Meet Nyleena Aiken

We recently connected with Nyleena Aiken and have shared our conversation below.

Nyleena , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I am the oldest of seven children; we grew up in a low-income, conservative Christian homeschool household. My parents were often absent, and I took on the responsibility of raising my siblings from a young age. This experience taught me how to be responsible and figure things out with little help. My consistent childhood dream was to escape my circumstances, and I did my best to create safe spaces for myself, even in our chaotic shared rooms. I fondly remember arranging my siblings in a circle and writing down our invention ideas in a spiral notebook, planning all the things we would do one day when we became rich and successful. I will never let go of those childhood dreams and memories; remembering where I come from and what I have achieved during tough moments gives me resilience.

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

I am a huge reader; books have always been an escape for me and my sisters. In addition to coaching small businesses, I am so excited to be launching a spin on mobile apps for book and film clubs called Phictly. Our app will allow users to create single-title, short-term book and film clubs. Whenever you’re about to read a book or watch a TV show that excites you or one you already love, you can invite your friends or strangers to join in with you. Typical book and film clubs can be challenging to navigate and keep track of; therefore, Phictly aims to enhance the literature club experience to complement our modern, fast-paced world.

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?

Number 1 Stay open to change and feedback. If you are too closed off or fearful, you will struggle to grow.
Number 2: It’s okay to feel uncomfortable, and sometimes you have to embrace discomfort. As an entrepreneur, you will struggle to wear every single hat, and at times, you will need to delegate or outsource. I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and try new things. Even if it just confirms that something isn’t your strength, the insight you gain from experiencing the other side of something you normally would not take on is priceless.
Number 3: Embrace change, remember to have fun, and don’t forget to find sparks of joy. Reaffirm your “why”; whatever your goal is, you are at the heart of it. If you begin to feel burnout, question whether your mission still aligns with who you are, because it’s okay to make adjustments.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

Growing up, I was homeschooled, and my parents encouraged us to engage in self-study 90% of the time. This experience helped me become an independent learner, allowing me to research and tackle challenges on my own. This skill has proven to be invaluable for me both in my career and as an entrepreneur.

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