Today we’d like to introduce you to Nneka Kanu.
Nneka, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Several years ago, I owned a midi dress that I had worn once or twice, but I didn’t think it looked quite right on me. I decided to search online for different ideas on how to style it. That search led me to a fashion blog that helped me style the dress, and I became obsessed with that blog and a bunch of other fashion blogs after that. I loved being able to get new fashion inspo every day.
After I discovered the world of fashion blogging and shared it with my friends, my friends would often tell me I should start my own blog. I didn’t really think much of it until I realized that I had a unique voice and could make money doing something that I Ioved. I eventually decided to take the plunge and start my own blog!
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. When I first started blogging at the end of 2016, I was determined and consistent, but it was difficult juggling the blog and my full-time job as an attorney. I spent all of my free time learning everything I could about blogging (podcasts, articles, webinars, etc.) and making sure I posted regularly on the blog and social media. As a result, I grew my blog pretty fast! But with all that growth came some growing pains.
Along the way, I’ve struggled with self-doubt and comparison. A few years ago, I heard a sermon about a comparison. I took notes that day, and I still review those notes periodically to remind myself when I need encouragement. “Comparison is cancer to contentment and the thief of joy. Comparison will consistently cloud the clarity of what God has called you to do.” The message was to run your own race, stay in your lane, and focus on the goal ahead. I’ve been learning how to focus on my own journey without worrying about what other people are doing. It has been a struggle, but my advice for any woman starting their journey would be to do the same. It’s ok to be inspired by other women, but not to use their successes as a way to put yourself down.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Queen of Sleeves story. Tell us more about the business.
My fashion blog, Queen of Sleeves, is aptly named because I don’t do sleeveless! Many women aren’t comfortable wearing sleeveless clothes but have felt forced to buy such clothes due to a lack of options. I want to give those women lots of options. so I am on a constant search to find clothes, particularly dresses, with sleeves that look youthful and fashionable. It can sometimes be difficult, but with the right styling, it can be done. I started my blog to inspire myself and those around me to be confident, chic, and fashionable with sleeves!
I love to hear from women who tell me that they also don’t wear sleeveless clothes so they love coming to my blog for inspiration or have found pieces through my blog that made them look and feel great. This year, I hope to expand my brand to include personal styling services.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I honestly think the biggest barrier to female leadership in my industry, and maybe even, in general (to some extent), is self-doubt. The more we believe in ourselves and what we can accomplish, the farther we will go.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.queenofsleeves.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/queenofsleeves
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/queenofsleeves
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/queenofsleeves
Image Credit:
Jerren Willis Photography
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