We were lucky to catch up with NneNna Carr recently and have shared our conversation below.
NneNna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
The biggest risk I ever took was my leap into becoming a full-time entrepreneur. My entrepreneurial journey began after I abruptly left my 14-year Air Force career. When I first entered the Air Force, I honestly had no clue who I was or what I wanted to do. I just knew I had to do something that appeared successful. I joined in 2005 and stayed for 12 years only because I had no idea what else I could do. While still serving, I started my first business, an event planning company. It gave me a taste of the freedom of entrepreneurship, and it felt good! I knew I wanted and deserved more but had no clue where to start. I worked a variety of jobs in the military, from the post office to marshalling large aircraft. The only thing I knew I wanted was my own cubicle. Yes, it sounds crazy, but I just wanted a cubicle and cute desk charms to adorn it. Well, that was until I finally got one…
I sat in the cubicle and immediately felt small. I didn’t understand it, but my heart was speaking to me in a language I couldn’t comprehend at the time. The discomfort was palpable. I distracted myself with YouTube videos, quickly falling in love with audiobooks and self-help segments, listening to them during every shift. My obsession grew, and eventually, self-development became my life. That voice in my heart became clearer by the day until I heard it loud and clear: “You don’t belong here; it is time to go.”
My next question to myself was, “Go? Where can you go? You want to throw away a career so close to retirement? You are nuts, girl!” It frightened me how strong the feeling was. I was ready to throw it all away with no tangible reason why; I just knew I had to go. I asked God to give me a sign that my heart was correct.
The next week, I got a call stating I had orders to move to Alabama to do a job that I absolutely hated. Well, there was my sign! It was time to go! I submitted my intent to leave the Air Force. Everyone I talked to asked what my plan was, and the only words I could muster were, “I am my plan. Whatever happens depends on me, and that is enough.” It even sounded crazy to me, but it felt so right, so I trusted it and pushed forward with my military separation.
A former friend referred me for a government job. I was qualified and basically already hired for the role due to my references and experience. I just needed to do the interview. I sat in the interview, and they asked me that million-dollar question: “Where do you see yourself in five years?” I don’t know why, even today, but I was overcome with stress because I didn’t know where I wanted to be. I just knew that it wasn’t in another cubicle.
Tears flowed, and I sprinted out of the interview and called my best friend at the time. I told her, “I don’t know what I want to do, but I don’t want to do this!” She calmly responded, “Well, don’t do it.” The simplest and most life-changing advice anyone ever gave me. I realized I have true agency over my life, and I can succeed in my own way. I decided, in tears in that car, that I would pursue full-time entrepreneurship and let a six-figure government job be my last resort. No money, a single ADHD mom to an autistic child, no real plan, just audacity. lol
Well, it’s been six years, and I am still here, the happiest I have ever been in my life. I can now hear what my heart was trying to tell me back then in my cubicle. It was saying, “You are bigger than you can imagine, but you will only see it by pursuing what you can only imagine.” I am beyond thankful for the discomfort I felt that day, the best “dumbest” thing I have ever done! Take the risk! It could change your life! Trust me!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi! My name is Nne-Nna Carr, also known as the Kween of Streams due to my multi-passionate entrepreneurial career. I have worked in various diverse industries, but my current focus is on cognitive behavior and neuroscience-focused marketing and experiences. I am a cognitive behavior coach, persuasive brand strategist, and behavioral designer.
I leverage my experiences, knowledge, and expertise to help women live authentically, thrive abundantly, and sell effortlessly in a life designed for YOU, by YOU!
How I do it:
Cognitive Behavior Coaching: I empower visionary women to give themselves permission to live authentically and pursue the career and personal freedom they know they deserve. I equip them with cognitive tools to help redefine their identities and reclaim their inherent right to thrive abundantly. I love to build and operate within communities, so my offerings include group coaching programs, one-of-a-kind events, courses, and digital products.
Persuasive Brand Strategy: I use the art of persuasion and the precision of brain science to guide influential women in mastering word-of-mouth marketing organically. I empower them with the inner confidence required to sell effortlessly and forge deep connections, transforming their customers into brand ambassadors. I help them see the value in themselves so they can sell with true confidence and allow their passions to overflow into profit.
Behavioral Design: As a behavioral graphic designer, I specialize in creating brain-science-focused graphics, events, and course designs. I take your ideas and transform them into masterpieces that can sell themselves, directly targeting your audience’s challenges, needs, and desires.
I specialize in graphic design through Canva and teach a variety of interactive courses on how to create dazzling Canva designs and content that impresses! These courses are not only effective but also engage all five senses to ensure a fun and engaging learning experience. They are truly one of a kind! Swear!
What sets me apart?
I don’t teach anything I haven’t done for myself. I have created a life that helps me heal others through my experiences and calling. This isn’t just something I decided to do; this is what I have lived! I have a true passion for people, and it shows. I genuinely love helping people see the power in themselves and feel empowered to achieve everything they dream of. It is my natural gift and my life’s obsession. I truly love every bit of what I do!
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was what success truly means.
We live in an achievement-based society that makes us feel like our worth and existence are earned. We are constantly bombarded with reasons why we may not be doing enough, earning enough, or simply being enough! My journey and knowledge in human behavior taught me how untrue this is. In fact, I have made it a life commitment to tell anyone who will listen that they are enough just as they are.
Nothing exists or can hurt you without your permission. The boldest and best thing you can do with your life is to own it—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Own it! Create a mind, environment, and support system that celebrates your authenticity. Craft your own narratives that align with your core values and desires. Be okay with doing nothing, and never be afraid to lower the bar when necessary. Your success is fluid and can mean whatever you want it to. You are not “unsuccessful” if you choose to pause. You are not lazy if you choose to rest. You are not a failure if you don’t win the way they say you should. Your existence is impactful, so you are always successful.
Be YOU!
Do YOU!
Love YOU!
No validation required.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I build my audience by simply being myself. I live and exist as myself, staying true to what I believe in. I am very open and transparent with my audience, organically drawing the right people in and pushing the wrong ones out. I strive to show up as a human first, valuing honesty, transparency, and trust with my audience.
I also take a genuine interest in them and celebrate them whenever I have the chance. People are wired to expect and value reciprocity. I once read that no one should be saying “You’re welcome” in business exchanges. Both parties benefit from each other, and to gain the trust and organic commitment you desire, you should give more than you ask for.
My advice? Be you. Find ways to market that make you feel good. Create your own rules that support sustainable growth. Learn the growth techniques, but also learn about yourself, and be bold enough to do what makes you feel strong enough to keep going. Don’t allow people to gaslight you into marketing or selling their way unless it aligns with who you are.
Define your level of consistency and stick to it. You do NOT have to post every day; just make sure that when you do post, it’s good and worth the wait!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nnennacarr.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekweenofstreams/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kweenofstreams/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nnennacarr
- Youtube: https://www.facebook.com/kweenofstreams/
- Other: My Linktree to my pages
https://linktr.ee/just.nnenna
Image Credits
SouthernSweety Photography
Entreprenurial Hippy Photography