Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nina Gnewd. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nina, appreciate you joining us today. One deeply underappreciated facet of entrepreneurship is the kind of crazy stuff we have to deal with as business owners. Sometimes it’s crazy positive sometimes it’s crazy negative, but crazy experiences unite entrepreneurs regardless of industry. Can you share a crazy story with our readers?

Navigating my path as an entrepreneur without a college degree, while working for high-profile tech companies, entertainment professionals, and the luxury hospitality industry, has been an extraordinary journey filled with unique challenges and unexpected experiences.

One of the most significant challenges I faced was carving out my place in these competitive fields. Coming from a rich cultural background as a West African, Jamaican, and growing up in Inglewood, I often felt out of place, especially in the tech industry. Without formal technical training beyond my job experience, I had to rely on the skills I developed over time. I channeled these skills into two successful businesses: one in software development and product management, and another as an entertainment label.

In the music industry, I encountered considerable opposition. Many people didn’t understand my deep connection to rock and electronic music, given my background. Growing up, rock and rap music were my outlets for expressing the anger and frustration of my youth. Despite the criticism, I discovered that African roots were foundational to these genres. This realization fueled my passion, and I continued to create jazz, R&B, and rock music. Over time, my love for music became a deeply personal journey. As an independent artist, I faced skepticism even from my own circle, but I persevered. Today, I inspire others to embrace their unique sounds and follow their musical passions.

Becoming a DJ also came with its own set of challenges, particularly dealing with abusers who often disrupted the purity of my work environment. It took a great deal of courage to navigate these situations and maintain my integrity.

In the tech industry, being a single mother without a college degree often made me feel out of place. Many colleagues were quick to remind me of this, often questioning my background. I remember one instance where someone was surprised to learn I was from Inglewood, implying I didn’t fit their preconceived notions. Despite these challenges, I excelled over a decade in tech, although I often found the leadership lacking in proper mental health support. There were moments of envy and tension, such as when a coworker I previously worked with became hostile due to a personal relationship, even going so far as to 3D print a gun at our Google office and confront me at my home.

These experiences have been both challenging and enlightening. They taught me resilience, the importance of mental health, and the value of maintaining one’s integrity in the face of adversity. I am grateful for the strong creative and professional network that supported me through these trials, and these experiences have shaped me into the resilient and innovative leader I am today.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who may not have read about me before, my name is Nina Gnewd. I have been deeply immersed in the entertainment and technology industries from a young age, having started my journey as a teenager with my first band, Gnewd. This rock acoustic and electric duo, where I played guitar alongside a bass player and guest drummers, performed all over Los Angeles. These formative years were foundational for my musical career and inspired the creation of my entertainment company, Nina Gnewd, LLC.

Nina Gnewd, LLC, named after my artist persona and the band that started it all, is an entertainment company with a vision to evolve into a label and agency that offers innovative services to artists. What sets me apart is my diverse background—being of West African descent, culturally raised Jamaican, and growing up in Inglewood—and my ability to provide unique solutions for myself and other artists. Additionally, my extensive knowledge of technology and operations significantly enhances the services we provide, ensuring efficient and effective outcomes. My goal is to leverage my experiences to help artists navigate the industry and thrive creatively.

I’m an afrobeats DJ for my love of Africa, with me being African and bringing big vibes to my African family.

In addition to my entertainment endeavors, I founded Lovable Spaces, LLC, nearly four years ago. This company focuses on providing people-based services, including software development, business development, product development, event support, executive support, and tech solutions. Lovable Spaces has had the privilege of working with numerous celebrities and high-profile brands such as Doja Cat, Kim Kardashian, Diddy, Louis Vuitton, and Dior, among many others.

What truly sets Lovable Spaces apart is our commitment to innovation and the harmonious integration of technology, art, and human experience. My core focus is to elevate the standard of what people experience in these domains, ensuring that every interaction is enriched by creativity and technological advancement. I am incredibly proud of the growth and impact of Lovable Spaces, and I am excited to continue expanding its reach and influence.

What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me and my brands is that my journey has been defined by resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether through Nina Gnewd, LLC, or Lovable Spaces, LLC, my mission is to inspire, innovate, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I work with.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Certainly! Here’s the revised response with Absolutely. One story that truly illustrates my resilience is my experience as a shareholder for a technology education company alongside the founder. Being a shareholder means that what you contribute is a huge factor in the success of the company, and we have held together tightly to accomplish our goals.

This company, Brhombic International, focuses on the history and contributions of people of color, with a mission to educate and empower. Our entire executive board is of African descent, and we are passionate about bringing these stories to the forefront of technology and education. The founder of our company is a 70-year-old historian and the cousin of the legendary artist Prince, which adds a rich legacy and depth to our mission.

The journey has not been without its challenges. Navigating the tech industry without a college degree, while simultaneously being a single mother, I often found myself feeling out of place. However, I used these feelings as motivation to prove that resilience and hard work can overcome any obstacle.

Our commitment to this company and its mission required countless late nights, strategic planning, and unwavering dedication. The road was often tough, with numerous hurdles and moments that tested our resolve. Yet, our shared vision and the importance of our work kept us moving forward.

I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved at Brhombic International. We have created a platform that not only educates but also celebrates the rich history and contributions of people of color. This experience has reinforced my belief in the power of resilience, collaboration, and the impact of purpose-driven work.

Please check us out at [www.brhombic-int.com](http://www.brhombic-int.com) to learn more about our mission and the incredible work we are doing.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A pivotal moment in my career occurred when I decided to become a DJ after already establishing myself as an independent artist with millions of streams. This transition was a significant shift that profoundly impacted my relationship with music and my audience.

As an artist, I had achieved considerable success, yet I found myself longing for the original joy and spontaneity that music brought into my life. It became clear that I needed a fresh avenue to reignite my passion and connect more deeply with listeners.

Becoming a DJ provided that new path. Immersing myself in the world of Afrobeats, which I often call my antidepressant, brought immense happiness and a renewed sense of purpose. This genre’s vibrant energy and infectious rhythms had a unique way of lifting spirits and fostering a strong bond between me and the crowd.

Transitioning into DJing was challenging. It required mastering new skills, understanding different facets of music production, and adapting to the dynamic nature of live performances. However, the rewards were substantial. I rediscovered my enthusiasm for music and found a novel way to express my creativity. DJing also allowed me to engage with people on a more intimate level, sharing the collective joy of music and dance.

This shift not only rejuvenated my career but also reinforced the importance of flexibility and the courage to explore new directions. It reminded me that embracing change and stepping into the unknown can lead to some of the most fulfilling and enriching experiences of one’s life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @polychaos
• Linkedin: Nina Gnewd

Image Credits

Tommy Grimes
Pamela Sidharta
Fabien Castro