Today we’d like to introduce you to Sasha Nichole Smith.
Hi Sasha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hi, my name is Sasha Nichole Smith or known as Sasha Nichole. I am a social media influencer, singer, model and content brand manager. I have been in this industry for over ten years and have worked and lived in countries like Australia, Malaysia and here in the USA doing what I love.
Recently, I decided to follow the faith of Islam and decided to transition into wearing a Hijab. With this huge chapter ahead of me I reflect on all I have done in this industry and what being Muslim in Orlando now means. Being an American born and raised, I realized that it is our freedom of speech that separates us from any other country. However, having the right to express yourself freely comes with a cost in this society and the impact social media plays. In a world were we celebrate “being naked” but shunned for being “modest” has now because something I want to stand up for. Women are oppressed all over the world and if I can change the narrative one Instagram post at a time then that is what I will do.
My job is more than to be an influencer for fashion brands or singing songs about partying, but as I turned 30 during the peak lockdowns of Covid, I realized I needed to shift and transition my lifestyle and what I represented. I have a duty in Orlando and to the world to share my new and inspired modest ways in hopes to change the narrative in our society where women can be celebrated for their minds and hearts.
I have had a crazy 30 years of living so far, from my number one singles in Asia that hit the top of the music billboard charts, to modelling for Forever21, and to creating and managing content for worldwide leading brands – I have definitely lived a world wind of experiences and experiences that have helped me travel the world and grow so much as a person and reach a level of success I can be super proud of, but as I begin this new journey into a more God-Conscious state of living, I hope to bring more peace, resolution and faith to my Orlando community and continue inspiring with even more meaning now.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges Muslim women face, especially here in the US, is the judgement steamed from society and how propaganda have deemed these women “oppressed” – One of my biggest challenges is changing that narrative and sharing the facts on how liberated Muslim women are.
Covering up and becoming modest in an immodest society is a huge challenge in itself. I have chosen, despite all the fame, the millions of views I received on YouTube, to start fresh at 30 and to let go of what social media says is “successful.”
Wearing a hijab is not just about covering your hair, it is a statement. It is a way Muslim women protect themselves in a world full of terror and body shaming. Learning to relive myself of the need to be “liked” by people is so liberating but definitely a rocky path to walk on in this society. When you are a social media influencer, we have the burden of influencing and without conscious awareness to what you are promoting you can easily promote harmful and negative thought patterns in people. We have forgotten that social media influencers are “INFLUENCERS” and I have learnt recently to take this super seriously as I want to inspire women and not bring them down.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
With my new journey of self discovery within my work as a social media influencer, model, singer and blogger I have taken a huge turn in what I promote and discuss on my feeds. Deciding to become a “Modest Influencer” sets apart my message in this influencing world especially here in Florida and I am proud to transition into a women that actually has something to say for once.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I believe in always surrounding yourself with positive and inspiring people. I have learnt this the hard way in my twenties especially in my life of work, the entertainment industry is full of phonies. Having people you can look up to and strive to follow is key to changing. One of my biggest tips to those needing a change in their life, I always suggest going to your FB, Instagram, Twitter etc. and UNFOLLOW anyone or any page that brings your energy down and follow those who INSPIRE and bring positivity to your life. We are effected by our phones being in our hands 24/7 so I always urge those to be aware of what we see on our phones on a daily basis as every little message can be subtly hurting or uplifting you. If you want to get to know more of my causes and what motivates me, feel free to tune into my podcast, “Is She Serious” where we discuss topics like women’s rights, modest fashion and tips & tricks on living a more meaningful and spiritually positive lifestyle plus so much more!
Contact Info:
- Email: sashanichole.smith2@gmail.com
- Website: www.sashanichole.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sashaanichole
- Podcast Instagram: www.intsgram.com/@issheserious
