Hello

Here's a little about me; I promise I won't write your ear off. Ha!

My birth name is Simone. Some call me by my middle name, Serita - which is also my Instagram handle. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and attended neighborhood schools in my area. After graduating high school, I obtained an undergraduate degree in English before acquiring a masters degree in Creative Writing.

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Since graduating - many years ago (insert side eye emoji) - I have worked in education, as a content manager for a magazine company, a dog daycare, back to education, a freelance writer (which I currently do), and a call center. While I've had my share of "I just need the money" jobs, I have ALWAYS been obsessed with the idea that I will never fulfill my purpose until I am doing something that I truly love, and can make money from it. Ahhhh! The idea of waking up every morning doing something you've not only attended school for, but can work full time and make a steady income from does something to my spirit. Literally, brings chills to my body.

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I am definitely on my way there, as so are you - if you're not already there yet. Anywho, enough about that. Let's get into why I created The Neighborhood Homegirl.

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Well, it's simple; I want to tell Black stories the way I want to tell them, and not let society tell them for me. I want to change the narrative of how Black people are perceived, and provide a space for those who may not have a platform to share their talents and stories. What you will be reading is authentic and from the heart. When you click on and read any content on this site, I want you to feel like you are reading a lengthy message from your real-life homegirl...Your Neighborhood Homegirl.