Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Akpom
Ana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2022, I embarked on a journey that would change my life in ways I could never have imagined. My name is Ana Akpom, and I’m a fashion and travel influencer, as well as the co-founder of a digital marketing company. My story began in Shenzhen, China, where I spent five incredible years building my brand, traveling the world, and collaborating with some of the most exciting brands in the industry. Life was vibrant and fulfilling, filled with the thrill of new experiences and the satisfaction of professional success. But amid all the adventures and achievements, there was a longing—a desire for something deeper, something more personal.
While living in China, I realized that my most important goal—finding someone to share my life with—remained unfulfilled. As much as I enjoyed the excitement of constant travel and the satisfaction of a thriving business, there was a part of me that yearned for companionship, for someone who could make the good times even better and help me navigate the challenges with a smile. In 2019, I connected with a well-known YouTuber in the self-improvement space, someone I’d chat with occasionally. He was someone I respected, and I trusted his insights, especially when it came to dating and relationships.
One day, I decided to ask him for advice. I wanted to know where I stood in the dating world and what my strategy should be moving forward. His suggestion surprised me: he advised me to move to Dallas or any major city in Texas. The thought of uprooting my life and moving halfway across the world to a place I’d never been was daunting. It took me over two years to muster the courage to leave behind the life I had built, risking my income and stability for the chance at something more meaningful.
In 2022, I made the leap. I moved to Austin, Texas, a city known for its vibrant culture and welcoming community. The transition wasn’t easy—starting over never is—but it was a challenge I was ready to face. After a few months of dating, including a brief relationship, I finally met the person who would change everything. In December 2022, I met my husband. We quickly realized we were meant for each other, and after five months of dating, followed by a two-month engagement, we got married in July 2023. Celebrating our one-year anniversary not long ago was a moment of reflection and gratitude for how far we’ve come.
But the story doesn’t end there. My journey to Austin also marked the beginning of my spiritual journey. I became a Christian and was baptized at Red Rocks Church, a milestone that deepened my sense of purpose and belonging in this new chapter of my life. Now that Austin is our home base, I’m more excited than ever about building a life here—one filled with love, faith, and endless possibilities.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey from Shenzhen to Austin was filled with numerous obstacles and challenges, both personal and external. One of the biggest hurdles I faced was overcoming the fear of leaving behind the life I had built in China—a life that was professionally successful but personally unfulfilled. It took me over two years to gather the courage to move across the world, knowing that I would be risking two sources of income and starting anew in a place I had never been.
On top of these personal challenges, the timing of my move presented significant external obstacles. In 2022, China was still in strict lockdowns due to the pandemic. The government was heavily limiting the number of people allowed to leave the country, and there were reports of authorities trying to dissuade individuals from departing at the airport. The uncertainty and difficulty of leaving China at that time added another layer of stress to an already daunting decision. I consider myself extremely blessed to have been able to leave the country during such a restrictive period.
Despite these challenges, I remained committed to my goal of building a new life in Austin, and that perseverance has led me to where I am today—happily married, spiritually fulfilled, and excited about the future.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have extensive experience in digital and social media marketing, a field I’ve been deeply involved in since 2017. My journey began with monetizing my presence on Instagram, which quickly grew into a full-time career as an influencer by 2019. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of brands, including global fashion giants like Revolve, and, Shein, and Lulus. My work has also taken me to some of the most beautiful destinations worldwide, where I’ve collaborated with luxury hotels to create compelling content that resonates with my audience.
In addition to my personal brand, I co-founded a digital marketing firm based in China, where we specialize in helping e-commerce companies, brands, Amazon sellers, and factories enhance their branding and online presence. Our team has had the honor of working with globally recognized brands such as Huawei, Urban Revivo, and AliExpress. What sets our firm apart is our deep understanding of both Western and Eastern markets, which allows us to craft tailored strategies that resonate across cultures.
One of the things I’m most pleased with is our ability to drive real results for our clients, helping them grow their brands in a highly competitive digital landscape. We don’t just focus on visibility; we focus on creating lasting impact and serving the community, whether that’s through increased sales, stronger brand recognition, or a more engaged online community.
What sets me apart as an influencer and marketer is my ability to merge creativity with strategy. I have a keen eye for aesthetics, which helps me create visually appealing content, but I’m also deeply analytical, always looking at the data to ensure that my strategies are effective. My global experience, both as an influencer and a marketer, has given me a unique perspective on how to connect with diverse audiences, and that’s something I bring to every project I work on.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
When it comes to my life and business, I don’t believe in luck—whether good or bad. Instead, I firmly believe in the power of God’s blessings and His guidance in everything I do. Throughout my journey, I’ve seen His hand at work in ways that go beyond mere coincidence. From the opportunities that have come my way to the challenges I’ve overcome, I know that it’s not about luck but about divine intervention and purpose.
A scripture that resonates deeply with me is Proverbs 16:9: “In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” This verse reminds me that while I can make plans, it is ultimately God who guides my path.
My move from China to Austin in 2022 was a significant leap of faith. It wasn’t an easy decision, and the timing was far from ideal, given the strict lockdowns and restrictions in place at the time. But I trusted that God had a plan for me, and I believe He made a way for me when there seemed to be no way. My successful transition to a new life, the growth of my business, and even meeting my husband who led me to seek God —all of these are clear signs of God’s blessings in my life.
In my business, I’ve learned to rely on prayer and faith rather than chance. I seek God’s wisdom in my decisions and trust that He will guide me on the right path. This perspective has given me peace, even in uncertain times, because I know that everything is under His control. It’s not about being lucky; it’s about being blessed and knowing that God’s favor is upon me.
Ultimately, I see my success not as a product of luck, but as a result of hard work, faith, and the blessings that God has bestowed upon me. Every step I take is grounded in my belief that He is leading me where I’m meant to go, and that gives me the confidence to move forward, regardless of the challenges I face.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missanachoo/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVduAlX40WCcLYvk245NeyA
