Check Out Sandra Normil’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Normil.

Hi Sandra, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It all started when I was born. Just kidding! I was putting myself through college while working a job I didn’t necessarily hate but was not maximizing my full potential. One day, while at work, the idea came to me to start a YouTube channel. I wanted a channel where I could answer questions from the audience and give advice using my psychology background.

So, I started posting weekly on Saturday mornings. Fast forward to a few months later, I posted a video before heading to work. I opened my phone that same morning, and my notifications went crazy. My video views and subscriber counts kept going up. I messaged a friend saying, “I think something is wrong with my YouTube!” She responded, “No, you’re going viral. That’s how it happens.” The video garnered over 130k views, with my previously posted videos getting thousands of views.

Soon after, I moved to Ohio to acquire my BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). I decided to open an Instagram account (@sandrasaidwhat) during that time to promote my YouTube channel. I soon rediscovered my love for fashion and curating creative content on Instagram. As I got more inspired on social media, I worked on a business plan to open an online fashion store.

Then, in 2020, when the pandemic hit, I finally executed my plan and opened SSW Merch (Sandra Said What Merch). The store which was supposed to offer t-shirts and hoodies based on the Sandra Said What brand quickly evolved into something more. SSW Merch is now a trendy online fashion boutique offering items for every occasion at an affordable cost. After acquiring my BSN degree, I returned to Florida, where I continue to post social media content on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and my website.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Running a business while creating content for multiple social media platforms takes time, discipline, and effort. I have a lot of early mornings, late nights, overnights, in-between nights, etc. I’m constantly learning different, more efficient ways of doing things.

I’m a one-woman show right now. The bulk of the workload is on me. I have had setbacks and hardships, and that’s to be expected. The road has not been the smoothest, but you must take it all in stride. Everything is about perspective. Every inconvenience is something I had to learn to improve. Working on my goals and career is challenging, but it is the next step in progress.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am multidisciplinary, specializing in creative content curation. I create fashion and lifestyle content for YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. On my YouTube channel, I also discuss socially impactful topics. The perception of me to people is that I’m outspoken. I strongly believe in saying what you mean and meaning what you say. I don’t mind having an unpopular opinion as long as I am honest and authentic. Hence, I like being informed about a topic before stating my opinion. Whether the subject is lighthearted or more serious, the manner of addressing it matters.

It’s not what you say; it’s how you say it, depending on the message you are trying to convey. I am proud to have pursued my goals, which are working out. By the end of 2022, our shop was ranked in the top two in its category on Shopify, our Pinterest Verified Merchant account had over 1 million views in its first month, and I have earned two bachelor’s degrees (psychology & nursing). But, overall, what I’m most proud of is my constant search for self-improvement. Whether in my personal life or career, I strive to improve daily. I can honestly look at my life and say I’ve made some good decisions. And that continues to drive me.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
One thing I like most about Boca is the timeless sense of prestige. From the shops at Mizner to the Town Center Mall and luxurious homes in West Boca, you don’t have to venture too far for an elevated experience.

I love the slow-living vibes. And, having lived in Ohio, which I equate to living inside a freezer, I’ve also grown to appreciate the weather. On the other hand, Boca can be too slow for those looking for an active nightlife. Plus, the cost of living does not meet the pay level. But, I guess that can be said about the state of Florida in general, and it seems to be a growing trend across the country.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sswmerch.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandrasaidwhat/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandrasaidwhat
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@SandraSaidWhat

Image Credits
Oyewale Hammed Ojo