Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nikhaule Martin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nikhaule, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Starting from a young age, I was lucky to have a family that made a conscious effort to expose me to media that reflected my identity. I had dolls that looked like me and access to diverse content featuring individuals from backgrounds similar to mine. Being an only child gave me plenty of time to explore my interests and hobbies, which really helped me figure out who I am. Of course, it hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had to work hard to build my confidence and self-esteem over the years. Despite the freedom to explore, being an only child meant I had to take on the responsibility of nurturing my own sense of self-worth. When I got to college, I continued to seek out literature and media created by black authors and featuring characters who resonated with me, which further enriched my understanding of myself and my identity.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Born and raised on the vibrant Southside of Chicago, my upbringing instilled in me a profound appreciation for storytelling and community. Surrounded by support and encouragement, I was driven to give back to others, shaping my academic journey towards a focus on Public Health with a focus on Gender and Women Studies and African American Studies. After completing my studies, I dedicated myself to addressing the health disparities faced by underserved communities, particularly within the LGBTQ+ population.
This passion for social impact led to the creation of Pour Into It Media—a platform aimed at amplifying marginalized voices and fostering dialogue. Our latest endeavor, Project (De)construction, is a groundbreaking web series exploring themes of faith and spirituality. Unlike traditional platforms, we offer a space for open dialogue that transcends denominational divides, inviting individuals from all backgrounds to share their stories.
Project (De)construction represents more than just a web series; it’s a sanctuary for authentic conversations and diverse perspectives. Through the collective efforts of our dedicated team and volunteers, we’ve cultivated a community where individuals can explore their spirituality freely, without fear of judgment. I am immensely proud of the impact we’ve achieved thus far and remain committed to empowering societies through narrative and dialogue.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, I believe three qualities have been instrumental in my growth: Consistency, Curiosity, and Confidence. When I first ventured into entrepreneurship, I was terrified. Coming from a background in Public Health, transitioning to entrepreneurship felt daunting, but I was determined to serve my community in a meaningful way. Embracing my curiosity and love for learning allowed me to navigate unfamiliar territory with ease. I found joy in the process of figuring things out, a vital aspect of entrepreneurship. As a millennial, I’m incredibly familiar with social media. I’ve used it for personal reasons throughout my life, and in 2020 I created my bookstagram page @NikhauleBeReading that marked the start of my content creation journey. From there, Pour Into It Media and Project (De)construction was born. Through it all, consistency was key. Even during moments of doubt, I remained steadfast in showing up for myself and my work, guided by the unwavering belief that my efforts were worthwhile.
For those embarking on their journey, I would encourage them to lean in in similar ways. Cultivate a curious mindset, as the willingness to learn and adapt will serve you well in the face of challenges. Stay consistent in your efforts, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. And above all, trust in yourself and your abilities. Confidence, even in the face of doubt, will propel you forward on your journey towards success.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
I believe that, especially in the early stages of entrepreneurship, it’s crucial to invest effort in areas where one may not be as strong. As an entrepreneur, you are often responsible for every aspect of your business, from marketing to customer service to finances. Having a working knowledge of these areas is essential for success. When I first conceptualized Project (De)construction, I had no idea how to develop, record, or edit a web series. I was faced with the challenge of learning these skills on the fly, which was a daunting but ultimately rewarding experience. This process accelerated my learning and growth as an entrepreneur. While I plan to outsource certain tasks as my company grows, I value the learning experiences that come from tackling challenges head-on. In my view, investing effort in areas where you are not as strong not only strengthens your overall skill set but also provides valuable insights that can benefit your business in the long run.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pourintoit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectdeconstruction/
- 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 on the left.
