Meet Novi Leon

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

Novi, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

As a Black woman in corporate leadership and now as an entrepreneur, I’ve often been the only one in the room who looks like me. Early on, this made me feel like an outsider, especially since I’m naturally introspective and reserved in large groups. But I realized that success wasn’t just about achieving results—it was also about being heard.

A mentor once told me that if I wanted to be successful, I needed to learn to use my voice. This advice changed everything for me. Growing up, I was often labeled as shy, which frustrated me because I’m not. I simply prefer to observe and process before I speak. However, I learned that this introspective nature, which was sometimes misinterpreted as a weakness, is actually a strength. By embracing it, I found that my thoughtful responses and active listening became my superpower.

I began to speak up in a way that felt authentic to me—not by being the loudest in the room, but by choosing the right moments to contribute thoughtfully and asking engaging questions. This approach allowed me to lead conversations and make space for others who might feel the same way I once did.

The experience of being “the only” in the room taught me to lean into my truth, accept my whole self, and contribute confidently. I don’t need to conform to others’ styles to be effective. My journey has shown me that my unique perspective is valuable, and I’ve learned to use my voice not just for myself, but to elevate others as well.

In a society that often celebrates extroversion and dominance, I’m grateful for the lessons that have taught me to stand firm in who I am. I’ve learned that true power lies in owning your identity, understanding how you’re perceived, and consciously shaping your presence in any room. It’s not just about speaking—it’s about branding yourself authentically.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m the proud owner of 201 Lofthaus, a lifestyle and content space for creators in Houston. Over the past two years, my team and I have built a space where creativity and community thrive. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how many connections and collaborations have formed within our walls.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to expand our offerings by introducing creative and entrepreneurial workshops with industry experts. Our goal is to provide our community with new opportunities to grow their skills, network, and businesses. What began as a side hustle has grown into a full-scale business with even more potential for expansion.

My husband and I often reflect on how far we’ve come. As first-generation college graduates, homeowners, and business owners, much of our journey has been trial and error, marked by successes and setbacks. Now, as parents, we’re committed to being the difference for the next generation. We want to be the mentors and provide the roadmap that we didn’t have.

This desire to give back has been weighing on my heart. With 201 Lofthaus, I now have the space, platform, and opportunity to be that resource. My focus is on using my story and experiences to inspire and guide others who are on a similar path. I also want to elevate the voices of those who aren’t always heard, especially the quiet leaders who have so much to offer but may not always have the spotlight.

Using my voice has been essential to my success, and I’m continually refining it as I move forward. There’s power in sharing the journey before reaching the “success story” phase—when you’re still in the thick of building your dream. That’s the real roadmap I want to provide through both my personal and business journey.

Our next content studio will further expand this vision, serving as a space for content creation, entrepreneurial resources, and community. I’m excited to continue this journey and see where it leads, both for myself and for those who are a part of our growing community.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Self-Awareness: One of the most impactful qualities in my journey has been self-awareness. Truly getting to know yourself—not just who you think you are or who you aspire to be, but also understanding how others perceive you—can be life-changing. This practice helps you hone in on your strengths and, if you’re humble enough to accept constructive criticism, identify areas for improvement. This level of acceptance is the first step toward accountability. With self-awareness, it becomes easier to be intentional and resilient in your pursuit of who you want to be in this world.

Mindset: While the term “mindset” may be overused, it’s for a good reason. Your mind can be your greatest asset or your biggest obstacle. Many of the challenges we face start within—how we talk to ourselves, the assumptions we make, and the conclusions we jump to. If we don’t practice healthy ways to manage our thoughts and emotions, we can sabotage our success before we even begin. To execute, to overcome, to be happy, and to love—these all start with the stories we tell ourselves. Mastering your mindset is about choosing to control your thoughts, and there’s incredible power in choosing a positive outlook.

Grit: Determination and perseverance have propelled me throughout my life. My mother used to say, “You can do whatever you put your mind to,” and that principle has always guided me. When I set my mind to achieve something, I am determined to make it happen. When faced with obstacles, I seek ways to overcome them. Being told “no” simply means finding another path to my goal. Setbacks are temporary. Interestingly, I see this same grit developing in my daughter—her constant negotiations show me she’s learning to use her voice and develop her determination. I pray she never loses that drive as she navigates the world.

My advice: Do the work on yourself. You can’t grow or walk in your purpose until you’ve done the internal work. Self-awareness, a strong mindset, and grit are all qualities that can be cultivated with intentional effort. Start with self-reflection, develop a positive and resilient mindset, and never lose your determination. These are the foundations that will support you on your journey.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

When you’re in the building stage of your business, every day is filled with decisions to make, ideas to develop, and tasks to execute. The constant pull in different directions can be distracting, often preventing you from focusing on the actions that drive growth. You quickly realize that hiring a team is essential, but then comes the fear: Is this the right time? Can we afford this? Are these the right roles to hire for right now?

As someone who spent years in management, leading teams has taught me the value of having the right people in the right roles. The truth is, if you want to go further, you can’t do it alone. But transitioning from a solo operation to a collaborative team requires faith—faith in your judgment, faith in the timing, and faith in the investment.

My biggest challenge today is trusting myself enough to take that leap. Without a team, my business won’t be able to scale the way it needs to. We have the plan, and now it’s about bringing in the right people to execute it effectively and make it even better. With the launch of our new space on the horizon, we are actively defining roles and beginning the hiring process to build a team that will support this next phase of growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://201lofthaus.com
• Instagram: @201lofthaus and @novijones
• Facebook: @201lofthaus
• Linkedin: @201lofthaus
• Youtube: @201lofthaus

Image Credits

Hailey Engstrand
Rhea Whitney
Celise Alvarado