We caught up with the brilliant and insightful NADINE ROBINSON a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

NADINE, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The most daring leap I’ve taken lately, besides launching NPNarratives Ltd (NPN), revolves around betting on myself. As a Black woman, finding my place at the core of my own life was an intricate challenge. I used to let external factors and the people around me shape my path, my purpose, and my pursuit of happiness. It’s not that I lacked the ability to shine on my own, but rather, I didn’t believe I deserved to stand proudly with my crown firmly in place. Internally, I’d dim my light, conforming to the extroverted image I felt others expected of me while quietly receding into the background.

Opting for myself became my boldest move, demanding that I confront fears, doubts, excuses, and limitations head-on. I had to evolve into my own towering force, facing down my inner demons and claiming victory entirely by myself.

Surprisingly, it was the arrival of my daughter Arieh in 2020 and the inception of my initial business (although quite different from what NPN is today) that ignited not just my voice, but my inherent power. At last, I felt prepared to take charge of my life and embody the very example I sought in the world around me. By supporting, guiding, and uplifting other women (and occasionally men) who trod a similar path to mine, I began seeing my reflections in real time. Standing steadfast in my truth allowed me to help others do the same, free from the fear of judgment, ridicule, or being overlooked.

This courageous leap now manifests itself in numerous facets of my life, both personally and professionally.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who haven’t crossed paths with me yet, I’m a certified Journal Therapist and Life Coach. My expertise lies in blending writing practices with life coaching methodologies because I firmly believe that driving change in your life begins with you. Through one-on-one coaching, workshops, newsletters, and podcasts, I aim not just to reach people but to form meaningful connections across diverse backgrounds. I help individuals surpass their perceived limits by guiding them through their challenges, beliefs, and expectations in a therapeutic and nurturing manner.

My journey into the wellness industry sprouted from the lack of resources and events that catered to someone like me – a Black mother in her thirties at the time raising four children. Sure, there were fleeting opportunities for a quick fix, but I yearned for something more substantial. So, I took the reins and crafted what I couldn’t find, birthing the concept that is now NPN.

What I cherish most is taking that initial step. Often, we become so engrossed in pursuing our aspirations that we forget to appreciate ourselves for merely starting. Acknowledging that we’ve taken the difficult leap is pivotal, setting the stage for the fruits of our belief to blossom!

As I continue championing my vision of guiding, educating, and empowering others, I acknowledge that meaningful impact doesn’t exist in isolation. My services gain significance through the vibrant souls who join me on this journey. At NPN, it’s about bridging divides and walking alongside my clients. I never portray having all the answers, but rather, aim to support you in uncovering your own. Engaging in this work isn’t just fulfilling; it’s also a wellspring of inspiration as I learn immensely from those who place their trust in me.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the hardest lessons I had to rewire in my mind was the notion that ‘you cannot be everything to everyone.’ Trust me, that was a tough pill to swallow!

Like so many others, I was ensnared by the people-pleasing persona. It took me years to grasp that ‘no’ is a complete sentence. As I reshaped myself to fit each person’s unique needs, wants, and desires, I twisted so much that I lost the ability to purposefully and mindfully nurture myself.

I can’t pinpoint a specific moment when everything fell into place, but I distinctly recall an epiphany while discussing boundaries with a close friend. It struck me that we need to set these boundaries for ourselves before extending them to others. Somehow, my perspective shifted, and my heart space, this time, opened up solely for myself.

When you begin to take charge of your own autonomy, life starts to ease its grip. Sure, there might still be occasional bumps and bruises, perhaps even visible scars, but in the end, you emerge as a more grounded, self-assured, and self-embracing version of yourself.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

While many entrepreneurs might delve into discussions about systems, CRMs, and workshops, my take is refreshingly simple: be yourself and hold firm to your integrity.

To me, integrity speaks volumes about a businessperson beyond their offerings. People can sense authenticity within moments of meeting someone, so I show up exactly as I am. Those who resonate with me and my values will naturally gravitate towards my services and offerings.

I’ve deliberately chosen to bring my authentic self into every professional sphere I enter, particularly since I am the face of my brand. I’m the one behind the screen, leading sessions, handling emails, and crafting exceptional content. Fortunately, I can attest that ‘being yourself is the BEST business strategy you can adopt.’ The truth is, only you can execute your vision, so why take the longer route pretending to be someone else? Remember, you never know who might be observing you from a distance!

By being open, approachable, and willing to share my triumphs, struggles, and everything in between, I’ve successfully expanded my clientele and boosted engagement across my social media platforms.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.npnarratives.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journalingwithnpn
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/npnarratives/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/npnarratives

Image Credits
Images with me in green chair, please give credit to Daniel Palmer of DAPS (daps-online.com)