my YouTube channel- Cindyrella OG, Originally Glamorous. I started on my channel doing interviews with black professionals and this was important to me because I wanted others that looked like me to see people in the fields that they were aspiring to be. I interviewed a nurse, law student, medical school students, and a pharmacist. I also started on my channel giving talks and testimonials about how to take on life. I ventured into doing controversial panels that reflected much of society’s issues such as colorism, pan-Africanism, and toxic masculinity. I wanted to make sure that my channel was educating people. These panels smoothly turned into fun videos with my friends offering advice, jamming to music in the car, playing fun games, and even just talking. The group videos aided in my channel’s numbers increasing which granted me the opportunity to work with companies in fashion and beauty such as Shea Moisture, Boohoo, JLUXLABEL, Natur-all Club, and so many more!
Has it been a smooth road?
I have wanted to quit so many times when I felt like things weren’t going exactly how I planned originally. I especially wanted to quit once I decided to slow down on group videos. It felt like I was no longer of any use to my subscribers but I had to learn that in the business of YouTube, numbers tend to fluctuate. When rebranding and trying new things for your channel, some things will stick, and some things won’t but only the strong will prevail so I continued to fight through whatever was thrown at me and use my platform for better. I’ve struggled with depressive episodes, lack of creative influence, losing close friends, and unfortunately, loss of members of the family that have passed on. These have all made me stronger and continue to shape me into the woman that I am becoming. Sometimes, the only way out of the fire is through it. Through my faith and perseverance, I have been able to get where I am today. “If you’re breathing, you have a purpose.” I heard these words from the outstanding Gia Peppers on a podcast she co-hosts, “Black Girl Pod” and they have stuck with me ever since. It reminds me to keep going.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Cindyrella OG – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am a social media influencer and content creator. Most of my following comes from YouTube. Although I have branched out into doing videos with beauty and fashion, I am known mostly for my advice videos which goes hand in hand with my pursuit in the psychology field. In the fall, I will be attending school for my Masters in Psychology. I am most proud of the community that I have built throughout my channel. I have always been big on mental health from the very start of my channel and just knowing that my words and videos can inspire others lets me know I’m doing it for the right reasons and that is also what sets me apart from others.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love that there is so much to do in Dallas and moreover there is so much opportunity to thrive in the influencer field. However, there is a lack of support in the influencer field for us women of color. Most times, there seems to be a competition and comparison. People sometimes think only one person can thrive at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://youtube.com/CindyrellaOG
- Email: cindyrellaog1@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/CindyrellaOG
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/CindyrellaOG
Image Credit:
Israel Fowobaje @artsofisrael
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
