“We Are Made With Purpose. On Purpose.”

 My name is Zakia, and I'm a nontraditional college student studying social work. I'm also a wife, a mother of four (including a child with special needs), and a retired personal trainer who still loves a good strength-training session.

I enjoy reading inspirational books, going out when life permits, and finding little ways to make self-care possible. I've always been fascinated by bodies of water, especially the beach. I'm working on traveling more, but if you ask me to choose a vacation destination, somewhere warm and tropical will win every time!

What makes me unique? Well, I think that's something I'm still discovering. And honestly, I'm finally learning to thank and wrap my arms around the woman I used to be. She endured some challenging seasons, and her resilience helped bring me to where I am today. Because of her, I have the opportunity to continue growing into the woman I'm becoming.

  Just like you, I believe God made me ON purpose, WITH purpose. I am a woman who is constantly evolving, and I believe the work of becoming doesn't stop because we've reached a certain age or stage in life.

My journey has taught me that growth isn't about abandoning the woman I used to be. It's about appreciating what she's taught me, forgiving her for what she allowed, recognizing what no longer serves me, and continuing to be molded into the woman God created me to be.

I've learned that I can change my perspective without compromising my character. I can embrace new lessons while holding on to the values I've worked to cultivate.

And while I don't have everything figured out, I've come to appreciate that becoming is a lifelong process—one that requires patience, grace, and a willingness to keep refining myself.

After all, I'm God's design—and my favorite lifelong DIY project.

  I believe every woman was created with purpose, on purpose. And sometimes, discovering that purpose requires us to challenge what we've been taught, examine what we've come to believe, and reconsider the expectations we've placed on ourselves.

Purposefully Younique was created to be a space where women can explore new perspectives, have meaningful conversations, and feel encouraged to grow without feeling judged for where they are in life.

 I believe every experience has something to teach us, but we must be intentional about what we allow those experiences to produce within us. We shouldn't allow difficult seasons to harden our hearts or strip us of the fruit we've worked so intentionally to cultivate. Through self-reflection, accountability, compassion, and a willingness to learn, we can begin releasing the beliefs and patterns that no longer align with who we're becoming, without compromising the goodness within us.

My hope is that this space encourages you to recognize the value you already possess, embrace the lessons of your journey, and move forward with greater intention.

Because becoming isn't about erasing who you've been. It's about making room for who you were designed to be.