Social media phenom Nabela Noor chatted about turning her Tiktok into a mental health movement.
“At the start of the pandemic, I was struggling with intense anxiety,” she said. “I started documenting the little moments that ‘went right’ in each day, as a way to just celebrate the good and magnify that over the bad. And I’m so glad I did. These daily videos garnered millions of views with overwhelming support.”
“So many people felt inspired to also highlight the little moments of goodness in their days. And before I knew it, #pocketsofpeace became a movement that was rooted in gratitude and treating each day like a special occasion. What started as a virtual gratitude journal – an outlet for me to cope with my own anxiety – evolved into a lifestyle that millions supported and adopted for themselves…prioritizing peace by putting themselves first, and I’m so proud of us all,” she elaborated.
On her daily inspirations, she said, “My #PocketsofPeace series is a reminder to be inspired, appreciative, and grounded every day. Since becoming a mom, my baby Amalia inspires me to be the best person I can be for myself, for my family, and for my community.”
She continued, “Every day it seems like she reaches a new milestone in her development, and that progress and growth is such motivation as a new mom through all the highs and the lows. I’m also inspired by my family, my social community, mentors, and friends, and I pull inspiration from them every day.”
“Everyone has a unique story and perspective, and I like to turn to the people I admire for guidance and inspiration,” she added.
The digital age
On being an entrepreneur in the digital age, Noor said, “I’ve always enjoyed being creative and leveraging my digital platforms for my work. The progress that social media has played in the successes of entrepreneurs globally is incredible.”
“It has allowed me to have access to opportunities that are beyond my wildest dreams. It has also allowed me to partner with brands that I truly care about. Most recently, I worked with Gerber during a big milestone moment for my baby, Amalia.,” she said.
“This was such a full-circle moment for my family – my immigrant mother always dreamt of me being a Gerber baby after she immigrated to this country. Thanks to this digital world, her granddaughter is officially a Gerber baby!
“Collaborating with Gerber for Amalia’s first tastes of solid foods journey allowed me to encourage and share trusted nutritional resources with parents in my network, nationwide and even globally, helping them to be present at the moment and enjoy the celebration of their baby’s introduction to solid foods. Without the progress social networks have made, this connection with parents in my community wouldn’t have been possible,” she elaborated.
For young and aspiring entrepreneurs, she said, “Optimism is more powerful than realism. My dreams weren’t realistic, but I remained optimistic. And I credit my spirit, faith, and relentless optimism as being the foundations to my success story.”
“Also, surround yourself with team members, mentors, brands, community, family and friends that inspire and motivate you,” she said. “Creating this network within both personal and work life will make the tough times more manageable to navigate.”
She continued, “A moment that truly reminded me of this was recently having the chance to collaborate on the First Bite Party Pack and #GerberMy1st free baby food for a year sweepstakes with Gerber. It was a moment in my life when all areas of my work (including being a new author, a home designer, an entrepreneur) and all areas of my personal life (being a mother, wife, and community member) came together.”
“I was supported throughout the brand partnership, I felt connected to my community, and I was sharing a milestone moment for my baby, Amalia, with all the family and friends who have been so involved in her life thus far. It made me proud to be where I am today, wearing so many hats but feeling loved, supported, and inspired by it all,” she added.
If she were to have any superpower, she revealed, “Finding the silver lining in every storm. Through my journey of finding the pockets of peace in each day and inspiring millions to do the same, I’ve developed strength in finding something to celebrate even in my darkest moments. And I’m so thankful for that.”
Regarding her definition of success, Noor said, “Success is loving and being loved. Success is grateful living. Success is peace.”
To learn more about Nabela Noor, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and check out her website.
