Meet Nia Brown

 

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

Nia, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?

Haters are a part of life, no matter if you’re staying quiet in your own bubble or boldly chasing your dreams. Someone will always have something to say about how or why you do things, and honestly, you can’t control that. I always remind people: you can’t control others’ opinions, but you can absolutely control your reaction. Before you’ve fully healed and found confidence in yourself, those negative voices can feel like a heavy burden. It’s tough, but here’s the truth—haters often see potential in you that you don’t even recognize yet.

That can be intimidating to a hater, especially when they’ve got nothing to offer themselves. People often get stuck asking, “Why them and not me?” and end up drowning in envy and jealousy, instead of focusing on their own gifts and using their energy for something positive. Don’t waste your time trying to understand why they’re hating—that’s their issue, not yours.

Keep focusing on your growth, your goals, and your craft. If you don’t have haters, you’re not doing something right. My advice: keep them mad, keep God first, and keep grinding. If they’re mad now, make ‘em even madder!

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the Founder and CEO of Adult Wannabe and the author of my self-published book, “So You Wanna Be An Adult?” The inspiration for my brand comes from my personal experiences growing up in Baltimore, MD. I wanted to help shift the narrative of my city and uplift my community, which has been deeply impacted by systemic racism and socio-economic challenges.

I’m honestly most excited about 2025!!! I believe it will be a year full of opportunities to connect with diverse people and communities and spread the mission of Adult Wannabe. No matter how successful or put together someone may look, we all face our own hidden challenges. My book offers practical advice to make navigating adulthood just a little bit easier.

One key message I share is the importance of being open to learning and acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers. My book covers familiar topics like building credit and returning to school, but I also get deeply personal, sharing my own journey with mental health and being diagnosed with ADHD in my late 20s. I talk about the importance of taking the high road and handling disrespect with grace. Adult Wannabe’s mission is to empower adults to become their best, most authentic selves. Life is an experience, not a straight path, and at Adult Wannabe, we aim to teach others how to embrace the present, plan for their future, and create the life they’ve always dreamed of.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I believe my resilience, optimism, and flexibility have played a huge role in my journey to success, and I encourage others to adopt these qualities in their own daily routines to help them reach their personal version of success.

It’s true what they say: “mind over matter.” Your mindset and attitude are the difference between someone who perseveres and someone who gives in to self-pity. Adult Wannabe is all about embracing the full spectrum of adulting—the good, the bad, and the uncertain. We have to keep moving forward, even when we don’t feel like it. My resilience and optimism have kept me going during tough times when I thought I couldn’t, while my flexibility has helped me release the need to control every detail. Life will always have unexpected twists and turns, but staying committed to the end goal—no matter the journey—has helped me achieve those goals without losing my peace of mind.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! This is something I’m manifesting all throughout 2025. At Adult Wannabe, we know that building a strong, vibrant community requires collaboration, which is why we actively partner with local organizations, non-profits, and small businesses to uplift and support those in need.

By working together, we can provide access to valuable resources, educational programs, and services that help individuals embrace the present, plan for their future, and create the life they envision. Whether it’s through workshops, mentorship programs, or community events, our goal is to create an inclusive environment where everyone has the tools to succeed. We’re always seeking new partnerships to expand our reach and deepen our impact.

For those interested in collaborating with us, we welcome you to visit https://www.adultwannabe.com/communitypartners

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Images by @CatchThisFlash

Edits by @GraphicsByDay

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