Omaima Doghmi on Embracing Creativity and "Being Cringe"

The Chicagoan

Omaima Doghmi's story is proof that success often comes when you lean into your passions, silence self-doubt, and simply get started. Born and raised in Chicago, Omaima’s Moroccan heritage and engineering background are just parts of a life that has evolved through grit, creativity, and a touch of bravery. From her roots as a competitive gymnast to becoming a rising star in the influencer space, Omaima embodies the idea that hard work and self-expression can coexist in powerful ways.

As a child, Omaima found joy in creativity, whether it was watching YouTube videos of makeup tutorials or imagining herself sharing her own routines. “I’d recreate those videos as a kid, but never posted them,” she shares. Life, school, and gymnastics consumed much of her energy. It wasn’t until graduating from Boston University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and entering the tech world during COVID that she realized something was missing.

“The routine was just too routine-y,” she admits. “I started thinking, ‘What can I focus on that actually makes me happy?’” For Omaima, the answer lay in revisiting that younger self who loved creating content and connecting with others.

Her foray into content creation began with uncertainty. Sharing her first “Get Ready With Me” video felt awkward, even “cringe,” as she put it. “I remember sending it to my sister and asking, ‘Is this corny?’ She said, ‘Be cringe. Just post it.’” That single post garnered 500,000 views, validating her belief that embracing discomfort is often the gateway to growth.

Omaima is clear-eyed about the reality of her success: “Content creation is a full-time job. You have to dream about it, think about what your future self would do, and then take those steps today.” This mindset propelled her from zero to 100,000 followers in just six months. But beyond the numbers, Omaima’s authenticity resonates deeply with her audience, especially as a Moroccan-American navigating two worlds.

One of her pivotal moments was discovering a Moroccan vlogger who inspired her to embrace her cultural identity within her content. “I thought, ‘Why don’t I become the first Moroccan content creator in the U.S. who shares my life in Darija?’” Despite initial language challenges, Omaima learned to read and write Arabic in three months, proving once again that dedication conquers doubt.

Her advice for aspiring creators? “Act like you’re already there. Speak to your audience as if they’re a million people, even if it’s just one person today. Consistency is key. Post daily, experiment, and don’t overthink it. Be cringe, and just do it.”

Omaima also emphasizes the importance of staying true to your values. Whether it’s declining collaborations that don’t align with her principles or refusing to fit into stereotypical molds, she firmly believes that authenticity is the most sustainable path to success.

Now based in Los Angeles, Omaima still carries her Chicago roots wherever she goes. “I’ll never change who I am at my core,” she says. “Family comes first, and I’ll always stay grounded in who I am.”

With a talent management contract on the horizon and her content continuing to inspire, Omaima’s journey is far from over. But her message is clear: Whether it’s learning a new skill, starting from scratch, or overcoming fear, success starts with small, intentional actions. “Think long-term and take every experience—good or bad—as an opportunity to grow.”

Through her unique voice and commitment to her craft, Omaima Doghmi is proving that success is about more than numbers—it’s about creating a life that feels both meaningful and true.