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

Hi Symone, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
For me, my work-life balance has changed a lot. In May of 2020, I found out that I was pregnant which changed everything. I am used to being in the field or on the scene coving stories but now I am a mom of two, idential twin boys one at home and one in the NICU. I stopped working when my morning sickness became so bad that I was going to the ER every week. When I was 14 weeks pregnant I was admitted to the hospital for a week due to severe dehydration because I could not hold down solid foods or liquid. At 16 weeks pregnant one of my twins, Twin B was diagnosed with selective growth restriction which means that he wasn’t able to get the proper nutrition he needed in order to be a fully developed baby. During that time I would see my doctor and a specialist weekly to monitor the pregnancy because they did not think Twin B would make it. At 26 weeks I was put on bed rest in hopes I would at least make it to 28 weeks and by the grace of God, I made it to 28 + 1. It is very difficult to balance my time between home and the hospital. I make it work by having a support system in place as well as an “around the clock system” where I pump and clean up. Due to the pandemic, only one parent is allowed in the NICU per day so my children’s father and I switch off days. On the days I go to the hospital my mother or sister watches my son that is at home. While I am at home, I am pumping and storing milk all day so both my kids can have milk. I also wash bottles and clothes around the clock because my son at home is always eating and spitting up.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a journalist. I have a brand called ‘Syppin With Symone’, where I keep the world updated on the latest news and interviews. I have been able to interview legendary rappers such as RedMan. Being able to cover the George Floyd funeral was something that was very impactful and emotional for me because we are always hearing stories about police killing innocent t black men and women for no reason. Floyd, a 46-year-old man who was killed during an encounter with Minneapolis police officers. Findings of an autopsy supported by his family revealed he died from asphyxiation due to neck and back compression after an officer held his knee on his neck for several minutes. I got to where I am professionally by working hard and being able to connect with the right people. Working hard a major key but I want people to understand that you can work hard but if you aren’t able to connect with the right people at the right time nothing will happen. For example, when I became a staff writer for The Source as well as Karen Civil it was because I reached out to the right person. I had been trying to write and reach out to Karen Civil for one year before I saw a tweet saying to email this person if you are interested and it worked. No, the journey isn’t easy. There will be a lot of no’s but you keep going. I even take breaks, like I’m doing right now but once both of my kids are healthy I plan to get back in the game.

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.
Honestly, I’m not big on the club scene but I do love seafood. Some of the seafood places that I love include Pappadeaux(I get the fish and shrimp grilled with a side of dirty rice every week) BB’s Tex-Orleans and Lotus Seafood. All of these places have really good shrimp which I love! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
One of the people who deserves credit for me being able to have the success I have had in media this far is Latorria Lemon. She found me a long time ago on Facebook when I was interviewing my college classmates for my Youtube show, now website, ‘Syppin With Symone.’ She saw something in me that I didn’t even see in myself. She has given not only me but a lot of people in Houston different opportunities to launch our careers in media. In addition to that, she has been a really great friend by praying for me and helping me grow confident in who I am and what I do.

Website: www.syppinwithsymone.com
Instagram: Sdanimedia
Linkedin: Symone Daniels
Twitter: brownsugar0502
Facebook: Symone Daniels

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