#VidCon this year was a whole heck of a lot as always. This my fourth VidCon, my first year going without my sister, and my second year going as both Ahsante the Artist and PBS Digital Studios. After being a bit to overwhelmed last year, I didn’t even try to document it this time. I focused on being there in the moment, reuniting with friends I only get to see once a year, chatting with creators who I met irl for the first time, and organizing and facilitating PBSDS events. I spoke on a panel about marginalized identities, and I threw down at the spoken word open mic. 😁 💃🏽 🎤 VidCon is a bit different every year, and a few things stood out to me. First, the whole thing seemed particularly professional and well organized. It was probably a combo of the increased convention center space, increased crowd control with RFID, and the increase in YouTube events including the #YouTubeEduCon pre-conference which was A+, but the whole thing seemed put together and way less dramatic than in years past. I didn’t see or hear of a single stampede - good job y’all. ✅ 💯 🎉 Secondly, the Black Girl Gang came through (s/o to @jouelzy for the photo). Having this support system of sisters to roll with through a convention that can feel culturally claustrophobic made the whole experience feel more like home. I’m an internet kid who makes Black girl magical videos and works with a bunch of nerds who love making a smarter world. These are my people. 💁🏾‍♀️✨🤓 #VidCon2018 #VidConUS #bgki #MelaninMagic #PBSNerd

Today on my birthday I traveled from Salt Lake City to D.C. to NYC. It’s fitting that I spent so much of my birthday in transit - for me this is a season of non-stop hustle. This past year has been a whirlwind of personal and professional growth that I never could have predicted. ⭐️ A year ago I didn’t feel "ready”. I didn’t feel like a real adult, I doubted my abilities, I listened to my insecurities, I leaned on receiving instruction from others on what to do. Since then I’ve had 4 managers, 2 promotions, organized events and conferences, negotiated business, spoken on panels, and in 2018 I’ve taken 2-3 trips each month. I’ve gained a tremendous amount of independence and confidence, with the support of wonderful and trusting colleagues. Twenty five feels like I can do this. I can make the call, I can make the move, I can make it happen. 🎈 I still don’t have it "all figured out by 25". I still don’t know where I’ll be in 5 years. I still don’t have my life in balance - I’ve been all about the work hustle. But I feel like I’m well on my way, I’ve earned my experience, I have a vision of my destination, and I have the tools to get me there. Now I just have to keep going. Here’s to continuing the journey. ✨ Also here’s to birthday dinner with YouTube friends in the city. Feels like a good start :) 🎉 #nonstop #onthego #lifeisajourney #anotheryearolder #livespiritedly

The bags are unpacked. The last work emails have been sent. Let vacation begin. 🌞🌴 #workhardtravelwell #globetrotting #travelnoire #letthesunshine

Cheers to the freakin weekend❗️ I’ve been letting my #workaholic tendencies get the best of me (part of why I’ve been low-key 👻 on Insta) and I’m starting to feel the grind 🤯. There will always be more to do, more goals to achieve, more emails to send, more ways I could #hustleharder. But you also have to stop to smell the flowers, take a walk, enjoy the journey. 🌸 🌼🌸 Here’s to not abandoning the creative spirit that got me here in the first place. ☀️ ✨ #itsspring #stopandsmelltheflowers #igdc #livespiritedly #thinkcreatively #calledtobecreative #alwaysworking #hustlehard #careergoals #lovewhatyoudo #blackgirlsrock #melaninmagic #tgif #takeabreak

Taught myself #ukelele and wrote a #valentinesday tune for all my fellow singles 💖 (Link in bio if you’re interested)

Lots of moving, PBS-ing, creating, and good food. It's been quite a year #2017bestnine #bestnine2017 #endoftheyear