Referred by Fox 5 DC reporter Nana Bonsu, I had the chance to work behind the scenes in the Emmy Room. I assisted with organizing the statuettes and handing them out to winning producers, reporters, and journalists as they came off stage. It was a fast-paced, exciting environment that allowed me to see what excellence in news production looks like up close.

One of the most rewarding parts of the evening was meeting reporters I admire like Mikea Turner and Marissa Mitchell, both of whom have inspired me through their on-air presence and storytelling. Connecting with professionals who are actively shaping the media space was both motivating and unforgettable.

This experience helped expand my network, strengthened my love for the journalism industry, and affirmed my passion for storytelling through media.

Pictured on the right: Me on the red carpet before the event began.

Annmarie Diaries is a memoir currently in progress, authored by Annmarie Hardenia Akpan, a first-generation American woman navigating the balance of West African and American identities. This coming-of-age story dives deep into the realities of growing up in a dual-cultural household, womanhood, and the pursuit of self-discovery in her mid-20s.

Rooted in real experiences, this book explores identity, family dynamics, mental and emotional growth, and how culture and tradition shape womanhood. Inspired by both personal challenges and the people who’ve influenced her journey, Annmarie’s writing is a reflective and heartfelt narrative aimed at giving voice to the stories often left untold.

Blending themes from her academic background in Women’s Studies, journalism, and media, the memoir speaks to anyone navigating the complexity of identity, belonging, and growth. Readers will find honesty, cultural nuance, and inspiration in these pages.

Annmarie Diaries is not just a story—it’s a transformation, a bridge between cultures, and a contribution to the collective voice of young women growing into themselves.

The Purpose of this book ?

I’ve always known that my story mattered—even when I didn’t always feel seen.

Annmarie Diaries was born out of a deep desire to give voice to the struggle, the pain, the joy, and the growth of navigating life as a first-generation woman raised in a West African home while trying to create an American identity of my own. My mother is an immigrant from Sierra Leone, and growing up, I often found myself balancing two worlds—one grounded in tradition and discipline, the other full of dreams, creativity, and personal freedom.

All I’ve ever wanted was to be myself. Whether it’s through beauty content, podcasting, interviewing public figures, or creating on digital platforms, I’ve always felt called to tell stories—my own and others’. This memoir is a reflection of that journey. It’s about finding identity, embracing self-expression, and choosing growth over fear. It’s for those who’ve ever felt caged, misunderstood, or silenced. It’s for anyone—no matter their background—who has struggled to feel free and fully alive.

Annmarie Diaries is my way of saying: your voice matters, your story is valid, and your situation is never permanent. You can evolve. You can elevate. You can fly.

Stay tuned for updates on its release.

My beauty journey began in 2018 with my very first makeup video on YouTube. I was heavily inspired by creators like James Charles, Daisy Marquez, Teaira Walker, and Jackie Aina—women and men who owned the beauty space during the 2010s and made it look effortless. I remember being so inspired that I found myself emotional, questioning if I could ever measure up. Eventually, I had to stop comparing myself and remind myself of something powerful: you don’t have to be like them—you just have to be you.

That’s when I began carving out my own aesthetic. It took time, and I’m still evolving, but now I’m creating content that’s real, reflective of me, and slowly building a channel that I know will one day be seen.

In 2020, during the pandemic, I expanded to TikTok and began sharing beauty looks, tutorials, and personal content. From there, my passion for makeup evolved from a hobby into a calling.

Lady Ann Cosmetics (L.A.C.): The Dream

The dream has always been to create my own makeup line—Lady Ann Cosmetics, or L.A.C.. My love for makeup goes all the way back to middle school, when I first started experimenting with looks and teaching myself techniques through YouTube, Pinterest, and watching other girls find confidence in their beauty.

Over the years, I’ve learned not just how to apply makeup—but what it means to wear it. I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of inclusion when it comes to finding the right shade. As a brown-skinned woman, I understand how skin tones shift with the seasons. I’m cooler-toned in the winter and warmer in the summer—and I know many other women deal with the same thing.

I’ve also seen the frustration of getting makeup done professionally, only to realize it didn’t match your skin. I remember going to Macy’s for my prom makeover. At the time, I didn’t realize it, but the makeup was far too light and didn’t bring out the natural warmth in my skin. It wasn’t until years later, looking back at pictures, that I understood how important true shade matching is—not just for appearance, but for confidence.

I want L.A.C. to be different. I want my brand to reflect care, intentionality, and authenticity. I want to make space for women with acne, scars, or hyperpigmentation to feel seen, supported, and beautiful. I’m already exploring natural skincare ingredients—like aloe vera, honey, and goat milk—for future product lines, because I believe true beauty starts with how you treat your skin and how you feel on the inside.

My aesthetic is sultry, ethereal, and neutral. I’m inspired by women who own their femininity and softness—but also by brands like Fenty Beauty. Rihanna has been a huge inspiration for me, not only as an artist but as a businesswoman. Her foundation matched me like a glove, and it’s one of the only ones I’ve stayed loyal to because of its quality and inclusiveness. That’s the standard I want to live up to with Lady Ann Cosmetics.

I don’t want people to buy my products just because they look good on the outside. I want them to feel good wearing them. I want women to feel radiant, strong, and proud of who they are. Because being beautiful isn’t just about what’s on your face—it’s about what lives inside you. 

My podcast journey began as a class assignment at Montgomery College, where I took an audio storytelling course. That’s where I first explored voice, production, and narrative structure using SoundCloud and editing tools. This inspired me to launch my very first podcast on Spotify—my early introduction to creating my own audio space.

Listen to the original project:

Annmarie Diaries (2019 Podcast)

Later, I created a new version of Annmarie Diaries using Anchor (now Spotify for Podcasters). This version is more personal and reflective—a space where I speak candidly about emotions, post-grad life, growth, and navigating transitions. The episodes are honest conversations meant to connect with listeners who may be feeling the same things—uncertainty, change, and the search for purpose.

I’m currently building the podcast into a stronger platform and plan to introduce more creative projects soon.

Listen and follow:

Annmarie Diaries on Spotify

Join me in these open conversations—I’d love for you to listen and follow along.