Savvy is a new profile series I wanted to start that highlights rising individuals in their respective fields. Someone that is savvy, as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is having or showing perception, comprehension, or shrewdness especially, in practical matters. The first installment of Savvy features Beverly Coleman aka “Curlybeviie”, a graduate student, influencer, and model. Beverly has made quite a name for herself and seems to be able to do it all.

Q: How do you manage modeling and YouTube, all while being a graduate student?

Beverly: Honestly, it’s challenging but rewarding at the end of the day. I have to make sure I stay organized and plan out everything. I use a planner and calendar to keep track of everything that needs to get done. I have to write on my calendar when I need to record a video and post it (haha) to make sure I stay consistent on my content. Modeling is something I do when I have the time; sadly it has to take the backseat because I am not able to travel much due to school. Grad school, YouTube, and modeling honestly are not related, but somehow I make it all work, and the results are always beautiful!

Q: How would you define your career title?

Beverly: I define myself as an influencer because I do my best to take all the knowledge I have gained and relay it to others. So whether I’m talking about beauty, psychology, fitness, or fashion, I’m informing others and encouraging them to try these things out.

Q: Why did you choose this field?

Beverly: I chose Instagram Influencer/ Youtuber because I realized that many people paid attention to the things I said or did. So I decided “why not create content?”. My family, friends, and boyfriend all saw my potential and encouraged me to try it out, and I am so happy I did! I’m all about helping others and educating them. I always told myself that if I got a big enough platform, I would use it to help others, bring awareness and fight for what’s right on a bigger scale. So that is what I will do.

Q: What inspires you?

Beverly: My mother and Michelle Obama, inspire me the most as well as other natural hair gurus. My mother and Michelle Obama are two women I adore the most and look up to as women of wisdom. Other hair YouTubers inspire me a lot because I love to see this switch in black women embracing their natural hair. It has been a long time coming, and it’s finally here! Seeing these other women/men talk about hair and beauty pushes me to help spread the knowledge along with them.

Q: How do you want to change the industry for the better?

Beverly: I want people to have confidence and embrace their uniqueness. It makes me so sad when women with a different curl pattern say things like my curls aren’t pretty like yours or I wish I had curls like that. I want to make it clear to everyone that their curls are unique to them and that’s what makes them beautiful! I want to ensure confidence in others so that they do not compare themselves to others!

Q: Describe your creative process.

Beverly: My ideas spark from anywhere! I could see a tree and be like “Hey! I wanna do a video on how to do green eyeshadow”. My ideas come from everywhere and all kinds of places. I don’t just have one resource. I feel it’s essential to stay open-minded to all sorts of things to help me better my content.

Q: What advice do you have for anyone looking to pursue their dream?

Beverly: My advice is to do it before it is too late. Do not wait, do it NOW! It may seem like you have a lot of time, but in reality, you don’t. Live in the now and stop making excuses!

Q: What does Savvy mean to you?

Beverly: Savvy to me means being confident in whatever you do and say. Don’t be mediocre! Be the best at whatever you do!

Beverly is savvy in her own right, as she draws from all aspects of her life to create and share knowledge each day. Follow her journey through YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. I hope this new series inspires readers to pursue their dreams and be savvy. Subscribe to get updates on who will be selected next in the Savvy series.