The Firestarter Five with Quiana Agbai

Five quick questions to dig a little deeper

Headshot image by Justin Hackworth

Quiana Agbai, age 43, Boston
Website // Instagram

Quiana Agbai is a decorated public speaker, entrepreneur, and veteran influencer who blogs about urban family life. A Wellesley College grad with years of ad agency and client-side experience, Quiana launched her own consulting business in 2014 and continues to leverage social media for social change.

---

Is your life what you thought it would be? Why or why not?

In some ways it is, and in some ways it isn’t. From a home life perspective, it very much is how I thought it would be. I appreciated the loving home life my parents created for me and my siblings growing up, and I knew from a young age I wanted something similar when I became an adult, which it is. From a professional perspective, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial bent since childhood, so that part hasn’t been surprising, but it’s the ongoing journey and the elements of what I do that have been more surprising.

What are you most proud of so far in your life?

I’m most proud of my self-awareness and commitment to myself. I can’t be the best version of myself if I don’t first take care of myself, while also giving myself grace and continuing to explore the ways in which I’m evolving. It makes me a better parent, spouse, friend and member of my community.

What worry do you carry around that doesn't serve you?

I’m going through a physical healing process, and I can get really down on myself about my progress. I know it doesn’t serve me to reflect back on what I used to be able to do, so I’m constantly in the mode of giving myself pep talks to redirect my energy towards building from my present state.

What is one thing you want to achieve before your life is over?

I would like to write a book; perhaps several books. I know they’re in me!

What do you want your legacy to be?

I want my legacy to be that I led with kindness; I didn’t let the conditions of the world stop me from being a hopeful, engaged, active member of my community.