Scrolling through her Instagram feed, you’ll find her casually walking through a bazaar in Marrakech, in a white, flowy kaftan dress. Her caption reads: “Those who know how to reach deep within you, to help you mend your broken pieces, know so, because they’ve been broken before too.”
Ascia Sahar’s work as a social media influencer is deeply rooted in helping her followers become more self-aware, allowing them to connect with her through the struggles she writes about. While the world of social media can be extremely materialistic, creating wants and needs in both men and women that may potentially lead to anguish, Ascia is determined to bringing change through honest, insightful writing, where she shares experiences of finding resolve after struggle, and the different ways to cope with pain.
Ascia identifies as a Muslim Palestinian-Afghan writer, wife, and mother.
Although she has been writing from a young age and realizes now that it was a form of therapy for her, she didn’t begin sharing her work on a public platform until much later.
“When I’d post a fashion post or makeup or whatever was on my camera roll at the time, with a cute or catchy caption, it left me empty,” Ascia said. “As if I was adding to the pile of virtual garbage and wasn’t bringing anything of value to the platform. That’s when I turned to my passion for writing.”
Being Palestinian and Afghan but raised by her Afghan mother, alone, in an Afghan-American diaspora community, Ascia found trouble finding acceptance. But in retrospect, that trouble taught her how to accept herself before ever looking for validation from anyone else.
“I embrace everyone, every color, and every faith the same way,” she said. “As a social media influencer, I leave that door open. Even though I speak of my journey, my faith and commitment to growth, I am still speaking of the same God every believer believes in. We may just have a different approach or access to Him.”
When it comes to expressing her faith and culture, and tying both to her day-to-day experiences, Ascia does so fearlessly. She finds beauty and importance in donning traditional Palestinian and Afghan garb, and confidently talks about her culture and the religion she practices.
Although the meaning of being a social media influencer has been ever-evolving for her, her ultimate goal hasn’t shifted. Her audience has made it clear to her that her message is focused on maintaining hope after any sort of heartbreak and continue speaking to Him.
“If I can bring peace, comfort, answer a question, give hope or motivate one person in this world with each post, then I reach my success each and every day,” the writer said. “Sharing the sense of peace I yearn for with others is what brings me joy. In return, that is success.”
With her #WordsByAscia pieces reposted and retweeted numerous times, Ascia is now in the final stages of publishing her first book — a collection of her unreleased and released pieces. It will also include her life story, upbringing, and what she has personally overcome throughout the years.
To follow her on Instagram and stay up to date with her work, visit this link.