Hard work paved the way for travel
AS A YOUNG girl growing up in Phoenix in Durban, Aaliya Adam, 27, dreamed of travelling the world.
According to the travel content creator and foodie, her desire to be successful and independent drove her to get a weekend job at the age of 16.
After completing high school, Adam worked full-time to pay for her studies because she did not want to waste time or money.
“I did promotions after my day job while still studying late at night because I had to catch up for not attending lectures.
“After I graduated, I moved out at the age of 21. I was determined to make it big in life. I relocated to Johannesburg. I am in the tax field,” said Adam.
With a tenacious spirit and hunger for success, Adam finds inspiration and motivation from her daughter.
“My daughter inspires and motivates me. Life through her eyes is just something else. Also, the thrive for independence keeps me going. I want to be able to give my daughter everything I did not have while growing up.
“I want her to see the world and have life’s best experiences,” she said.
To get to know the person behind the adventurous Tiktok and Instagram posts, we asked Adam about her travels and content creation.
What’s your favourite part about being a content creator?
I love creating content especially travel and food. What makes me different is that I focus on hidden gems rather than popular places. I feel I was made for this. I guess in a perfect world it would be my full-time job.
Which is your favourite local and international destination?
My favourite local destination is Cape Town. The city is breathtaking and is right on our doorstep. When it comes to my favourite international destination, Dubai takes the crown. I love the fact that it is so modern. The buildings and technology inspire me. Let’s not forget the amazing views.
The country is so safe that I left my cellphone on the beach in plain sight and went for a dip.
You have an amazing platform, how did you start out?
I always said I would never put myself on Tiktok until I actually did one day. Armani, my daughter, was a few months old, and that video went viral.
It was from then that I started creating content as I always travelled and tried new foods.
What inspired you to create your platform?
I wanted to share all these beautiful places, experiences and food with people,
because I know the research that goes into finding good hidden gems. In a way, it was to make it easier for people.
What are some of the challenges you face as a woman digital creator, and how do you overcome these?
The challenge that I mostly face is about my physical appearance. People are so quick to pick on weight. Most of the time these comments come from females.
Jealousy is a real thing. People will call me out to be a gold digger but they don’t know that my husband and I are high-school sweethearts.
We literally started off with nothing. We moved in together at the age of 21, and we were determined. We both didn’t want an average life.
Who do you look up to in your community or working space?
I look up to real people with real-life experiences. I enjoy sitting in a room where the conversations are about elevating, new business ideas, etc.
They say if you’re the smartest person in the room, then you’re in the wrong room.
A personal favourite South African influencer of mine is Nadia Jaftha, whom I have had met.
Any pearls of wisdom for young aspiring lifestyle and travel content creators?
Be yourself, be authentic and never give up even if you’re getting 100 views. Keep posting. Somebody will notice and that will be your breakthrough.
Why should South Africans travel the country?
South Africa is so beautiful. We have so many places that have breathtaking views, and hidden gems that need to be explored.
Explore this world we call home and collect those memories. Explore new cultures, languages and foods. Burst your bubble, and your eyes will open. There’s so much to see.
Meet people from different countries. They say travelling gives you a new perspective. For me, it definitely gives me motivation to work harder. I plan to see every corner of this place we call home.