We had the good fortune of connecting with Antania Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Antania, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand is my character. I truly let my light shine, because I want to always demonstrate transparency and signature elements of creativity in my work. My blog is the greatest representation of myself and things that interest me and many others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m always excited about who I’ll get to meet next and how I’ll share the story. My blog has connected me to so many amazing people. I looked up one evening and I was having dinner with a Motown legend. The beauty in this was that I could write about it. I could share that experience with my audience. It’s of the many things that excite me in this profession. I’ll be honest, there have been times where I’ve experienced trial and error with building my blog, connecting with audiences, pitching, selling products, etc. It has not been easy, especially when social media is constantly changing, it’s imperative to stay in “creator mode.” To overcome these challenges, I found myself diving into different forms content. I’d read sports articles, because the writing was always compelling. I love Rom-Com’s and chick-flicks, but I started watching action movies and opened myself to media I wasn’t used to for inspiration. Not only did I change what I watched, I searched for inspiration in the social events I attended. I was learning. I was growing. This is what I want the world to know about me as a creative. I didn’t limit myself to just one category or subject. In the words of Chaka Khan, “I’m every woman, it’s ALL in me!”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A visitor for a week, huh? Let’s see… So, if they’re landing on a Monday, once they’re settled in, we’d go to the AT&T discovery district and catch up. We might walk over to Frankie’s to watch a game and have a few margaritas. On Tuesday, we’d go to Velvet Taco for “Taco Tuesday.” Disclaimer: I’m nearly 4 years Vegetarian and VT has the best Tofu Tacos! (Try Nashville Hot Tofu). Considering this friend is into music, on Wednesday night we’d go to Three Links in Deep Ellum to catch “RC & The Gritz” band. Super incredible band. Stream all of their music. On Thursday, we would definitely go to NorthPark for shopping. Assuming this friend is coming from Indianapolis where there isn’t a Dillards, we would be at the doors before they open. We’ll head to West Village for massages at Hand & Stone Spa, because we deserve. On Friday, we’d have a nice dinner at Avanti in Uptown. They have the best spinach lasagna. On Saturday, we’d have high tea with bottomless champagne at The Crescent. On Saturday night, we’d “turn up” at Stars N Spirits. On Sunday, we’d reflect on our amazing week over breakfast at Spiral Diner.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Geesh. Where do I begin? First, I would like to thank The Academy! (Slaps knee) Seriously, a great deal of my thanks is due to my mom, Joyce Jackson. My mom is the first writer I observed at a young age. As children, my siblings and I would gather in our parents room to watch tv. I’d look up and my mom was writing. She wrote so eloquently and her handwriting was so unique, we knew it was her signature on our Christmas gifts. I owe many thanks for my love for writing to my mother. Her favorite line to “hype” me up is “Make it do what it do!” It’s what echoes in the back of my mind when I’m being challenged or even when I’m feeling good. Her support is never ending.

I’d also like to acknowledge my god-sister, Deborah Clark and my best friend, Dominique Davie for being the greatest critics of my work. I honor their feedback always-Thank you!

Website: www.cocoagal.com

Instagram: AntaniaShanae

Twitter: cocoagalblog

Youtube: AntaniaShanae

Youtube: https://youtube.com/shorts/OAlFRyk4pJc?feature=share

Other: Trace & Write: Letter Tracing for New Learners https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0943J86ZM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_G2DBREJHWW3TPTCQ66W5

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.