We were lucky to catch up with Nakera Lee recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nakera , appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I never imagined becoming a Brand Strategist or landing a role as a Digital Campaign Specialist at a leading black-owned digital services integrator like Fearless in Baltimore. My journey wasn’t always this clear. Back in 2009, when I graduated from Western High School, I initially thought I’d pursue a career in education. Working with young people and helping them realize their potential was my passion, but my path took a different turn.

During my first year of college, I met Dr. Ron Williams, who was the Department Chair of Management and Marketing at Coppin State University College of Business. He introduced me to the Entertainment Management degree program, which immediately sparked my interest. Dr. Williams and I discussed my career aspirations, and he saw something in me that I hadn’t yet recognized. Surprisingly, my deep love for entertainment had been a part of me since childhood. I was into music, media, and film from a young age, even playing instruments and singing in choirs. My fascination with entertainment fueled my confidence to thrive in the field, despite my concerns about the male-dominated industry and imposter syndrome creeping in.

After college, with a degree in Entertainment Management and a challenging job search, I realized I needed to leverage my skills differently. I turned to marketing, an area I had enjoyed during my undergrad. Overcoming imposter syndrome, I scoured the internet for free marketing certification courses and found resources like Grow with Google, HubSpot Academy, and Hootsuite Academy. I dedicated hours to learning and honing my marketing skills through online courses and mentorship from experienced professionals. Refining my resume and cover letter, I applied for positions and landed my first role at a boutique administrative support, marketing, and event planning agency.

One interview stands out in my memory – I knew I needed to be authentic. The CEO recognized my determination to learn and grow, and I was offered a position. This experience paved the way for subsequent roles, including Marketing Manager at a Genome Research company and my current position as a Digital Campaign Specialist at a tech company. I always emphasize the importance of being a perpetual learner, staying open to new skills, asking questions, and seeking guidance. Initiative and coachability are key. Utilize the resources available, and never be afraid to ask for help. Looking back, I realize that success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s about timing and a supportive community. Overcoming obstacles like limited resources and imposter syndrome has led me to where I am today.

Nakera , 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?

Hey there, I’m Nakera Lee, and I’m on an exciting journey as a Digital Campaign Specialist at Fearless. At Fearless, we’re all about making software with a soul – solutions that empower communities and make a difference.

As a Digital Campaign Specialist, my role is all about crafting and launching digital campaigns across Fearless’ family of brands. I mix creativity, messaging, content, and experiences to weave together a meaningful story that resonates with the Fearless brand and audience.

Working closely with the Brand & Communications team, I play a part in amplifying Fearless’ voice through various external channels. It’s about keeping that strong brand presence alive and kicking to meet our goals.

I joined the Fearless crew in 2020, bringing a background in Marketing, Communications, and Entertainment Management to the table. I’m all about agile decision-making, and I love making an impact by telling compelling stories, bringing creative ideas to life, and using visuals to uplift underrepresented voices.

Beyond Fearless, I’m also a Brand consultant specializing in storytelling and brand identity. I collaborate with amazing women creatives and entrepreneurs to help turn their dreams into reality. It all started because I remember how confusing it was to find my own brand’s place when I began. You don’t realize what you’re missing until you’re in it. I wanted to bridge that gap, and now I am doing just that.

My educational journey includes studying Entertainment Management at Coppin State University and Entertainment Business at Full Sail University. When I’m not immersed in work, you can find me mentoring high school students through iMentor. I’m also an active member of Forbes BLK, connecting with incredible leaders who are making waves globally. Oh, and recently, I was honored as one of the 50 Black Marketers To Watch by the African American Marketing Association. Plus, I received a Side Hustler of the Year recognition at Side Hustlers Honors.

What sets my brand apart? It’s my unwavering mission to make a lasting impact. Not just any impact – one that drives results and changes lives. My work is a force that goes beyond me; it’s a force for something greater.

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

The key to boosting my client base boils down to a few powerful strategies: finding my niche, crafting a strong brand, making social media my own, networking, reaching out proactively, and staying true to myself.

I began by uncovering a real need in the market, then harnessed my background to solve those issues effectively. Focusing on a specific niche opened doors to a less-talked-about audience, giving me a unique edge. To make my presence felt, I joined relevant social media groups, engaging in discussions and showcasing my insights. This really established my credibility.

Authenticity was a game-changer. I shared my experiences, hurdles as a woman in the field, and my journey as an entrepreneur. This raw honesty clicked with my audience and deepened connections. Relationships are my secret sauce – forming real bonds and following through is what propels my client base.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My life’s mission is to ignite others to transform dreams into reality. Each of us is just a step away from achieving our aspirations, armed with determination, grit, and a whole lot of passion!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_justkera/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nakeralee/

Image Credits
Ariel Woolfolk, Fearless Video Media Producer