Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nia Brown. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Adult Wannabe was a concept that’s been brewing in my life for years. Dating back to my first job, my supervisors and I would make jokes about my “adult percentage.” Teasingly saying that as I experienced certain life milestones, my adult percentage meter would “increase.” But when my concept manifested itself into reality was during the pandemic. I’ve always been a writer but stopped for a while. As the world was shut down, it seemed like the perfect time to revisit a nostalgic skill. I began writing about adulting then it unexpectedly expanded until it became a full fledged book! It started as fun, then I got very serious and focused about the book and the possibility of what it could be. I wanted to take this opportunity to share with the world some of the challenging moments I’ve experienced throughout adulthood, while also providing wisdom to people on how to avoid some of the mistakes I’ve made on my journey. My goal was to help give a resource to people that’s digestible for the audience regardless of who they are, their education level, their job status, I wanted to create something real that could be relatable to anyone that comes across it. the information in a way that makes them want to improve and enhance their own lives. I believe “So You Want To Be An Adult?” helps fill in the gaps for what people typically aren’t taught in grade school. I highlight moving out, how to pay bills, building credit, and more.
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.
I discovered my passion for writing at a very young age. I began writing blogs at 16-years-old and went on to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Print Journalism from Penn State University. One year after graduating, I shortly found myself back on a college campus, this time in my hometown. I earned my Master of Business Administration (MBA) from The University of Baltimore with a custom focus on Marketing and Business Intelligence.
My motivation for creating Adult Wannabe was to not only self-publish a simple guide for navigating through adulthood, but to create a company tailored around supporting a community of young, old and far in-between adults that are still trying to grasp this thing called life. As a Baltimore native, I’m committed to uplifting my own community and the communities of others with the common goal of overcoming generational courses and toxic life cycles. The brand, Adult Wannabe, is dedicated to empowering all adults to become their best authentic self. Life is an experience, and it is not a linear journey. Our goal at Adult Wannabe is to teach others how to embrace the present, plan for their future and create the dream life they’ve always imagined.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn that talent takes you the furthest you can ever go. I feel that we’re often told to work hard, when we really should be told to work consistently. Talent is incredible, however, if un-nurtured, then it’s equally as useful as someone without the same talent at all. Consistency enables the possibility for mastering a skill and learning ways to improve that skill.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Throughout this journey, I’ve had some obstacles. As an independently funded entrepreneur, I have to utilize the resources available. I was applying for dozen of grants multiple times a week and conducting hours of research on how to gain funding. My friends and family were so supportive that they each read one chapter from my book during the times I couldn’t afford multiple editors. I was so appreciative that even with their own busy lives and schedules, they took a moment to help me accomplish my dreams of publishing my first book.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adultwannabe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adultwannabe
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/adult-wannabe_betheceoofyourlife-selfdevelopment-adultwannabe-activity-7114739602661289984-LCTu/
- Twitter: www.twittercom/adultwannabee