Around this time last year I stumbled across an article titled Letting Go: I Quit My Job” as I was on my way home from work. Not wanting to miss the context, I held my phone tightly and searched for a nearby bench to digest every word the author Ayana Iman penciled down.  She was very clear on why following her own happiness was more important than clocking in. Since then, I have been a supporter of this amazing soul who  whose risk taking abilities has open new door of opportunities. Let’s find out more about Ayana Iman below.

Tell me a little bit about yourself. 

My name is Ayana Iman, I’m a 25-year-old professional speaker and aspiring life coach. I am the mother of one, a beautiful three-year-old girl named Ayo, the joy of my life. I hold a Bachelors Degree in Journalism and a Masters Degree in Strategic Communications. My professional goals include creating a conference in 2018 for the expansion of #AuthenticConvos, and helping 100,000 people cultivate an attitude of gratitude

Where were you 6 months after college?

6-months after undergrad, I was fired from my first post-graduate job and on the verge of becoming homeless. Soon after, I found out I was pregnant. Let’s just say the top of the year; including graduation, a great internship and travel were a stark difference than how it ended.

You launched an e-book on gratitude last year, how important is it to be grateful?

It’s very important to be grateful, especially because it is the starting point of all abundance. Gratitude remains when happiness fades, it keeps us present and allows us to experience some joy. It is the same reason my current situation looks completely different than 4 years ago. Instead of focusing on lack, I looked at the areas I was abundant, from the love of my family to my health; it all played a role in my progression.

You are a serial entrepreneur, how do you stay on top of things while managing your personal life?

I am still in the beginning stages of my career building a foundation and learning how to become a successful entrepreneur. However, being busy comes with the territory, and I prioritize my time with my family, especially my daughter and boyfriend. They are very involved with my projects so it makes it easier to manage my personal life.

As a mother how do you make sure you’re being an example to your lovely daughter?

In all ways, I carry the understanding that she’s watching, listening, and starting to mimic me, so I must be mindful of my actions and what she hears because it shapes her entire world.

We all stumble at some point of our lives, was there ever a time where you wanted to give up? What did you learn from it?

Giving up is always constant, it’s easy, less painful, but I can’t succumb to that. Since I was a child, I knew I didn’t want to live a mediocre life of not seeking a greater truth or going the distance. I’ve learned to show up even when I’m afraid and to know that with faith and action I can do all things. It helps to be a little radical.

What sparked Authentic Convos?

#AuthenticConvos started as a meet-up in London with no real goal or name at the time other than to meet new friends. While it’s humble beginnings have allowed me to meet amazing people, it quickly evolved into a safe space for the people in attendance to listen and ask the questions they want to be answered without the fluff.

Five reasons why we should attend Authentic Convos?

Here are 5 reasons why you, your homies, boyfriend, girlfriend, mama, daddy, uncle, auntie, and cousins should attend:

1)    The atmosphere of the room is always filled with love and you can feel it upon entering. Vibes matter.

2)    Each conversation is a new topic and thought leaders so you can’t get the same thing twice.

3)    It is understood it’s a safe space for open expression and all comments are welcomed, guarded, and fed with positive reinforcements.

4)    For an added incentive, everyone is beautiful, literally and figuratively; ugly energy is not allowed or tolerated.

5)    I give FREE hugs.

What does my freshman year of life means to you?

To me my freshman year of life means missteps, failing, failing again, learning, getting up, getting up again, humble beginnings to a beautiful life created through gratitude.

If you were to write a letter to your younger self about pursuing your dream what would you tell her?

I would tell my younger self to stop looking to others to make her feel whole. Her strength can be found when she relies on herself, and all she needs is within. And to NEVER think she’s can’t compete because that’s not her job. Her job is to send love to others and understand there’s more than enough to go around.

The next #AuthenticConvo event will take place Saturday, November 5th.  You can purchase tickets here: 

Stay connected with Ayana

Instagram: @ayanaiman
Website: www.ayanaiman.com