Chikumo is a 26 year old marketer and baker originally from Zambia, she grew up in Sheffield and now lives in Newtownabbey. Chikumo classes herself as a food and lifestyle blogger and creates under the handle ‘A Diary of a Chik’.
Why did you decide to become a blogger/influencer?
I used to get people asking me for similar advice and went through things where I thought, even if I can help one person feel less alone and more empowered then I’d be happy.
Tell us something your followers might not already know about you?
I once nearly killed myself sharpening a pencil.
What would you consider your biggest achievement as a blogger/influencer?
I’ve created a space where I personally feel I can be open but also a place where people feel comfortable enough to share their life, experiences and advice.
What would you consider the biggest lesson you’ve learnt in the industry?
I could have and should have been earning money from blogging a long time ago but companies don’t treat all bloggers and influencers the same.
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
Learning to stand up for myself in terms of how I work with brands because I’ve never wanted to alienate myself but content creation takes a lot of time and skill so it has been challenging in terms of finding the right balance.
Do you feel that bloggers are unfairly judged at times, if so why?
Yes because there are so many perceptions of blogging such as people being fake or the fact it isn’t a real job to them as it doesn’t fit societal norms. I also believe some bloggers can be very difficult (which I’ve experienced through my own work) and some companies can also be difficult and expect a lot for not much in return. Consumers and companies don’t seem to understand the talent that bloggers have. One piece of content for me could be done by at least three people in a team e.g. recipe creation, food styling and a photographer who would all get paid separately, however, some companies expect the work to be done for free.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a blog/instagram page?
If you want a career as a blogger, that’s great but start off by focusing on what you’re most passionate about. That is the only way you can sustain it long enough to make a career out of it. Even if it’s just for fun, there’s no reason why you can’t take the leap!
What local blogger do you look up to and why?
Hama (Indianblondee) because she’s so authentic and a lovely person in general. She was one of the first bloggers I met and I love how she just does her own thing.
What international blogger do you look up to and why?
Patricia Bright because to me she is just goals! I have grown up watching her on Youtube from her bedroom to having kids and paying off her mortgage. As a black woman, it’s so inspirational to see someone that looks like me achieve so much whilst also focusing on general life e.g. finances. She is such a boss!
You can find out more about Chikumo and follow her on Instagram at @adiaryofachik