Mouna Douk’s shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Mouna, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me starts early, I wake up, pray Fajr, and take a few quiet minutes to do my dhikr before getting into the day. After that, I put on my sunscreen, get a workout in, grab my coffee, then shower and do my skincare routine. I finish it off with breakfast it’s my favorite slow moment before the day really starts.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
What readers should know right away is that I’m a woman who wears many creative hats all driven by purpose, impact, and community. My name is Mouna Doukoure, and I’m a beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content creator, entrepreneur, blog writer, and community builder based in Austin, Texas. I create content that encourages people to embrace authenticity, honor their individuality, and live with intention.
I run my own social media agency, MD Media, where I help brands and business owners grow their online presence and create authentic UGC content. I also write a personal blog where I share my story, reflect on my journey of self-discovery, and explore purpose & growth. Beyond that, I founded Afrolink ATX, a women’s community that brings Africans in Austin together to connect, support each other, and create opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a curious, bold girl unafraid to dream. I trusted my instincts, expressed my creativity freely, and believed I could build my own path without limits, labels, or expectations. I loved exploring the world through little things putting together outfits, writing, or simply observing life around me. Growing up in West Africa, I quickly learned about expectations and what it meant to “fit in,” but deep down, I always knew I wanted more than someone else’s version of life.
I think that’s what my journey has been about: unlearning who I was told to be and becoming who I truly am.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The biggest fear I’ve faced is the fear of taking control of my own life. Growing up, I was told what path to follow, and for a long time, I questioned whether I could ever step away from those expectations. I doubted my strength, my voice, and whether I was capable of creating something different for myself.
It’s taken bravery, faith, and persistence to finally trust myself, define my own journey, and embrace the life I want to live. Every step of the way, I’ve learned that standing up for yourself isn’t just about making bold choices it’s about honoring your truth, believing in your worth, and claiming the future that feels right for you.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
There are a few truths that guide everything I do, even if I rarely voice them. For me, authenticity is non-negotiable. Staying true to myself and to where I am from is essential. I believe individuality matters more than fitting in. Honoring my unique gifts and perspective has allowed me to create real impact.
I’ve learned that trusting myself is the foundation for everything. Trusting my instincts, my decisions, and my ability to navigate uncertainty. Resilience and faith are what keep me moving forward, even when the path feels unclear or challenging. They’ve taught me that growth comes from persistence, courage, and believing in myself even when no one else does. Living by these truths isn’t just a mindset for me. It’s a practice, and it shapes the way I show up in my work, my relationships, and my life.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m finally doing what I was born to do. It took time to unlearn the expectations placed on me and to stop living life by someone else’s rules. For years, I followed paths that weren’t mine, doubting whether I had the strength to step away. But I realized that my purpose isn’t defined by what others want or expect, but by the passions, values, and impact that feel true to me.
Today, I create content, build communities, and lead initiatives that align with my values and allow me to make a meaningful impact. And I’m excited to continue building a life and work that reflect who I am at my core while leaving a positive mark on my community and beyond. I hope my journey can show others from similar backgrounds that it’s possible to trust yourself, follow your purpose, and create a life that truly reflects who you are.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mounadoukoure.wordpress.com/wp-admin/edit.php
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/douks_mouna/
