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

Nathan , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?

Reginald Bean VP of Marketing for Coca Cola Southeast Region. At the time, I think it was 2014, After years of trying I was able to get a meeting with him to discuss a project I was working on. This was going to be a big deal to have such a big company to provide sponsorship. He invited me to lunch and as we chatted, he asked me two simple questions that changed ny whole perspective above what I thought about business. I left that meeting with my tail between my legs but in hindsight he actually di me the biggest favor in the world and I thank him for that. * I can share the details in the interview* Amazing insight.

Nathan , 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?

Just a kid from Teaneck, NJ. I grew up across the street from Ronald Isley of the Isley Brothers and down the block from Dizzy Gillespie and a few others. Teaneck was a hotbed of entertainers and sports stars who migrated from New York. I actually had an amazing childhood and git to see the world from a bigger perspective than most kids my age. This kind of shaped me into what I wanted to do and be.

I fell in love with the entertainment business, it was 1989. My early days in the entertainment industry began producing and hosting a video show “Hip-Hop Generation” which aired on cable networks in 3 states. The show with its many successes landed me independent street promotion assignments with MCA Records, Epic Records, Def Jam Records and almost every indie label you could name. I began producing & writing music for VH1 in 2006 and have song placements on a few pop culture shows “Making The Band, The Newly Weds, Pimp My Ride and Date My Mom” to name a few. I’m also the Creative force behind the very successful artist/songwriter showcase “R&B LIVE” which I launched in NYC in 2004 it was hosted by Grammy Nominee “Marc Dorsey” I have been doing this for a long time,

I think we’re here to talk about Women of Color Expo, which I founded in 2008, Helping people has been at the core of who I am as a person, so it seemed so natural for me. Edward Lewis? If I mention that name most folks have no idea who he is. As a young boy he played a big role in my home without me even knowing it. The corner stone of Women of Color is inspired by my mother Lillian Taylor Smalls and the impact she had on who I am today. I will gladly discuss more!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

This is a lot, If I had to give it a topic it would be “If it doesn’t kill you, it will strengthen you” It was 2003, after a tumultuous separation and divorce which actually made national news and the Steve Harvey Morning show. I suffered a stroke the following year! Talk about resilience, It was my faith and strength they kept me all together and I knew if GOD had me go through this he must have had a purpose for my life. I used this as fuel to find my purpose and what he called me to do.

This is an interview unto itself.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Absolutely, in short! one click at a time, one person at a time. I think the important thing to remember is to treat every interaction and every person individually. In this faced paced digital world we live in the personal touch often gets overlooked. At times we forget that there is a real person behind the screen that you are interacting with. The tools that helps us grown can also be the thing that removes authenticity and real relatability. Your audience desires to connect and to touch you in ways not possible before. They want to have a relationship and positive experience with your brand. Those who figure out how to be authentic will surely thrive in this medium.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.womenofcolorexpos.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathansherrodsmalls/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathan.s.smalls
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/befestival/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/NathanSmalls?fbclid=IwAR2yK4tzKrSwoxabXobLYL3kWkuIBfmFuOyiRBE63PFgMGtj-KpO5H-TSHo