Meet the Creator of "Share Wat You Know"
“I Am African & I Can” is a women’s empowerment blog that highlights stories of black women’s struggles and success.
By Hadiatou Wann | 05/17/19
When Hadja Assiatou Diallo was in her homeland, Guinea, Conakry, her dream was to become a journalist. As the years passed, that dream hid in the closet and then reappeared when she decided it was time to let go of fear and give the world a glimpse of her talent.
Then, when she moved to America, something changed.
“You're not born here, your English may not be good enough,” these are some of the things people told Hadja when she came to America. As a result, she was discouraged to follow her dreams of becoming a journalist.
Although for a while Hadja felt it was not possible to become a journalist, her bubbly personality and the desire to interact with people remained a part of her.
At 16 years old, while still in high school, she met a man that was the coolness of her eyes. He embodied everything a woman wants in a man: good character, intellect, and charm. She knew he was the one and did not want to miss out on the opportunity of spending the rest of her life with her ideal man. At 18 years old, she married the man of her dreams.
Hadja went on to pursue an Associate's degree in Health Information Management and got an internship in that field right before she graduated. Through the internship, Hadja discovered her dream job (Human Resources). And then was able to secure a full-time position as a human resources person—a position she loves. In July, she is expected to graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources.
She found a profession where she can put her intellect to use, be herself and interact with people. But she still felt there was more she could do to make the world a better place.
“I just woke up one day and wanted to blog,” Hadja said. Timing and preparedness is crucial to Hadja, that is why she wouldn't take on a task unless she feels it in her heart. “I have to feel it. The moment I feel it, I would go for it!”
Hadja reached out to a group of Guinean women and shared her vision. She was thrilled to find out that they were fond of the idea and wanted to embark on the journey. In addition to that, her supportive husband built the website for them.
Despite having a busy life (being a wife, mom, student, and employee), Hadja decided to launch “Share Wat You Know,” a lifestyle blog that connects single and married women, and provides valuable information and tips to help them navigate through life.
For a while, Hadja wanted to write a book, but realized that everyone in her community worked individually to attain goals. She thought, “Instead of writing a book by myself, why don't I get others to write a book with me?” And that was when the idea of a blog was born.
The women who collaborate on “Share Wat You Know” have different passions and talents. When they share what they know, something remarkable comes to life. They share their knowledge of fashion, skincare, haircare, marriage, and real life issues that affect people.
Hadja has once shared what it was like having 2 miscarriages before being blessed with her “miracle child.” It was personal, but she felt the world could learn from her experience. So many women reached out to her after she shared her story. She was surprised to learn that there were women who had gone through a similar trial but drowned in tears and kept silent.
Faith is what encouraged Hadja to keep trying even though she had 2 miscarriages. On her third attempt, she gave birth to a boy and then a few years later to another boy. “Never give up, pray, pray, and pray,” said the mother of 2. “God is listening. If you truly want it, ask him.”
Hadja says that women are known to bump heads whenever they interact. Creating “Share Wat You Know” was her way of showing the world that women can set aside their differences, collaborate, and create something exceptional.
She points out that in the African community, you are not supposed to share what you're going through while you are still in the midst of solving the issue. Which is one of the reasons why she shared her story after she gave birth to 2 boys. But she admits that it is very important to share the things that you don't want to share so that someone can benefit from it.
Mariama Diallo, Hadja's younger sister, describes the “Share Wat You Know” creator: “Her loyalty, kindness, words of wisdom, and passion for helping others is what makes her unique. The amount of kindness she is able to spread is amazing. She’s the hardest worker that I know. I am truly blessed to call her my role model.”
Hadja may not have a degree in journalism, but the platform she created to share knowledge with people is indeed a form of journalism. Journalists are storytellers. Hadja has found a way to unite women of different passions and talents to tell stories in a way that is unique and inspirational.
Welcome to Hadja’s World
Hadja has 7 siblings. She grew up seeing her mother as a housewife. She loved how her mother took care of her household, and knew that one day she would love to have her own family and be a working mom.
Connect with Hadja:
Facebook: A-Town Queen
Instagram: @atownqueen
Email: hadjaassy@gmail.com
Website: https://sharewatyouknow.com/
Read other success stories here: www.iamafricanandican.info/blog
Thank you for reading! Knowledge is more valuable when you share it.
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