Safia Bartholomew
Social Media Expert ~ Writer ~ Women’s Advocate
She’s a Writer, Social Media/PR Expert, and voice of empowerment for Black
women, so who is she?—She’s Canadian native, Safia Bartholomew. Safia was born and
raised in Mississauga, Toronto, Canada. In 2008, she graduated from UTM, University of
Toronto at Mississauga, Erindale College, earning a H.B.A in English, and minors in Writing
and Women’s Studies. Originally, she’d sought to attend Ryerson as a Journalism Major.
Safia found her minor studies enlightening. In her own words, she says, “. . .I’ve
always been interested in different culture’s treatment of women, racism, social hierarchy,
sexism, the media’s affect on our image. . .” She credits her Writing courses for allowing her
to hone her writing skills, but primarily for granting her confirmation of her joy for it. Safia
still attended Ryerson, studying non-degree courses for Fashion Coordination, and enjoyed
taking classes that truly held her interests and catered to her natural abilities.
Career advancements came shortly after graduating from UTM when she pursued
Public Relations with the aid of a friend who referred her to Lotus Leaf Communications.
Finding that Lotus Leaf’s vibe was much like her own, she applied for a PR Intern position.
Embellished with nervousness and intimidation, she failed the interview. Despite her
unsuccessful interview, she sent President, Julia Che, a thank-you note on an elegant, Tiffany
medium—a month later, Julia invited her back because the attention-to-detail had caught her
eye — Safia would later become a full-time freelance contractor.
Though she was successful in Public Relations, and collaborated with nationally
recognized franchises, Safia was unhappy with her life. For two years, she experienced a
growth and development phase as many of the things that defined her simultaneously came to
an abrupt halt. She looked upon this time as a blessing that prompted her to re-evaluate herself. She listened to her voice and recalled a childhood dream of owning her own magazine.
The calling of her own voice was the motivation Safia needed to pursue writing.
Despite gaining writing experience in PR, she still hadn’t found the confidence to claim
herself as a ‘writer’. That changed when she recalled a quaint piece of advice—the best way
to become a writer is to write. Safia began accepting opportunities she would otherwise pass
by, and announced she was a writer—she has never looked back.
Safia has made her dream of owning her own magazine a reality, as she prepares for
the Spring launch of her online magazine/blog, entitled, ‘FLAVOR Magazine’. FLAVOR will
be the ‘go-to’ source for Black women of Canada. Safia envisions FLAVOR as creating a
women’s community of inspiration and empowerment. Safia’s inspiration stems from
creativity, as all she’s drawn to is an artistic expression. Safia writes for freedom and
expression, and the more she does so, the more she becomes who she is.
Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey top her mentors. Others include Amy Dubois
Barnett, Demetria Lucas, Deanna Sutton, and Angela Burt Murray. She also credits Trey
Anthony, as a sound mentor. Today Safia advises the new generation of Black women with
the same three, key principles that has guided her. . .
1) Trust yourself and your decisions—let things be, and stop worrying.
2) Get started now—don’t wait for the ‘right’ moment—start where you are.
3) Know your worth—ignore pre-conceived thoughts and notions about you.
Today Safia has a strong, social media presence through LinkedIn, WordPress,
Tumblr, Twitter, and Pinterest. She continues to write and empower Black women. She’s a
humbling spirit, and living inspiration, not only to young, Black women, but to us all.
Evolving. Creative. Ambitious. Safia Bartholomew.
“. . .I’m not much of a bragger but to humble brag…this will be the year I introduce a
new version of me with new projects and opportunities. I am so passionate about FLAVOR
Magazine because I feel like I’ve been studying my whole life for this. It’s an extension of
who I am. I’m excited about creating this new path for myself. Also, Canada is missing this
kind of voice to represent for black women so I am ready to fill that void. . .”
– Safia Bartholomew