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

Alright, Nikhaule thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Before the pandemic, my career was deeply rooted in the Community Health field. I served as a Program Manager for an HIV and Case Management program located on the Southwest side of Chicago. I witnessed firsthand the profound impact of community based programs on individuals’ lives, an experience that was deeply fulfilling and enriching. However, during the pandemic, the demanding workload, the strain of working in a short-staffed clinic, and navigating microaggressions in the workplace led to burnout. The summer of 2021, I made the bold and terrifying move to quit my job without anything lined up. This pivotal moment marked the start of my entrepreneurial journey.

Around the same time I quit my job, I left the church that I grew up in and this led to the start of my deconstruction journey. I found myself challenging and reassessing the beliefs that I grew up with. Over the course of two transformative years, the vision for Pour Into It Media and our inaugural web series, Project (De)construction took shape. This allowed me to merge my love for storytelling with my dedication to community health, culminating in a platform that amplifies the voices and experiences of diverse communities. Despite its recent inception, the series has already garnered resounding support from the community, with volunteers who embrace our mission and trust us to share their stories. In embracing uncertainty and stepping into the realm of entrepreneurship, I have discovered a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment. Through Pour Into It Media, I am committed to fostering meaningful connections and empowering narratives that inspire and uplift the community.

Nikhaule , 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?

Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, I was immersed in a community that nurtured my love for reading and storytelling from an early age. The support and encouragement I received fueled my desire to give back to others as my community had given to me. This experience guided my academic pursuits, leading me to major in Public Health with a commitment to civic service. After graduation, I dedicated myself to educating and assisting underserved populations, particularly focusing on LGBTQ+ health disparities. Pour Into It Media emerged as a natural extension of my passion for social impact, aiming to amplify marginalized voices and foster meaningful dialogue.

In December 2023, we proudly unveiled Project (De)construction—a web series inspired by my personal journey with faith and the church. This series serves as a platform for intergenerational dialogues on religion, faith, and the profound impacts of faith-based institutions. Pour Into It Media stands at the nexus of storytelling, public health advocacy, and spirituality—a testament to my lifelong dedication to empowering societies through narrative and dialogue.

Project (De)construction is an unprecedented web series. Oftentimes platforms that center conversations on faith and spirituality, will cater to singular denominations or offer limited perspectives. We are neither pro nor anti-religion; instead, we serve as a sanctuary for open dialogue, welcoming individuals of all beliefs and backgrounds to share their lived experiences within faith based institutions. Through diverse viewpoints and authentic narratives, we cultivate a community where individuals can explore their spirituality freely and without judgment. I am deeply humbled and immensely proud of the collective efforts of our dedicated volunteers and the transformative impact we’ve achieved thus far.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

As a millennial, I’ve existed on the internet for nearly my entire life. I’ve had social media accounts since I was in elementary school. In 2020, I took my first steps into the public sphere of social media with my Instagram account, @NikhauleBeReading. Initially focused on sharing my love for books by Black authors, it quickly expanded to encompass podcasts, TV shows, and plays created and performed by Black creatives. This journey was a crash course in community building and audience engagement, filled with trials and triumphs as I honed my brand identity and voice.

Throughout two years of experimentation, I delved into branding, design, and the intricacies of reaching my target audience. Pour Into It Media and Project (De)construction is a result of this journey, and I was able to utilize the insights and skills acquired along the way. Armed with a clear vision and a refined understanding of our brand voice, I’ve been able to create a brand that I am deeply proud of.

A profound piece of advice that struck a chord with me came from Evelyn from the Internets: “Don’t be afraid to be seen trying.” This resonates deeply because embracing trial and error is crucial in crafting a unique brand identity and voice. Every endeavor, regardless of its outcome, provides invaluable lessons in business, branding, and audience engagement. Experience is the best teacher. So, to all aspiring entrepreneurs, I encourage you: dare to be seen trying. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and experimentation, for therein lies the path to unlocking your brand’s full potential. Remember, nothing beats a failure but a try.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Listening to the narratives of seasoned entrepreneurs through podcasts and interviews has been particularly motivational and informative. Among my revered mentors are Kevin Fredricks, better known as Kev On Stage, Evelyn from the Internets, and Pinky Cole, whose candid discussions about their entrepreneurial journeys has been a consistent source of inspiration. I find myself drawn to their insights and often revisit their interviews, videos, and podcasts whenever I encounter hurdles along my own path. Through their wisdom, I’ve gleaned invaluable lessons on transforming my passion into a thriving business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pourintoit.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectdeconstruction/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectDecon/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhaule/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAD6WevDgP8EtQT8yHa0PPA

Image Credits
Picture with the two women are Nikhaule Martin, Founder and CEO of Pour Into It Media on the right and Calynn M Lawrence, MSML, Award Winning Entrepreneur on the left.