Today we’d like to introduce you to Zana Jacobs.
Zana, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have this vivid memory. I was around seven years old in Dallas. I was in front of a fountain and my dad handed me a penny to make a wish. I remember feeling such a thrill when tossing my coin in and wishing to someday live in the city! Me a wallflower from a small town with a population of 1400 wishing to have adventures in a city where everything was so captivating. Fast forward 11 years and my wish would become my reality. The days that led up to my high school graduation, I recall posting a countdown on my Facebook with a picture of the Famous Dallas Skyline. I had everything lined up in advance to begin Paul Mitchell The School Dallas the September after graduating from high school. I packed up my yellow Volkswagon beetle named Jezebelle with all my belongings and hit the road to chase my dreams.
Driving out of my hometown, I felt so exhilarated. I remember the song that was playing Somebody That I used to Know by the artist Gotye. It was such a statement I was no longer that wallflower I had become a social butterfly ready to Take on Dallas. Not only did the city bring me adventure, but it also brought me love. Just after six months of brunches in Uptown and late nights on Main Street, I met the love of my life. James Robinson, Jr. He truly showed me how happy I was to have made that wish on that fountain all those years ago. We started dating March 18, 2013, and we have been together every day since. We made it our mission to rescue all the dachshunds we could find:) right now, we have two gorgeous little wildflowers, Athena and Duchess. My own perfect little family, I felt so fulfilled. But with the good must come bad even with all the budgeting and planning working at Ulta and trying to afford tuition, rent, and all other bills. I could not swing it. I had to stop attending Paul Mitchell even though I had close to 750 hours and was halfway to getting my license. I felt so defeated and lost. After a few pity parties, I finally got my S*** together and realized that I was in a city were success happens every day. I started spending my days walking around Deep Ellum and Bishops Art District, finding inspiration. There is so much art. The city itself is art. The street art all over speaks to my soul to this day. I started just talking to people and hearing their stories. Like really listening and hearing them. There were so many beautiful souls out there just needing someone to listen. It came so effortlessly. I guess I have the kind of personality that gives the vibe that I’m a safe place. Even while going through the chaos of life, I decided to pursue a degree in Sociology. I started College in 2017 and I’m currently in the last semester before I achieve my associates. If I have learned anything with my journey is if you must make plans, make them but don’t expect them to get executed perfectly. The universe has a funny way of making you appreciate the struggle.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’d say the road has been a little curvy. Some of the struggles I would say one was not completing cosmetology school. Second, being struggling with not feeling successful at my age.
Please tell us about your work.
I’d say KeepingUpWithZana offers positivity. I offer a platform that shares the message That it is ok to be different. Being weird and unique is a superpower in this world where society tells us to be “normal.” I also offer the service of giving people an ear. I have inboxes full of messages from lovely people just needing to vent.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Making people smile and feeling genuine happiness within themselves. Having real conversations about compelling arguments posed by life.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 9727636917
- Email: Mrsrobinson318@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @keepingupwithzana
- Facebook: Zana Lynne Jacobs
Image Credit:
Zana Jacobs, James Robinson
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