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

Hi Nanekia, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Once upon a time, in the chaotic whirlwind of motherhood, I found myself the proud mom of three incredible children, ages 26, 19, and 11. No one handed me a manual as I left the hospital, and there were no detailed instructions or guidance on how to navigate the unpredictable journey of raising my kids. Despite having family examples, I yearned for a motherhood experience that was honest, real, relatable, exploratory, adventurous, and uniquely tailored to me.

As I stumbled through the maze of parenting, discovering my own style along the way, I realized that I wasn’t alone. Other mothers were grappling with the challenge of defining their own motherhood journey, torn between the way they were raised and how they wanted to raise their families. The heavy burdens of guilt, shame, and ignorance often kept these women stagnant, preventing them from fully embracing and enjoying the adventure of motherhood.

Then, in a moment of enlightenment, it struck me—what if I shared my trials and errors? What if I dared to engage in difficult, taboo conversations? Perhaps what all moms needed was permission to be the best versions of themselves, empowering them to excel in their roles as mothers.

And so, I embarked on a journey of blogging about my raw and authentic motherhood experience, pouring out my thoughts, opinions, and discoveries. To gain the trust of my fellow mothers, I knew I had to be transparent. The response was overwhelming, and soon, I found myself invited to take classes to become a board-certified coach.

Initially drawn to the idea of corporate coaching, guiding individuals through the labyrinth of corporate America, I began to see a broader potential. As I delved into the classes, I envisioned how the same coaching techniques could be harnessed to empower mothers. Determined to equip myself with the necessary skills, I earned two additional coaching certifications, adapting the knowledge from corporate America to create curriculums and workshops specifically designed to help moms navigate the delicate balance between life and work.

Taking a holistic view of the motherhood experience, I carved out a space for moms to craft their own elevation plans, not only for themselves but also for their families. Through coaching, I aimed to provide a roadmap for mothers to thrive in their personal and professional lives, ultimately transforming the way they approached and embraced the beautiful chaos of motherhood.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

As a Mommy Coach, I’ve walked the challenging path of balancing life, work, and the responsibilities of raising children. In the midst of it all, I realized that I wasn’t thriving; I was merely existing. Hungry for more, I dove into a world of self-improvement, self-love, and self-care, devouring every piece of literature that came my way.

My journey took a creative turn when I transformed my personal journal entries into a guide called “Mommy Needs A Moment.” This book not only shares my experiences but also prompts moms to reflect on their own lives, encouraging them to assess the health of their environment and, if necessary, challenge themselves to make positive changes.

Despite describing myself as “just” a mom, I recognized the power within me to offer insights that other moms might desire. I took a chance on myself, believing that my journey could resonate with and help others. Contrary to the misconception that Mommy Coaches think they’re superior, I emphasize that I am just like any mom out there—someone who faced struggles, anger, frustration, and exhaustion. The difference lies in having developed a plan to discover happiness, joy, calm, and peace, not just as a mom but as a woman.

Communication is my forte; if conversation were a sport, I’d be a champion. While I thrive in one-on-one coaching, my passion extends to fostering community dialogue on taboo topics. Unapologetic, unafraid, and committed, I refuse to let moms navigate motherhood alone. If there’s a topic you’re hesitant to discuss, tell me, and I’ll gather a group of moms eager to engage in the conversation and support you in navigating your own journey. I firmly believe in the power of connection, and if I’m not the right fit for you, rest assured that I have a network of moms ready to lend a helping hand. Together, we’re doing life, and fostering this sense of unity among moms is one of my proudest accomplishments.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In March 2020, when the world was reeling from the impact of the pandemic, the prospect of expecting people to invest in a Mommy Coach seemed almost surreal. The financial strain was palpable, and conventional strategies like cutting prices or offering specials didn’t feel right. However, I sensed that this was a moment when moms needed support more than ever.

Rather than fixating on monetary concerns, which were undeniably pressing, I decided to shift my focus. Recognizing the power of digital connection, I embarked on a journey to grow my audience on social media. I became a more active presence, sharing the unfiltered struggles of being a working, stay-at-home, COVID mom.

In the midst of uncertainty, I took the initiative to host online happy hours, participate in wellness chats, and organize challenges and various other events. These initiatives weren’t just about maintaining my business; they were about building a sense of community and providing a lifeline for moms navigating the challenges of the new normal.

From the confines of my own home, during what some might humorously call a “lockdown,” I leveraged the virtual space to foster connection and growth. The challenges of the pandemic became an opportunity to strengthen the bonds within my community. By adapting and embracing the digital landscape, I not only weathered the storm but also found innovative ways to continue supporting moms during a time when they needed it the most.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing clientele during the challenging period of March 2020 and the subsequent lockdown was the proactive use of social media. Recognizing the widespread financial strain and hesitancy to invest in a Mommy Coach during such uncertain times, I shifted my focus away from traditional marketing tactics like cutting prices. Instead, I harnessed the power of digital connection and grew my audience on social media.

By becoming a more active presence and sharing transparently about the struggles of being a working, stay-at-home, COVID mom, I engaged with my community on a personal level. Hosting online happy hours, joining wellness chats, and creating challenges and events not only fostered a sense of connection but also attracted new clients. This approach allowed me to adapt to the circumstances, providing valuable support to moms when they needed it the most and ultimately growing my clientele during a challenging period.

Leveraging social media has been a game changer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nanekia.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justonehotmom/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justonehotmom
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nanekia-ansari-817831116/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQpR3DKExE9Sifs5qaptsQw

Image Credits
Marcia Craggett, https://www.sheflytho.com/