Meet Nayla Seda of Raleigh, NC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nayla Seda

Nayla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Zakkiyah Z. It derives from my middle name, but the last Z is quite simple. When I joined YouTube and began content creation, they required a last name. I didn’t want to put my actual last name, so my persona Zakkiyah Z was created. My real name is Nayla Seda. I am a content creator and published writer originally from Raleigh, NC. I originally started content creation as an outlet. I used music, writing, gaming, and media to escape. Youtubers, actors, and singers when I grew up were my comfort. I wanted to become that comfort for others, I wanted my channel to feel like a home. I like to believe that my videos, streams, and more make at least one person’s day better. Even if it’s just for a moment, my goal has been accomplished. I started with only reactions, but then quickly expanded to all forms of media, as well as streaming. I mainly post on platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, Patreon, and TikTok.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’d say it’s been a smooth road with a lot of curves. Content creation is easy for me, and I enjoy it. However, I am also a full-time student who works full-time during the summer, so balancing my content while also ensuring I actually live my life has been a challenge. Mental and physical health has been my largest struggle, but I quickly realized my community is filled with sweethearts. My KIW Crew (Keep It Weird Crew) understands if I take some time off, and they are so supportive of any form of content I create. This has helped me stay motivated even when I was going through a hard time. I love and appreciate my crew a lot.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My content mainly focuses on Asian/LGBT media and gaming. This includes music, news, movies/shows, etc. I react and create commentary on everything under this umbrella. As for gaming, it’s really whatever I feel like playing at the moment. That aspect is a relatively new part of my channel. I create videos for YouTube, Patreon, and TikTok daily, and I try to stream on Twitch 1-2 times a week. These are typically music or gaming streams. I would say I am known for my KPOP reactions. It is the main component of my channel, and most people would say that’s entirely what my channel is about. I am the most proud of being able to gain a reach, as I have been posting online for years now and can finally successfully say I have a small community of my own. I have a few people in my community who have been with me for most of my journey, and they hold a special place in my heart. I don’t think I go a day without thinking about them now, and hoping they are well. What sets me apart from others I believe is my love for what I do. It’s not just a job or a hobby, it’s who I am. Content creation in all forms has shaped me into who I am today. I feel so deeply about the things I watch, create, and see. Especially with music and writing, these forms of art saved my life when I was younger and gave me purpose. It doesn’t matter how well my content does numerically, I already have succeeded in my heart.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I believe the characteristic I feel is the most important to my success is my bubbly attitude. When I first started content creation I was more reserved. My true personality every month, every year, has shown. I asked my KIWs what color they associated with me, and most said yellow. The compliment I get most often is that I am funny, bubbly, and make people smile. I feel as though this is important not only because that was my goal, but because it gives my content a purpose. I am not just hitting record and staring blankly at you, I am giving you something. A distraction, a laugh, background noise while you eat your dinner. You can get something out of my content, and that’s all I want to do. I always leave my videos saying the same thing, something I had to get used to myself. Keep it weird!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.patreon.com/zakkiyahz/posts
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weirdlyzakkiyah/
• Twitter: https://x.com/WeirdlyZakkiyah
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgkfq3C1_p_M_LcRsCvjUZA