We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nadine G a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nadine, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Embarking on the journey of starting my own business was not just a leap of faith; it was a monumental risk that reshaped my entire life. As a counselor and a self-published author, my career had reached a point of stability and comfort. I was making a difference, yet within me simmered a feeling of restlessness, a whisper that I was playing it too small, that my impact could be broader, deeper, and more profound.
The pivotal moment came during a religious retreat in Texas. Amidst the tranquility and spiritual introspection, a vision of my potential future unfolded before me. I saw myself speaking on large stages, touching lives on a scale far beyond the one-on-one sessions and intimate readership circles I was accustomed to. This vision was both exhilarating and daunting, but the seed of change had been planted.
Driven by this newfound purpose, I left the retreat with a resolve that felt both terrifying and invigorating. Within a month, Let’s Converse was born—a wellness brand dedicated to helping others find their voice and walk in their purpose. Transitioning from releasing a book of poetry and a self-care journal to launching a full-fledged brand represented a significant shift. It wasn’t just about offering products; it was about creating spaces for meaningful conversations, for growth, for community.
The support of my family was instrumental. They rallied around me, buoying my spirits and lending their hands and hearts to my endeavor. Our first major event, held at Circle of Sisters in NYC, was a testament to their unwavering belief in my vision. However, the universe had its trial ready for me. The night before the event, the elevator in my building broke down, leaving me with the Herculean task of transporting all my supplies down six flights of stairs. In that moment, the weight of the challenge nearly crushed my resolve. The temptation to quit before even beginning was overwhelming.
Yet, it was through this trial that I learned one of the most valuable lessons of business ownership—the journey is replete with challenges, but each obstacle is an opportunity to grow. Despite these challenges, the event was more than just a success—it was a confirmation that I had made the right choice. The satisfaction of seeing my vision come to life, of impacting others through my work, was incomparable. Yes, business ownership has been filled with unforeseen challenges, much like the broken elevator. Yet, each obstacle has only strengthened my resolve and my belief in the importance of my mission.
Reflecting on this journey, I realize that taking the risk to start Let’s Converse has been the most rewarding decision of my life. It has allowed me to live my purpose, to create a space where others can find their voice and pursue their own paths to wellness and self-discovery. The journey from a counselor and author to a business owner has taught me the invaluable lesson that the greatest risks often lead to the most profound rewards.
Nadine, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
If I had to describe myself in one word, it would be a healer. Healing has manifested through my work in many ways over the years, but the heart of my journey is rooted in service, impact, and love. At the heart of my journey is a deep-rooted passion for service and impact. From my high school days spent volunteering, I discovered a profound love for social work, a field that resonated with my core values and aspirations. This led me to pursue higher education in social work, African American studies, and policy, driven by a vision to effect meaningful change within my community. With nearly two decades of experience in education and social work, I have been privileged to touch many lives across New York City, fostering growth, healing, and empowerment.
Transitioning into a business owner was a natural progression in my mission to broaden my impact. Through my ventures, Let’s Converse and Building Exponential Wellness (B.E. Well), I have expanded my reach, offering coaching, public speaking engagements, wellness workshops, transformational retreats, and wellness conferences. My role as a wellness guru allows me to guide individuals on their journeys to self-discovery and holistic health, emphasizing the importance of mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
The cornerstone of my services is the creation of safe spaces where individuals can connect with wellness providers who reflect their own experiences and backgrounds. This connection is vital, as it fosters a sense of understanding, trust, and relatability that is often lacking in conventional wellness spaces. Furthermore, I am committed to investing in the development of other “purpose pushers,” individuals who are driven to make a difference in their communities and the world at large.
What sets my work apart is the belief that the path to healing and empowerment is a communal journey, not a solitary one. My approach is holistic, focusing not just on individual wellness but on healing our community, enabling us to operate from a place of power and create generational wellness. This vision is bigger than any single individual; it’s about collective growth and transformation.
I am most proud of the tangible impact my work has had on individuals and the broader community. Witnessing the transformation of participants in my programs, seeing them find their voice, reclaim their power, and embark on a path of purposeful living, is incredibly rewarding. These moments affirm that the risk of branching out into business ownership was worth it, as it has allowed me to amplify my impact and reach more individuals seeking guidance on their wellness journey.
To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is driven by a genuine desire to see you thrive. In every service I offer, from one-on-one coaching to large-scale wellness conferences, my goal is to empower you to live your most fulfilled life, to find and follow your purpose, and to contribute to a healthier, more empowered community. Let’s embark on this journey together, fostering a world where generational wellness is not just an aspiration but a reality.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
The journey to hosting my first wellness retreat was a testament to resilience, marked by an event that tested my resolve in ways I could never have imagined. The retreat was the culmination of months of planning and anticipation, a dream coming to fruition with sold tickets and secured sponsors. However, en route to the retreat, my retreat manager and I were involved in a horrific car accident. A vehicle side-swiped us on the highway, leading to our car fishtailing, hitting a tree, and ultimately flipping over. Miraculously, we managed to crawl out of the window, alive but shaken, our car a total loss.
In the aftermath of the accident, with reasons mounting not to proceed with the retreat, my family reached out to all the participants. They were informed of the situation, offered the option to still attend and enjoy the space, albeit with no guarantee the retreat would occur as planned, while I lay in a hospital bed contemplating refunds and recoveries. Remarkably, every single participant chose to attend, a decision that profoundly touched me.
Released from the hospital late at night and closer to the retreat than home, my family drove us to the location. Despite the pain and the bruises that made me feel as though I had endured a brutal fight, I was determined to salvage what I could from the wreckage. The hotel staff welcomed us with care packages, showing immense support and understanding of our ordeal.
The next day, my resolve led me to the tow company in Lord’s Valley, a name that resonated with my situation, feeling very much like I was in a personal valley of challenges. Yet, conversations with the taxi driver, who shared his own story of recovery from a severe accident, and the tow company worker, who astonishingly had connections to my church back in Brooklyn, imbued me with a sense of serendipity and gratitude. Discovering that 90% of the retreat materials were intact felt nothing short of miraculous.
Buoyed by these interactions and the kindness of strangers, I returned to the retreat location, deciding then and there to proceed with the event. Despite my physical injuries, which necessitated months of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and therapy for PTSD, the retreat unfolded into a highly transformative experience for everyone involved. It held a special place in my heart, symbolizing not just a personal triumph, but the indomitable spirit of our community.
This story of resilience underscores a profound realization: the work I am committed to is far greater than myself. Surviving the accident and pushing forward to host the retreat taught me that there is no obstacle too great, no challenge too daunting, that can deter me from my mission. It reinforced my belief in the power of community, the strength derived from shared experiences, and the importance of never giving up, no matter the circumstances.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
Beyond the foundational training and knowledge required to thrive in the field of wellness and personal development, as exemplified by Let’s Converse, I firmly believe that community is the cornerstone of success. The ethos of Let’s Converse—creating spaces for meaningful conversation and connection—underscores the immense value placed on community. This principle is not just a facet of our work; it is the bedrock upon which all our endeavors are built.
In the world of wellness and personal transformation, the power of community cannot be overstated. It provides a supportive network that fosters growth, understanding, and resilience among its members. This collective journey, where experiences and stories are shared, offers a unique kind of healing and insight that goes beyond the individual. It creates a sense of belonging and acceptance, allowing people to open up, share their vulnerabilities, and, most importantly, realize they are not alone in their struggles.
Leaning into support networks and fostering community engagement are pivotal for success in our field. These networks serve as the backbone for healing, offering a tapestry of perspectives and wisdom that enriches the journey of self-discovery and wellness. They provide a platform for continuous learning, inspiration, and encouragement, which are essential for navigating the complexities of personal and community wellness.
Moreover, Let’s Converse emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces where individuals can explore their identities, experiences, and aspirations freely. This approach acknowledges that healing and growth are profoundly communal experiences. By cultivating environments where empathy, compassion, and collective wisdom flourish, we enable individuals to find their voice, reclaim their power, and embark on a path of purposeful living.
In essence, while training and knowledge are crucial, the magic lies in the community. It’s about weaving a network of support that uplifts, educates, and empowers. It’s about recognizing that our journey is enriched and made more meaningful through the connections we foster and the shared experiences that bind us. At Let’s Converse, we are proud to champion this collective journey, believing wholeheartedly that it is through community that we find our strength, our healing, and our true path to success.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.lets-converse.com
- Instagram: Letconverse
- Facebook: Letsconversellc
- Linkedin: Letsconverse
- Twitter: Letsconversellc
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCz8QsTWAWcWasOzLVRJ8B9Q