Drea Okeke is bringing Nigerian charm to America through her lively and often playful TikTok videos. She can be seen teaching Nigerian slang to celebrities on the red carpet to dressing up as SpongeBob. If this silliness isn’t enough for you, look out for her new game coming out this summer: Nonsense Slangs. When this influencer isn’t blowing up your social media she can be seen supporting education through expanding schools in Nigeria and giving away scholarships to first-generation African American college students. As an ex-engineer herself, she understands the value of a good education. Read on to learn more about Drea Okeke.

Where are you based?
I am based in Los Angeles, California.

What inspired you to create an account on TikTok?
Before I was Drea KnowsBest, I was Drea the industrial engineer, working that 9-5 life. But there comes a point when you realize life is just too short not to chase your dreams. I wanted to bring joy to people worldwide, and I knew I couldn't do that from my cubicle. So, I made a big decision, I quit my stable job as an engineer to become a full-time content creator. I was inspired to create an account on TikTok because I saw it as a fun and engaging platform where I could express my creativity and connect with a global audience. I wanted to share my humor, Nigerian heritage and culture in a way that was entertaining and relatable.

Your videos appear to attract a wide range of viewership. Could you share your process for crafting new content? What inspires you when developing new video ideas?
My process for crafting new content involves a lot of brainstorming and staying attuned to current trends. I draw inspiration from everyday life, my cultural background, and interactions with my audience. I aim to create content that is both entertaining and meaningful, often incorporating humor and cultural insights.

What was your reaction when you first started gaining thousands of views and followers?
When I first started gaining thousands of views and followers, I was absolutely thrilled and a bit overwhelmed. It was an amazing feeling to see that people resonated with my content and wanted to join me on my journey.

How has TikTok opened new doors and opportunities for you?
TikTok has opened so many doors for me, from brand partnerships to speaking engagements and even opportunities to collaborate with other influencers and celebrities. It has significantly expanded my reach and allowed me to impact more people with my content.

How has being a social influencer impacted your content? Do you feel as if you have a social responsibility now having a platform?
Being a social influencer has definitely impacted my content. I feel a strong sense of responsibility to use my platform for good, to inspire and uplift my audience, and to promote positivity and cultural appreciation.

You've had quite the journey, from interviewing celebrities at the Oscars to spending time with Mariah Carey. Can you describe your experiences meeting these celebrities? Is there a standout moment you'd like to share?
Meeting celebrities has been surreal and incredibly exciting. One standout moment was teaching Nigerian slangs at the Oscars and the BET red carpet to some of the biggest names in Hollywood on the red carpet. Seeing their genuine interest and enthusiasm for my culture was incredibly rewarding.

Speaking of celebrities, your videos where you teach them Nigerian slang are so fun! How did you get started with this? Do you have a favorite slang?
I started teaching celebrities Nigerian slang because I wanted to share a fun and engaging part of my culture. My favorite slang has to be "Naija no dey carry last," which means "Nigerians never come last" – it's a phrase that embodies pride and resilience.

Clearly you love slang because you are working on a game around it! Can you tell us a bit about Nonsense Slangs?
Nonsense Slangs is a slang challenge card game inspired by my Nigerian mom character, Mama D. It integrates slangs from Africa and America because of my experience living in Africa and America, with fun challenges that bring people together to play and learn about different slangs from the continent. I have been working on this project for over a year now and getting feedback from my friends and online community in the making of it. I can’t wait till it's ready to be launched by summer time! Even more excited to see people enjoy playing it.

We admire your consistent use of your platform to promote love and transparency. In the past year, you bravely opened up about your personal journey with alopecia online. What drives you to share such personal experiences with your audience?
Sharing my personal journey with alopecia was driven by a desire to connect on a deeper level with my audience and to raise awareness about the condition. I wanted to show that it's okay to be vulnerable and that our experiences can inspire and empower others. Dealing with alopecia did affect the way i loved myself. I didn’t want to show up on camera with my natural hair because I was scared to be seen as ‘flawed’ or ‘damaged’. It took a lot of work, therapy, and love from my family to work through my insecurities. And I finally got the courage to share my insecurities with the world by posting a video about my alopecia. I didn't realize that opening up was what I needed to completely embrace that self love I was struggling with.

What are your thoughts on the TikTok ban in the United States?
The TikTok ban in the United States is concerning because it affects so many creators and small business owners who have used TikTok to change their lives. TikTok has been a powerful platform for creativity and cultural exchange, and I hope a resolution can be found that allows it to continue.

In your videos, you seamlessly integrate elements of your cultural background. What motivates you to share these aspects of your culture? What do you hope your viewers get from them?
I am motivated to share my cultural background because I believe in the power of cultural appreciation and understanding. "People discover YOU because of what you offer but they stay because of who you are and how you've made them feel." This realization taught me to share more about my Nigerian culture, my tall girl experience, and life's awkward moments. The result? Millions resonated, leading to genuine connection and impactful marketing with brands. WIthout knowing, I was able to leverage the incredible power of humor and storytelling to not only entertain but also bridge cultural divides, connect hearts, and perhaps, transform how we see the world. I hope my viewers gain a greater appreciation for Nigerian culture and see the beauty and diversity that Africa has to offer.

We love that you have sponsored multiple college scholarships for first-generation African American college students. Can you tell us a bit about this?
Sponsoring college scholarships for first-generation African American students is my way of giving back and supporting the next generation. I know firsthand the struggles my parents faced in providing for my education at Penn State University. The currency exchange from Naira to Dollar was a significant challenge, and it took a lot of sacrifices to ensure my tuition was paid, along with student loans that set me back once I entered the real world. The education I received has been incredibly beneficial, opening many doors and opportunities for me. Education is a powerful tool for change, and I want to help open doors for students who may face financial barriers, allowing them to achieve their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities.

We heard you are helping build the El-Gibbor International Academy. Can you tell us more about this project?
The El-Gibbor International Academy is a project close to my heart. It's an effort to provide quality education in a rural community in Nigeria. We are working on expanding the school to offer more resources and opportunities for the students, helping to shape their futures.

What motivates your support for enhancing education? What significance do you believe it holds?
I believe education is the key to unlocking potential and creating opportunities. Enhancing education is vital for empowering individuals and communities, and it holds the potential to drive positive change and development.

What piece of advice would you offer an aspiring social media influencer?
My advice to aspiring social media influencers is to stay authentic and true to yourself. Find your unique voice and niche, and create content that you are passionate about. Consistency and authenticity are key to building a loyal and engaged audience.

Are there any upcoming projects you would like to share?
The number one project I'm excited about is my slang game Nonsense Slangs!

It has been a crazy past few years, how have you been staying positive?
I believe optimism is my lifeline. Staying positive during these times has been about focusing on gratitude, connecting with loved ones, and finding joy in the small things. Creating content that brings happiness to others has also been a great source of positivity for me.

What is your motto in life?
Contentment is a pathway to happiness. You can't have everything in the world, but you can get so close and content that it feels like you have everything. Then you think, 'Okay, is this good or is there more?' The goal of happiness is contentment. Knowing when to be content comes from understanding that you've given your all—whether in your career, personal life, or any endeavor. It's about finding peace in your efforts and achievements while always staying open to growth and new opportunities.

To learn more about Drea Okeke please follow the links below:
You can find me on TikTok @Dreaknowsbest and Instagram at @Drea_KnowsBest, and on YouTube at Drea Knows Best. My website is www.dreaknowsbest.com.

Photo credit: Jonny Marlow.

Drea Okeke - From Engineering to TikTok