Zaakirah Nayyar Muhammad is a storyteller, strategist, healer, and advocate who helps Black, Muslim, and disabled creatives build legacy-driven brands rooted in authenticity. As a childhood eye cancer survivor living with low vision and hearing impairments, she founded See Life Different—a multimedia platform and podcast dedicated to helping underrepresented voices reclaim their stories and shine. She is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and Atlanta, Georgia.

As the founder of Sanaa Nomads, she specializes in designing accessible, art-centered, and healing travel experiences for members of the global Black diaspora—especially those who are disabled, Muslim, neurodivergent, or otherwise overlooked by mainstream travel platforms.

Born in the U.S., Zaakirah has traveled across the U.S., the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Africa. She now bridges the gap between soulful storytelling and ethical tourism. Her Nairobi-based operations connect travelers to authentic Kenyan experiences—highlighting local artisans, food, faith, and Black heritage—while also consulting with international travel brands who want to create more inclusive, sensory-aware, and culturally respectful offerings.

With over 12 years of experience in photography, media, and wellness, Zaakirah doesn’t just guide journeys. She designs them for legacy, reflection, and community.

In Her Own Words…

For the last two decades, I have been storytelling by any creative means necessary; photography, writing, film, and podcasting. Being a second generation entrepreneur is my advocacy.
I check all the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility boxes.
I’m a visually impaired, hard of hearing, retinoblastoma cancer survivor, chronically ill Muslim Woman.

At 9 months old, a photo my mother took detected eye cancer and saved my vision.  At age five my mom gifted me with my first camera. I received my first digital camera in middle school. By the time I attended technical high school, I studied commercial photography. Later on, I moved to Washington D.C. to expand education in professional photography and videography. I also received a certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from eCornell University. 

I support women entrepreneurs in stepping outside of their comfort zone with stepping into their purpose with clarity and avoiding headaches. I do this by coaching, photographing, and strategizing their brand.

I love capturing the essence of humanity. As an enneagram type 2 and an empath, I see the good in you and bring it out during our sessions.

I help you to live your best life confidently, and inspire you to step outside of your comfort zone.

My goal is to build an online presence to ensure they are aesthetically appealing while advising and implementing the best branding and marketing tactics to generate impact and engagement. My goal is to tell your brand story and gain return on investment. I also bring a sense of clarity and ease when it comes to building out the systems that you already use.

Whether you need brand strategy, event strategy, or marketing strategy, I will be there to hold you accountable and show you how to make your visual presence more personable, professional and consistent. You already took one correct step forward by considering me for improving your brand and sales in your business. You already know what your purpose is. My role is to help you unlock it.

You have an idea of your personal brand but you don’t know how to articulate it 

You have a product in mind that you want to bring to life to add as another way to be of service to others and have a supplemental source of income for your family but you’re not sure where to start. You just don’t have the patience to take another course or watch another YouTube video. 

Gain clarity and be more consistent.

You are active on social media because that’s where you get your news and entertainment. 

You don’t want to be seen in the limelight, but you want to post more to make your visual presence more personable, professional and consistent while monetizing with ease. Step outside of your comfort zone. You already took one step forward by searching for me. Take the leap towards improving your brand and sales in your business.

Learn how to repurpose the content that you already have. All the changes and different social media networks and their purpose will no longer overwhelm you.

I will help you streamline your processes by creating a funnel and automating systems which will take hours out of your week to focus on the most important business aspect – customer service and customer relations.

When our time has ended (see you later, not goodbye), you have a bigger understanding of the power and the impact of sharing your story on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin.