AI image created by Nakia Queen at Past FRWD Four years ago, my life looked completely different. I went into an office daily, and every Sunday, I carefully curated my outfits for the week ahead. Hours were spent in front of the mirror, crafting looks that spoke to my mood and aesthetic. I even planned two outfits per day—just in case the weather or my feelings shifted overnight. Mornings were a routine of precision. I’d get up early, get the little one ready, and we’d all walk out the door looking what I considered "put together." Then, COVID happened. Like many, my work dynamic shifted. Semi-hybrid turned into fully remote, which turned into a complete career pivot—one that led me to become a freelance designer. It was an incredible moment of growth, but I didn’t realize how much my sense of fashion had also shifted until the world started opening back up. For two years, I was dressing like I still had a 9-to-5 office job… even though that version of my life no longer existed. My Pinterest board was still full of “workwear chic” and structured outfits that no longer reflected my daily routine. And despite writing an entire piece about not wearing my inside clothes outside ( link to previous article ), I still felt disconnected from my wardrobe. So, I decided to run a little experiment on myself. The Style Identity Experiment Back in high school, I took photos of my outfits every day. Why? Because it was the late '90s, and I thought I was hot sh*t! But also, I wanted to make sure I wasn’t repeating outfits too often. That teenage mentality actually served a purpose. So, I decided to bring it back—only this time, with a little more intention. For one week (I initially planned for two, but I got what I needed in seven days), I documented my outfits and analyzed the. You can see my top 3 favorite looks below. The rules were simple: Wear what you normally wear.  No overthinking or deviating from my usual choices. (Full transparency: The first two days, I put in effort. By day three, my real self took over.) Take a photo of yourself right after getting dressed.  No fancy setup needed—just a mirror and good lighting. Ask yourself a few key questions at the end of the day.  ( I’ll be sharing these questions in a free guide—stay tuned! ) At the end of the experiment, reflect on what you learned. Sounds easy, right? It was. But what I discovered? That was the real surprise. What I Learned About My Style I’m not as stylish as I used to be—and that’s okay. My lifestyle no longer calls for high heels, blazers, and structured outfits. While I still love dressing up, it’s just not a necessity anymore. Simplicity is key, but layers are my thing. Even before adding a coat, I naturally gravitated toward layering pieces to create interest. I’ve always loved playing with silhouettes, and this experiment made me realize how much I lean into that. Comfort and ease come first. My go-to pieces are elevated sweats and well-fitting denim. Instead of starting with statement shoes or a tailored jacket, my foundation is whatever feels good to wear. I need to stop saving clothes for “special moments.” This was a big one. I wore pieces I had been “saving” for the right occasion—like a simple t-shirt that, for some reason, felt too precious to wear casually. Ridiculous, right? But we all do it. This experiment forced me to put those items into rotation. Breaking Free from Fashion “Rules” Social media bombards us with messages about what to wear, how to wear it, when to wear it, and what’s deemed “in” or “out.” It’s exhausting. But what if we simply said, "Stop telling me what to wear!" Instead of chasing trends, I’ve started embracing what makes me feel good, what aligns with my actual lifestyle, and what I genuinely love.  And the best part? By dressing for myself, I’m naturally creating a style that’s authentic and effortless. So, would you try this experiment? If so, I’ve made it easy for you! I created a free guide  to help you through the process—including the key questions I used for reflection. If you decide to do it, I’d love to hear what you discover! Email me your results—I might even feature your journey in a future post.

Midjourney Art created by: Nakia Reine I never thought I’d be one of those  people writing about a “social media detox.” Yet, here I am. But let’s be clear—I don’t see it as a detox. It’s more like a reintroduction to who I really am. Over the past few months, something felt… off. I found myself doom-scrolling—whether I was bored, anxious, avoiding something, or just being nosey. You know how it goes: open Instagram, scroll, laugh, share, and look up to realize an hour (or more) has vanished into the abyss. All I had to show for it were forwarded reels, a few likes, and a lingering sense of meh . So, one day, I decided to take a week off Instagram. That week turned into 30 days. Thirty days became 60. Now? It’s been over two months, and honestly, I’m not sure when I’ll go back fully. If you’re rolling your eyes right now (like I used to when reading posts like this), hear me out. This isn’t just another “I quit social media and became enlightened”  spiel. This is about reclaiming time, creativity, and peace of mind—and yes, it’s possible without deleting your accounts forever. Why Instagram Had to Go Let’s be real: Instagram used to be fun. It was selfies, memes, and the occasional avocado toast. Now? It’s a marketing juggernaut where algorithms decide what’s “important” to you. A quick scroll can take you from a cute puppy reel to full-on rage mode thanks to some clickbait nonsense. This emotional rollercoaster was exhausting. Worse, I realized Instagram was my crutch. Feeling stressed? Open the app. Avoiding a tough conversation? Scroll away. It was a digital security blanket, but it was suffocating me. So, I deleted the app. It felt like breaking up with a toxic ex—hard but necessary. The Tingles of Creativity Here’s the thing nobody tells you: when you step back from the noise, your mind gets louder in the best  way. I started noticing little sparks of creativity—what I call “the tingles.” Suddenly, I wanted to try embroidery, take a pottery class, and bake a lemon blueberry cake just because. And then, one Saturday, I found myself typing away at my iPad. That writing turned into a blog post. And that blog post turned into this blog—Past Fwrd. Funny how stepping away from one platform helped me rediscover another. Midjourney Art created by: Nakia Reine How to Navigate Your Own Break Thinking of trying a social media hiatus? Here’s what worked for me: Set Boundaries I deleted the Instagram app from my phone. Now, if I want to use it, I have to log in on my desktop. Trust me, scrolling while sitting upright at a desk is nowhere near as appealing as lounging on the couch. Identify Problem Platforms For me, Instagram was the main culprit. Figure out which platform drains you most and start there. Replace the Habit I swapped Instagram for Pinterest, which feels like a creative playground without the emotional baggage. Give Yourself Grace It’s not easy to quit cold turkey. Let your friends know you’re taking a break and ask them not to send you links or reels. Prepare for the Mental Shift I didn’t expect much from this experiment, but I gained clarity, creativity, and more meaningful time with my family. Ready to Try It? As 2025 approaches, why not add “Take two weeks off social media” to your goals? Delete the app, reclaim your time, and see what happens. You might just surprise yourself!

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. Like many, every year, I’d dive headfirst into creating a brand-new theme. First, let me admit something: I love  a theme. Creating an atmosphere is something i truly enjoy! Over the years, this passion for decorating has led to an impressive—and honestly overwhelming—collection of holiday decor. From switching up color schemes to completely reinventing themes, I’ve been there and done it all. But this year, I decided to shake things up. For the past two years, I’ve been hyper-vigilant about overconsumption. I’ve asked myself hard questions before buying anything and embraced the idea of using what I already have. This Christmas, I took it a step further: no new decorations= No buy! Not a single shiny bauble, glittering garland, or irresistible festive find made its way into my cart. Instead, I challenged myself to use everything  I already owned—even if it didn’t “match” or fit a theme. Why? Because every piece I’ve collected over the years marks a moment in my family’s life, tied to memories of Christmases past. Here’s what I learned during my little experiment: 1. Walking into stores became stress-free Over the past few weeks, I strolled through festive aisles without the urge to buy a single thing. I gave myself permission to window shop, admire what was new, and simply leave empty-handed. No FOMO. No buyer’s remorse. I reminded myself, You already have a version of that—or better yet, you don’t need it at all. 2. Creativity thrives when you work with what you have Digging through my bins of decorations, I discovered treasures I forgot I owned—some still in their original packaging! This forced me to get creative, using items in ways I’d never considered before. I repurposed pieces, rearranged ornaments, and found joy in seeing old favorites in new settings. 3. I already had more than enough As I worked through my collection, I realized I had an abundance. Not just “enough,” but more than I could possibly use. It was a humbling reminder that the need to buy more often stems from outside pressure, not actual necessity. 4. The stress melted away Here’s a truth bomb: No one is coming to photograph my home. The only people who will see it are my family and friends—the ones who love me, mismatched ornaments and all. Letting go of the pressure to create a “perfect” Instagram-worthy display freed me to simply enjoy the process. Speaking of Instagram, I took a two-month break from the platform, which is a story for another day, but wow, what a difference it made! Being disconnected allowed me to move at my own pace, without the constant buzz of comparison in my head. 5. Memories matter more than trends My tree this year isn’t trendy. It’s filled to the brim with every piece of decor we own, and I love it. Every ornament tells a story—a snapshot of our lives. My daughters even rediscovered some of their handmade ornaments from years ago. Watching their excitement as they added them to the tree brought more joy than any store-bought decoration ever could. This season, I’ve learned that peace and joy look different for everyone. For me, it meant taking control—real control—of my home, my choices, and my holiday spirit. No more “doing it for the ‘gram.” So, tell me: How did you decorate for this Christmas season? Are you a theme person, or did you embrace the beauty of what you already have? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Discover the brands I've collaborated with, from beauty and fashion to travel and automotive. Explore my past partnerships with Target, DermaE, Hyundai, Iberostar, and more. Let’s create something amazing together! #BrandCollaborations #InfluencerPartnerships Featured Collaborations Beauty & Lifestyle DermaE – Former beauty ambassador, featuring clean skincare essentials. Dr. Zovia – Skincare partnerships highlighting dermatology-backed products. Playtex – Brand campaigns focused on beauty and wellness. Fashion & Lifestyle Target – Collaborative content highlighting fashion and lifestyle essentials. Hallmark – Special promotions and holiday campaigns. Travel & Hospitality Bryant Park Hotel – Luxury hotel features and reviews. Iberostar Hotels & Resorts – Travel content showcasing premium experiences. Automotive Hyundai, Kia, Mazda – Car reviews and lifestyle integrations. Take a look a past collaborations below This is just a glimpse of the brands I’ve collaborated with. As I continue to expand my content across Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and Pinterest, I’m always open to new partnerships that align with my brand’s values and audience interests. Interested in collaborating? Let’s create something amazing together! Contact me at nakiareinecreates@gmail.com or connect with me on Instagram . Our Projects Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to partner with some incredible brands across beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. From in-depth product reviews to immersive content experiences, I’ve worked with brands to create engaging, authentic content that resonates with my audience. Welcome to my collaboration showcase! 13 Years of Content Creation! Building Lasting Relationships!! Learn More