Today we’d like to introduce you to Nellie Davis.

Hi Nellie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

When I think about my story— it had to have started from the time I was born. Traditionally, we say our temperament can often be told by our birth story. My mother said that I came out with my eyes wide open, taking everything in. I feel that I’ve carried that with me throughout my life, pursuing so many dreams, even though adversity has found its way to me many times. All of the connections and knowledge that I’ve gained have been stepping stones on my path to here now.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

The road has taken so many forms! I believe that if we’re really seeing something through, we will inevitably face challenges. I remember in one workshop I’d taken early on, the facilitator said as a leader it’s helpful to see things from a coach’s perspective. I started looking more into what high level coaches were doing— the ones that were helping their team win championships. Doc Rivers was so inspirational and he shared something that resonated with me since. He said, “People think if you are the champion, you don’t get hit. It’s the exact opposite. Champions get hit over and over and over and over. It’s just that the champion is the one that decides to keep moving forward.” So now when there’s an opportunity to face challenge, I try to ask “where can I find the medicine in this?” to learn the lesson and grow, knowing I’ll be better for it.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

Although my background is in entrepreneurship, social work and wellness, it can be difficult to say what it is I do now. My most recent experience is in founding a community wellness space, Sawabemuhano, offering culturally relevant, holistic care and hosting gatherings that amplify BIPOC and LGBTQ2S voices. Through this work, we’ve been able to advocate in urban space for Native heritage and create awareness on issues that impact our Tribal communities like the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR) crisis. I would like to believe most know me for leading with my heart, being brave to create at the forefront and doing what I can to be of service. I can feel proud of those things, knowing we’ve only been able to accomplish that through coming together in community.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?

I’d say I’m someone that takes risks often! How we measure risk is really interesting too— someone who may always push the limit in one area may be that person that also drives the speed limit everywhere they go. Our threshold is so individually unique. I’ve definitely had moments where my risk taking didn’t have ann ideal outcome but then other times where it was one of the best decisions of my life! In retrospect, I can say I’ve given my whole heart to life and never been one to wonder “what if?” As much as we’d like to believe we have more control over aspects of our life, for me I’ve found we only are able to control how we show up and move through it. There has to be some faith in something beyond us that will ultimately protect and provide for us, and that goodness exists no matter what season of change we’re in.

Pricing:

• Cultural Compassion Workshop $varies
• 1-1 Guidance Session (Virtual) $111

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Sageandthemoon.com
• Instagram: @sawabemuhano

Image Credits

Ty Bramwell (1st and 4th image)
Eighty8 Studios (2nd and 3rd)