This month’s Featured Mum Nawrin was inspired by her father to forge a career on screen, first entertaining TV audiences before moving onto blogging and vlogging. Nawrin welcomed her daughter, Zorah, earlier this summer, and she’s a big believer in the power of stem cells for family health.

What led you into TV presenting?

My Dad used to be a news presenter and it fascinated me when people recognised him on the streets. He was loved and respected by everyone and that inspired me to become a TV presenter as well. I enjoy presenting so much that it never feels like work. The best thing is knowing I can reach thousands of people, and they’ll listen to what I have to say. It’s a very empowering and rewarding feeling. When I’m looking at the camera, I feel confident and comfortable.

How did you become an influencer?

I’ve always been a key opinion leader in my social circles, and influencing others comes naturally. It started with a passion for travel and documenting my travel memories in the form of blogs. When I started blogging, I wanted to do it for myself, and without trying I became an influencer. I started posting my travel stories on Instagram and YouTube and was amazed to see so many people following me. I started getting review invitations from hotels and tourism boards, and that’s when I decided to pursue it as my full-time career. I feel lucky and humbled that people think my journey is worth following and value my opinion. I take my work very seriously because I know people rely on those opinions, so I try to keep my page and my reviews as authentic as possible.

What content is your most popular?

Most of my followers love travel content. That’s how I originally started, and it’s still my most popular niche. I think it shows that traveling is something I’m really passionate about, and many people can relate to that. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to explore the world, and that went into full throttle in 2016 when I decided to quit my 9 to 5 job and travel for three months. That three months turned into a lifetime and now my profession revolves around traveling. I never had to look back.

Have you found the recent travel restrictions hard?

The restrictions that were imposed because of COVID-19 are definitely hard, but I completely understand that we have to follow them for everyone’s safety. I believe the more people follow the rules, the sooner we can move on and, hopefully, we can all travel to our hearts content again!

What has been your favorite bit of motherhood so far?

Motherhood is really amazing. Watching Zorah grow every day little by little is fascinating, but at the same time, I don’t want her to grow up too fast. My favourite thing is the little smiles that she gives me, it really is the most rewarding feeling ever, and makes all the hardship worth it.

How has life changed since having a baby?

It has changed a lot, but for the better. For starters, my sleeping time has been cut in half (chuckle)! In all seriousness, the full responsibility of raising another human being is a very demanding job, and on top of that, having to balance my professional life can be exhausting. But I really do enjoy juggling both. Thankfully, a big part of my work is sharing my life with my followers so I can now add a bit of motherhood to the mix, which is enabling me to make a new type of content, and that’s exciting.

What piece of advice would you give your daughter?

If you can believe, you can achieve.

How did you first hear about banking stem cells?

I didn’t know much about the topic. I first heard about it from a very dear friend who regretted not storing her daughter’s stem cells and advised me to do it because of the amazing benefits. I feel so lucky that I got to know about this before my baby’s birth. Many people find out about it after their babies have been born and miss the chance. This topic definitely needs more awareness.

Why did you decide to bank your daughter’s stem cells?

After doing my research, I was pretty certain that it would be the most important investment for my child’s future, as it can, God forbid, save her from many life-threatening diseases. So many diseases are already being cured with stem cells and, as technology gets more advanced, more and more will be added to the list.

Would you recommend stem cell storage to others?

Definitely. I have become a big advocate. I suggested it to all of my friends who want to have kids in the future. I think it’s something that everyone should do. Don’t take my word for it, do your research, and I’m sure you will see why I’m saying that it’s an absolute must. Unquestionably, it’s the best thing I have done for my baby.