I Was Featured in a Magazine, Y’all. Let’s Discuss.

So there I was minding my own business, eating a delicious salad, watching “Living Single,” and preparing to study. I got an email with an opportunity to be featured in a magazine. The emailer? Deputy Editor. The magazine?  Woman’s Day. I don’t know if I’ve ever responded to an inquiry so quickly.

When I first began my blogger journey in 2018, I asked God to grant me a magazine feature. All the cool bloggers had at least one under their belts, and I was patiently striving toward mine. I asked for a little corner of a page as is typical of most bloggers to receive as they show off their latest fashion inspo. God said, “Nah. Full page spread.”

I took an afternoon to speak to the writer for my article. The conversation was 1 hour of pure magic. She asked me all about my trials and tribulations in medicine and we even broached the subject of race and racism. As a young Black doctor, I am speaking on the racial facets of my career and experience in Woman’s Day Magazine. Y’ALL! The magazine featured my age which I love. I am in my 30s, but still tapping into all the possibilities. Society would have us think women peak by now. Women should be defined by how married they are or how many children they have by now. Not my story. I am 30-freaking-4 and fabulous and the sky is the limit. No peak in sight. I also had the opportunity to showcase some of my favorite beauty brands and we went all the way there. Two of three I listed are Black-owned and beyond amazing. The article features Black photography, y’all. I have had the pleasure of working with incredibly talented photographers, Tina Smith and Rose of Dadou Studios. These are their photos featured in the article and I’m just so proud of their work. I have worked with Tina the longest and to see her photographs chosen from years ago?? I’m beyond happy for, proud of, and thankful for her! When I was home recently, we got together to create the imagery for this blog post. I just had to shoot these photos where it all began: Atlanta, the original city in Surgery And The City. I whipped out that stunning orange dress again for this occasion. I am so grateful to be able to speak on my experience and bring Blackness to center stage (where it belongs).

The morning the magazine came out, I rushed downtown to get several copies. I thumbed through the pages until I saw my face. Then alas, pages 18-19. Mine oh mine! I flipped the magazine up to show the cashier and he made the connection instantly. We both started smiling as he inquired about my blog. I could not believe how great the spread turned out. The photos, the story, the authenticity. Seeing the story come to life after months of anticipation was nothing short of amazing. Woman’s Day did not disappoint at all.

And sharing this experience with all of you!! All the congratulations, texts, DMs, phone calls, magazine purchases. I so appreciate it all! The big reveal on social media was such an incredible moment for me. Beyonce’s “Break My Soul” was playing in the background of my NYC apartment all afternoon. I thought it was a fitting song choice. How many young physicians who almost did not complete medical school get to share their story in a two page magazine spread of a platform and encourage others to never give up?

God is so good. I can’t even tell it all. To this day, I am unsure how Woman’s Day found me. I typically do not find out (or ask) how most who end up in my inbox find me. I assume it’s from social media hashtags and circulating PR lists. All I know is my contact information is visible on my site and social media. And it always will be. I make it easy for opportunity to find me.

I really do feel like more is coming, y’all. In fact, I know it is. I work hard on my brand and platform(s). I am elated to have that hard work acknowledged in this way. So many of your comments read not only “congratulations,” but also, “you deserve this.” Those words are just so affirming. So many do not know the true work that goes into content creation and blogging. It IS a full time job on top of my 70-80 hour work week as a resident. Thank you. Thank you so much for affirming me. And Rev. Butler, thank you for putting a magazine feature into the atmosphere. I’m agreeing with you: Essence next!

I’m off to re-read the article and find even more inspiration, y’all. I’m inspired to go harder, work smarter, and continue to be hungry. Can’t stop. Won’t stop. Eh eh. Eh eh.

xx,

Photos by Tina Smith & Dadou Studios