Meet Nnemoma Chukwumerije

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

Hi Nnemoma , really appreciate you joining us to talk about a really relevant, albeit unfortunate topic – layoffs and getting fired. Can you talk to us about your experience and how you overcame being let go?

In February 2024, I was laid off from a well-paying tech job—a moment that, surprisingly, became one of the most transformative experiences of my life. On paper, I was “living the life”. I was finally earning six figures, and working remotely. But inside, I was drowning. The demands of the role, coupled with the racism I faced daily, had left my nervous system completely frayed. Anxiety was my constant companion, and the fulfillment I thought would come with my salary and status never materialized.

The layoff forced me to confront a painful truth: I had followed a societal blueprint for success that wasn’t designed with my joy in mind, especially as a Black woman. For so long, I had tied my worth to external markers—titles, income, and the illusion of security. Losing that job wasn’t just the end of a paycheck; it was the beginning of a reckoning with myself.

Around that time, I had started a certification program to become a breathwork facilitator. It was a decision I made on a whim, but it turned out to be divinely timed. As I delved into breathwork, I found myself coming alive in ways my tech position had never allowed. I experienced breakthroughs that reconnected me with my essence, and I was held in a powerful community of women also seeking a more aligned way of living. That contrast—between the vitality breathwork brought me and the life-draining environment I had been enduring—was undeniable.

The layoff became a gift wrapped in disguise. It created space for me to ask, What do I really want for my life? But stepping into that question wasn’t easy. Even with the clarity that breathwork was my calling, I wrestled with fear and imposter syndrome. Though I already co-owned a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consulting business with friends (The BE Consultancy), this was the first time I would be venturing out alone, without the safety net of a traditional 9-to-5.

It took months of deliberate effort—through mindset work, breathwork, and leaning into community—to finally bet on myself. In May 2024, I launched Essence of Freedom, offering breathwork services for all and coaching specifically for women of color, helping them reconnect with their power and embrace lives of ease, flow, and joy.

Since that leap, I’ve discovered a level of self-connection I didn’t know was possible. I’ve supported countless people in their healing journeys, and I’ve vowed never to dim my light to fit into environments that don’t honor me. Being laid off taught me that success is not about conforming to someone else’s definition of achievement. It’s about aligning with your truth, trusting your gifts, and taking risks when life and God calls you to pivot.

The biggest lesson? Always bet on yourself.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am the founder of Essence of Freedom, where I combine my passions for breathwork and coaching to guide others toward healing, clarity, and empowerment. As a breathwork facilitator, I specialize in Flow Breathwork, a healing somatic practice and active meditation that uses intentional breathing and movement to release unprocessed emotions, survival stress, and even generational energy stored in the body. It’s awe-inspiring to witness the deep transformation that occurs during sessions—whether it’s the emotional release or the profound stillness that brings people back to their core selves. Many clients walk away feeling lighter, less anxious, and more in tune with their inner peace. What excites me most is showing people how accessible this inner connection can be, and empowering them to integrate it into their daily lives.

In addition to breathwork, I am a life coach specifically for women of color who are ready to reclaim their power and create lives of ease, flow, and joy. For so many women, societal and familial expectations have dictated their paths, leaving them feeling disconnected and unfulfilled. Through my coaching, I guide clients in breaking free from those limitations, reconnecting with their intuition, and designing lives that reflect their truest desires. What excites me most is witnessing women have major breakthroughs—realizing they can truly be the main characters in their lives and achieve anything they set their hearts on. It’s a journey back home to self, a journey to true freedom, as they discover they’ve always had the answers they needed within them.

My 12-week program, Unveiling Your Essence: A Journey to Freedom, takes clients through a transformative process of nervous system regulation, goal-setting, reprogramming limiting beliefs, and embodying their personal power. I also offer single coaching sessions and breathwork sessions for those seeking a more flexible option to explore personal growth.

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

Looking back, three qualities and practices stand out as the most impactful in my journey: embracing breathwork, seeking community, and taking bold risks. These pillars didn’t just guide me—they transformed me.

Breathwork was my anchor. In the chaos of transitioning out of a high-stress corporate job, it taught me to slow down, regulate my nervous system, and quiet the scattered thoughts that clouded my mind. It created space for clarity, helping me see my path forward with a calm, focused perspective. For anyone beginning their journey, I can’t emphasize enough how critical it is to prioritize rest and nervous system regulation. The stillness that breathwork provides isn’t just healing—it’s a gateway to hearing your inner voice and aligning with your purpose.

Equally transformative was finding community. During life transitions, it’s easy to feel isolated or like you’re walking an uncharted path. Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals helped me see that I wasn’t alone. It was encouraging to witness others navigating similar changes, and their stories inspired and affirmed my own. My advice to anyone just starting out: seek spaces where people are doing the work you aspire to do or have values that resonate with yours. Whether it’s an online group, a local meetup, or a cohort, the support and validation of a community can make the challenges feel less daunting.

Lastly, taking risks was a game-changer. Starting my business required pushing past fear and imposter syndrome to put myself out there. At first, rejection felt personal, but I reframed my mindset by reminding myself, “All I need is one yes.” I reached out to my network, sharing my services and vision, and was both humbled and empowered by the opportunities that emerged. Each “yes” brought new lessons, strengthened my confidence, and refined my craft. To anyone at the start of their journey: remember, the worst that can happen is a “no,” and if you don’t ask, it’s already a “no.” Take the leap, share your gifts, and trust that what’s meant for you will find its way. On the other side of your next risk could be the opportunity that changes everything.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been stepping out of hiding and fully owning my gifts. For a long time, I played small, hesitant to claim my light and walk in the energy of the Queen I am. Running a business as a solo entrepreneur has been an incredible teacher, pushing me to be visible in ways I had never dared before. This journey has required me to confront my shadows—the parts of myself I once tried to keep hidden—and embrace them with compassion. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been deeply transformative. I now fully own that I am a healer, gifted with the ability to hold space, provide empathetic support, and serve as a vessel for others to connect to their higher selves and God as they journey within.

This shift has also taught me the importance of balance. While I take pride in sharing my gifts with the world, I’ve learned to honor my own boundaries and prioritize rest. My energy is sacred, and recharging is essential to show up fully for myself and others. This year has solidified a powerful truth for me: we are not here to play small. Each of us is meant to take up space, shine in our unique gifts, and walk boldly in the fullness of who we are.

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