Meet Mahogany Allen | The reward is in the risk

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mahogany Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mahogany, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking has been incredibly rewarding for my personal growth and career advancement. I think I made a conscious effort to take more risks this year and although I may not always “won”, I still win the end because with each risk I take I learn so much. Had I not taken that risk I would not have learned that skill or learned something about myself. I am a creative as a creative you MUST take risks! I am a content creator who shares my life though funny videos as a Black woman who is a teacher who is also in the military, who has a million hobbies and loves to be with family and friends. I take risks everyday not only with the content I post but also just in every regular day to day life. The scary part of taking risks is the possibility of failure or being uncomfortable. From taking risks I have found out that those moments of failure or uncomfortableness are the moments we need most. Moments where you are challenged are the moments you grow and blossom into more of yourself. The biggest risk in life is taking no risks.

Here are some things I have learned about risk taking: Mentally, stepping out of your comfort zone helps you develop a growth mindset and sharpens your problem-solving skills, ultimately highlighting your resilience. Spiritually, it fosters self-discovery and a deeper sense of purpose, while enhancing your trust in yourself and the journey you’re on. Emotionally, taking risks can boost your confidence and self-esteem, making you more able to handle life’s ups and downs, and reducing future regrets by knowing you didn’t shy away from challenges. In your career, being a risk-taker can set you apart as a leader and innovator. It can lead to career advancements, whether through promotions or entrepreneurial success. Being a risk-taker expands your professional network, exposing you to new opportunities and collaborations. Overall, embracing risks thoughtfully can be a powerful for achieving personal and professional success, making life more fulfilling and meaningful.

“To live, to TRULY live, we must be willing to RISK. To be nothing in order to find everything. To leap before we look.”

—Mandy Hale

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Taking has been incredibly rewarding for my personal growth and career advancement. I think I made a conscious effort to take more risks this year and although I may not always “won”, I still win the end because with each risk I take I learn so much. Had I not taken that risk I would not have learned that skill or learned something about myself. I am a creative as a creative you MUST take risks! I am a content creator who shares my life though funny videos as a Black woman who is a teacher who is also in the military, who has a million hobbies and loves to be with family and friends. I take risks everyday not only with the content I post but also just in every regular day to day life. The scary part of taking risks is the possibility of failure or being uncomfortable. From taking risks I have found out that those moments of failure or uncomfortableness are the moments we need most. Moments where you are challenged are the moments you grow and blossom into more of yourself. The biggest risk in life is taking no risks.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Houston for a week, I’d start each morning with brunch making sure we go to honey hole at least once. We’d then head to Seaside for a fun day party filled with loud music and drinks. To unwind, we’d do a yoga session at Black Swan Yoga, followed by pampering treatments at the luxurious Trellis Spa at The Houstonian. For an authentic Houston experience, we’d devour some amazing BBQ at The Pit Room. For outdoor activities, we’d hike the scenic trails of Memorial Park. In the evening, we’d catch a few concerts enjoying live performances from various artists. To cap off our nights, we’d visit the food trucks at Truck Yard, sampling delicious street foods in a laid-back, vibrant atmosphere. This itinerary would offer the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and culinary delights, showcasing the best of Houston.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shout out to @quailnotfunny for shouting me out and helping me on this content creation journey! you are the best!!!!! appreciate you so much!

Instagram: @sincerelymahogany

Other: Tiktok: @sincerelymahogany