Social media star Zeinab Harake in no hurry to join show biz

Harake (right) with daughter Bia

Everyone knows the tragedy that happened to me. I am now slowly picking up the pieces,” said social media star and vlogger Zeinab Harake, recalling the time she lost her son Moon in a miscarriage in April.

A month later, she announced that she broke up with partner, rapper Skusta Clee, whom she accused of repeatedly cheating on her. They have another child, Bia, 1, while Zeinab has an adopted son, Lucas, 5.

“That was a nightmare. As much as possible, I avoid discussing that particular time in my life. I may look like I’m okay now, but there’s one thing that I can’t seem to regain just yet: my focus,” she told reporters during her launch as the ambassador of Beautederm Corp.’s oral care brand Koreisu Family toothpaste and Etré Clair mouth spray.

“I used to be able to finish five vlog contents in a day. Now, I am only able to make two in a week. My mind is preoccupied with a lot of things. My plan is to first fix whatever needs fixing in my life before I jump into pursuing my other interests,” said Zeinab to a question about her career plans in the coming months.

“I’m still young. Hopefully, I will still have more time to fulfill my goals. Right now, I just want to heal first in order to regain whatever I’ve lost because of the trauma,” stressed the 23-year-old.

‘Trust issues’

Zeinab then identified the reasons that made her smile. “No. 1 reason is my babies. They’re irreplaceable. I’d kill for them. That’s what I’ve learned from my own mama. I used to not appreciate her before. But everything changed when I became a mother myself,” she pointed out.

“I’m also grateful that even after all the challenges I went through, I’m still blessed to have people who care for me. They didn’t give up on me when my attitude changed because of the trauma I experienced. My team stayed beside me even when I had trust issues and was angry with those who turned their backs on me and took me for granted,” Zeinab said.

“Also, there’s this special person who is really very supportive. I don’t want to say much because he isn’t into social media as much as I am. People would just see him as part of the stories I would post each day. I might post a vlog reveal on him soon.”

Zeinab has this to say to women who have had the same traumatic experience with their relationships. “Do not allow anyone to abuse your kindness. Put a stop to this abuse immediately. I allowed this offense to happen to me again and again because I cared for the person,” she began.

Zeinab Harake

“Later on, I’ve proven that if the person you love does you wrong, it’s intentional. It happened because he is selfish and didn’t think of the harm he would inflict on those who care for him. Why should you fight for a person like that in the first place? Someone who doesn’t care about you and has no intention of fixing his life for the sake of his family,” she stressed.

‘Bad effects of media’

These days, Zeinab has already fully embraced being both the mother and father to her kids. “My mom did nothing but watch over me and my two other siblings,” said the Filipino-Lebanese celebrity. “I’m like her in many ways. I’m proud to say that I’m able to play the part that my children’s father failed to do so miserably.”

She added that people might find it “weird” to hear what her dreams for her children are, but she will say them just the same. “Right now, all I do is work. I want to be able to buy a home for my kids abroad. I want them to be able to live normal lives. I want to shield them from the bad effects of media in the Philippines. I want them to be able to experience hanging out on the streets like normal kids, something I was able to do while growing up.”

She continued: “I also want them to learn independence. I have been earning on my own since I was 12 and already left my mom’s house when I was 19. I also want them to be able to count on each other when times are tough. I want a simple life for them, and for them to study in a good school.”

As for her being a content creator, Zeinab assured supporters that she will not be quitting soon. “I still have a lot of plans. I want to keep presenting content that’s relevant and aspirational. I know my audience. They prefer seeing the natural me, or observing my normal life, but I have also changed a lot. Yesterday, I was just playing street games, now I’m already breastfeeding my baby at night. I will grab every good opportunity that will come my way.”

Zeinab said there are offers for her to do all sorts of projects both on the big and small screens. There are also offers from different agencies and networks to manage her career, but she is taking her sweet time. “I’m not an artista. I’m just a kid who enjoys vlogging. I never imagined I’d reach this far,” said the artist who has over 50 million combined followers on various social media platforms.

“I’m OK with doing TV appearances. To me, these are just like vlogging,” said Zeinab, who recently appeared in the game show ‘It’s Showtime!” “When it comes to doing a teleserye or movie, let’s wait and see. I could probably say ‘yes’ to doing a talk show since I am able to relate well to the masses. I think that’s why they appreciate my content.” INQ