Drea Okeke, known online as @DreaKnowsBest, has become a prominent figure in the digital world, celebrated for her infectious humor, educational content, and unapologetic celebration of her Nigerian heritage. With over 6.3 million followers on TikTok, Drea is hailed as one of the “Best TikTokers to Follow,” a title that reflects her authentic approach to content creation. Known for her comedic skits, cultural insights, and motivational messages, she has created a unique space for herself on social media, where she blends entertainment with empowerment.
Speaking to What’s Trending at The Wrap’s Power Women Summit the star opened up about her journey and reflected on her growth.
The Early Days: From Engineering to Content Creation
Drea’s passion for content creation started during her college years. While pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering, she began creating videos as a fun distraction from the pressures of studying. “What initially started as a way to kill time quickly evolved into a passion for creating engaging and relatable content,” Drea recalled.
Even after moving to California to work as a full-time engineer, Drea continued creating content on the side, finding it to be an outlet for self-expression and connection. “As I gained more traction around 2018, I realized that making people laugh and bringing joy through my content was what truly fueled me,” she said. This realization marked the beginning of her full-time content creation career.
Building a Community Through Humor and Authenticity
For Drea, TikTok offered a unique platform where she could showcase her true self. Unlike other social media platforms that often demand a curated or polished image, TikTok’s emphasis on short, authentic videos allowed her to connect with a wider audience. “On TikTok, it is refreshingly more conducive to self-expression. I am able to share things that made me who I am, such as my Nigerian culture and being a tall female,” she explained. “The same features that I was bullied for as a kid, I now celebrate and use to build my brand.”
Drea’s ability to share her cultural heritage through comedic skits and stories has been central to her success. “Amplifying my Nigerian culture is deeply important to me,” she said. Previously speaking with Wonderland Magazine, she mentioned “Growing up, I was bullied for being African and having an accent. Yet, my parents raised me to be proud of my heritage. Now, what was used to tear me down has made me a trailblazer in my industry!”
Her content, which celebrates Nigerian culture while also addressing universal experiences, resonates with viewers from diverse backgrounds. Through humor, she bridges cultural divides, fostering understanding and breaking stereotypes. “By infusing humor into my content, I create a bridge that connects people from different backgrounds and sparks conversations that promote cultural appreciation,” she noted.
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Overcoming Personal Struggles and Promoting Self-Love
One of the most inspiring aspects of Drea’s content is her openness about her personal challenges, including her journey with alopecia. In 2021, she shared a deeply personal video about her struggles with hair loss, which garnered an outpouring of support from her followers. “It was the hardest post I’ve ever had to do because having alopecia is such a sensitive subject for me,” Drea admitted. “But I pushed the button, and it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made—not just for my self-confidence, but for others too.”
Drea’s vulnerability in sharing her alopecia journey was met with a wave of encouragement from fans who related to her struggles. “The hardest mountain to climb isn’t the tallest one, but the one where you have to face your demons,” she said. “And by demons, I mean insecurities. But I pushed through and embraced the journey. I received thousands of comments from people who shared their own hair journeys and told me they would embrace their insecurities too. It was a win-win.”
Through this, Drea has become an advocate for self-love and acceptance, showing her followers that it’s okay to embrace imperfections. “We deserve to set our own beauty standards because, in my book, imperfection is perfection!” she said with conviction.
Empowering the Next Generation of Creators
In addition to her content, Drea is committed to empowering the next generation of content creators, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Through her podcast and TikTok Masterclass, Next Level Influence, Drea shares valuable insights into the world of content creation. “My goal is to empower aspiring creators to embrace their unique voices and navigate the digital landscape with confidence,” she explained.
The Next Level Influence masterclass offers practical strategies for growing an online audience using short-form video content, and is designed to help creators build a personal brand and scale their online presence. Drea’s advice for aspiring creators is simple yet powerful: “Stop creating content for everyone. Create content for yourself, and find that community that speaks your language. When you know your target audience, you’ll naturally connect with them.”
By sharing her knowledge and experience, Drea is helping to foster a more inclusive and diverse content creation community. “Representation matters,” she said. “I want to show that you can thrive while staying true to your roots.”
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A Full-Circle Moment: Launching Products and Collaborating with Brands
Drea’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her recent ventures, including the launch of SBI Slangs, a card game designed to teach players Nigerian slang in a fun, interactive way. The game, which took two years to develop, was a significant achievement for Drea. “I’ve always wanted to create a physical product to take my business to the next level, and I did it,” she said. “It wasn’t easy, and there were moments I almost gave up, but I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve built.”
In her conversation with Wonderland Magazine, Drea also reflected on the full-circle nature of her journey, noting her achievements in brand partnerships. “In 2016, I wrote in my journal about wanting to buy my first car,” she shared. “I ended up driving that car all the way to LA, working hard to build my content creation career. Fast forward six years, and my first major brand collaboration was with Nissan, a half-million-dollar contract that came with a brand-new car. That was a dream within a dream.”
Drea’s brand partnerships reflect her values and her commitment to authenticity. “I work with brands that resonate with my beliefs. If I don’t genuinely use their products or have a connection with them, I won’t move forward,” she said. She has worked with high-profile companies like Google, Amazon, L’Oréal, and Walmart, always ensuring that her collaborations align with her personal brand.
Looking Ahead: New Projects and Continued Growth
As Drea looks to the future, she has several exciting projects in the works. In addition to her SBI Slangs game, she is working on the development of a new card game called Nonsense by Mama D, inspired by one of her most popular characters. The game aims to create a fun, culturally rich experience centered around humor and connection.
“Growing up, I loved playing card games with my siblings,” Drea recalled. “I want Nonsense by Mama D to bring people together, foster connections, and create cherished memories. I’m excited about it because it combines my love for culture, humor, and family.”
Drea’s mission to uplift creators of color is also something she is passionate about. In the coming years, she hopes to organize an event that will provide a platform for creators of color to connect, learn, and showcase their talents. “It’s important to create a space for us, by us,” she said.
Drea Okeke’s journey is one of resilience, authenticity, and growth. From her early days as an aspiring content creator to becoming a recognized figure in the digital world, she continues to inspire and uplift others with her humor, her story, and her dedication to cultural celebration. With her continued growth as an entrepreneur, educator, and advocate, Drea is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of social media and beyond.
