We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dr. Zylia Knowlin. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Zylia, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I believe that all three components have validity however integrity is the key component I choose to highlight. I believe integrity should drive everything you do. Having integrity will lead to positive energy and social intelligence. Integrity means being transparent and honest. It means being vulnerable at times and firm as well. It is standing on principles that your community can benefit and believe in. It is setting high standards for your family and yourself. It is doing your best when you’re feeling down. It’s giving it your all and remaining grounded in your culture and having respect for others. Integrity is key to human decency and understanding and compassion for the planet we live on.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Dr. Zylia N Knowlin proud servant of God. I have been blessed with four daughters ranging in ages from 29-17. Through success and failure I have created three businesses. As an educator I have an independent consultant agency, Creative Minds Educational Services, where I bring 29 years of experience to tailor educational services for clients. As a three-timed published author I operate Black Girls Write 2 where I provide editing services as well as free literary services for young women. Furthermore, I promote brown and black authors via social media platforms. Lastly, I have Empress Haberdashery where I sell my line of eyeshadow products as well as Afrocentric clothing and accessories in my virtual store. Through these products and services I network and attend to promoting positive outcomes in my community and to the global society.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bonds between people is failing to showing up as your authentic self. When we show false pretense and fake faces we blind people’s ability to see who we truly are. Then one day, you wake up and the person is someone you never knew because you failed to see them. What restores the bonds is having a clean heart and pure intentions for people. Being real with yourself means you can be real with and for others. To be a friend, you must be a friend as well.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering as taught me things I did not learn without it. I learned humility for myself and being able to ask for help. It taught me to share resources with communities in exponential ways. Suffering taught me that it’s temporary and it’s doesn’t define me. Suffering taught me hope and self reflection. It taught me that I am not exempt from failure but that failure isn’t bad if you use it for good.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that I am one of the funniest people they know. They would tell jokes that I have made. They would say, that girl loves life. She loves to celebrate and have fun but when it comes to business she very focused. My friends would agree that I do a lot for people and that’s my love language. My friends also would speak highly of my accomplishments but mostly of our friendship and our love for each other.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If you laid down my name, role, and possessions—what would remain is my dedication and belief in God. I’m not a doubter. I have faith! It can never disappear. Everything was taken from me, I would also believe that God loves me and that he will always protect and provide for me according to his will. I will remain strong in the pillar that I am highly favored and that is enough for me. Despite what the world sees, I see love and hope and that will always remain true.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blackgirlswrite2.com
- Instagram: I’m on Instagram as @blackgirlswrite2. Install the app to follow my photos and videos. https://www.instagram.com/blackgirlswrite2?igsh=MTRpYXBtMzl6dDB3OQ==&utm_source=ig_contact_invite
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-zylia-knowlin-8522b1181?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zylia.knowlin
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@empresshaberdashery?si=jKbIBehXtt3JkM1F
- Other: https://www.empresshaberdashery.com
