Life & Work with Zaakirah Muhammad

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zaakirah Muhammad. 

Hi Zaakirah, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi! My name is Zaakirah (zaa-key-ra) and it is Arabic for the hereafter. My middle name, Nayyar, is Arabic for bright light. My last name, Muhammad, means praiseworthy. I am the CEO and founder of Phocused Media Group which has been empowering and supporting the growth of minority-owned businesses since 2018.

At 3 months of age, a camera saved my life. I’m a cancer survivor with currently 30 years in remission having monocular vision, also known as having the Photographer’s Eye (seeing only in my left eye). A rare childhood eye cancer (retinoblastoma) was detected by a photo my mom took. At nine months old, I was taken into surgery to have my right eye removed. As a result of radiation, I wear hearing aids in both ears to support my mild hearing loss.

My first camera was a Kodak polaroid camera, gifted to me at age five. My first digital camera was gifted to me in middle school. I studied commercial photography at my technical high school and then professional photography post-high school. I have photographed musical greats at events and in 10+ countries. Throughout my life, I have written newsletter articles, blogs, and journal entries.

I wrote about these life experiences in my memoir, Seeing Life Through a Different Lens, and briefly talk about them on my podcast, See Life Different. I enjoy conversing with others, learning about their stories as well as exchanging sharing stories.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No! It has been far from a smooth road! Being a multi-cultural woman often means being a marginalized woman. While living with preexisting conditions, prioritizing mental health is crucial, so work flexibility is a must. I’ve lost friends and funds along the way by “Keeping up with the Joneses” and letting Imposter Syndrome win.

Being hard of hearing and visually impaired adds an additional push to advocate for diversity and accessibility. I understand that life happens along the journey and that all of the experiences, good or bad, eventually come full circle. I am a firm believer that these obstacles are all a part of my journey to inspire others to step outside of their comfort zone.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Since a young child, I’ve always been creative with an entrepreneurial spirit. As an intuitive learner and active listener, I now run a business, Phocused Media Group, focused on both photography and creative strategy based on the insight into so many women’s struggles with their branding and marketing expertise. Our goal is to bridge the gender gap between men and women in the marketing and advertising industry by having a women-led team. We support the women-owned businesses that are taking advantage of the great resignation with the branding and business essentials they need to start and run their business. Originally a media company of photographers, we have expanded as a media group to include services that support podcasts, books, earned media, movies, and documentaries. We are an agency model focused on all things creative with ease.

Despite being a professional entrepreneur for ten years now, I am a forever learner. I am always connecting with new people and expanding my education in books and certifications and sharing the knowledge as public speaker and content creator.  Here’s to more knowledge!

Contact Info:

• Email: zaakirah@zaakirahnayyar.com
• Website: http://zaakirahnayyar.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illuminousone/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illuminousone/
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/illuminousone
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NayyarPhotography/?sub_confirmation=1
• Other: www.phocusedmediagroup.com

Image Credits
Nayyar Photography
RCK Photography