Meet Ieshia Nicole Hearn

We were lucky to catch up with Ieshia Nicole Hearn recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ieshia Nicole, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

As the CEO of Ieshia Inspires, managing a small business, and a mom to two amazing daughters, I’ve built my career and brand on standing out with purpose and leading with confidence. With nearly 15 years of experience working for the top five financial institutions, I often found myself as the youngest person, the only person who looks like me, and the only woman in the room.

Rather than letting that intimidate me, I leaned into it. I learned to navigate those spaces by leveraging my unique perspective, resources, and strengths. I embraced my individuality as an asset, using it to create connections, build influence, and add value in ways others could not. Confidence became my currency, and I made it a priority to stand out intentionally—with purpose and for a purpose.

Through these experiences, I’ve cultivated the power of resilience, resourcefulness, and authenticity, which I now share through my platform to inspire others to do the same.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Ieshia Inspires is the embodiment of my passion for empowering individuals to stand out personally, socially, and professionally. Through my flagship programs, Divah’s In Training, The Etiquette Workshop, The Posing Workshop, and The Runway Workshop, I focus on shaping young girls and women into confident, refined, and successful individuals. These programs are designed to instill a sense of empowerment, teaching personal and professional etiquette while fostering poise, confidence, and leadership.

A cornerstone of my brand is creating spaces where growth, creativity, and connection thrive. My signature event, Sip N Style, exemplifies this mission. It’s more than a networking event—it’s an exclusive experience that inspires attendees to celebrate their achievements, embrace their uniqueness, and explore new opportunities. From style challenges to meaningful conversations, Sip N Style offers an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

In addition to Ieshia Inspires, I co-manage Pair Charcuterie & our Coffee Chat Series with my business partner, Shaquala Swinton Betts, for PAIR Charcuterie—a coffee shop that redefines community engagement. This series merges thoughtful conversations, entrepreneurship, and networking in an inviting atmosphere, further aligning with my mission to cultivate connections and spark meaningful change.

Another extension of my brand is the Divahpreneur movement, a celebration of women who unapologetically own their success and inspire others to do the same. From empowering merchandise to impactful messaging, Divahpreneur is about creating a culture of confidence and leadership that resonates both socially and professionally.

Professionally, my focus remains on impacting the youth, particularly young girls, and inspiring individuals of all ages and backgrounds to reach their fullest potential. With upcoming expansions and collaborations, I’m excited to continue creating programs and events that resonate deeply with those I serve. Whether it’s hosting workshops, launching new products, or building connections, my goal is to inspire others to step into their power and shine unapologetically.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Resilience: I learned early on to bounce back from setbacks. Resilience helped me navigate challenges and stay focused on my goals.

Adaptability: The ability to adapt allowed me to embrace change and stay relevant in ever-evolving industries.

Networking: Building genuine relationships opened doors I didn’t even know existed.

Advice:
Offer actionable advice: Guide others on how they can develop these traits or skills.

For instance:
To build resilience, embrace failure as a learning opportunity and seek mentorship during tough times.

Adaptability comes from staying curious—read widely, and don’t be afraid to learn new tools or skills.

For networking, focus on giving value first—whether through collaborations or simply showing support.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

My mother has been the most instrumental in helping me develop the skills and mindset needed for success. She taught me the power of confidence, how to know what I mean, say it with conviction, and stand firm in my beliefs. She showed me the importance of discerning what serves me and letting go of what doesn’t, allowing me to focus on what truly adds value to my life. Her guidance on how to project the right tone in different settings has been invaluable. The foundation she laid is the reason I am the person I am today.

Funny enough, my mom sometimes thinks I don’t listen to her anymore, but when she reads this, she’ll realize I’ve been paying attention all along, I guess I’m a pretty good listener after all!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ieshiainspires.com
• Instagram: Ieshia Inspires
• Facebook: Ieshia Hearn
• Linkedin: Ieshia Nicole Hearn