We recently connected with Nuari Le Blanc and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nuari, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
I learned how to be successful by being the only one in the room. Let me explain.
As a youth, I was a young entrepreneur. I started ‘The N’s Club’, which later changed to ‘Kiss The Jewel’, around 2008. We would vend at different markets — holiday markets, farmers markets, a local Kwanzaa event in Houston. I started vending there as a young person with my mom, my sister, and my cousin. We started our business as a group.
Through the changes in the world, we all had our individual portions and journeys as everyone in life does. I learned to be the only person in the room and still be successful. It’s a survival skill in a world where everyone wants community but doesn’t know how to cultivate it. It’s crucial to understand that there are times where you’re gonna have to walk the road alone, to do your part for the whole — because you are never really alone. You’re never really the only person in the room.
It’s just a perception that you give yourself when you feel that the task you’re supposed to do in order to contribute to the whole isn’t being recognized. Even if you’re doing things by yourself, you’re never really doing them only for yourself — unless you’re eating, breathing, or handling self-care. In business, you’re either selling to someone or providing something of value for others. There are always going to be people involved. So you’re never really the only one in the room.
When it comes to business, you are the only person that can get you there — when it comes to finding your individual calling, to whatever value you’re adding to the world. Everyone has their own journeys that align to the necessary goals of the future they’re trying to cultivate. Handling business is definitely something that you have to get into the motion of doing — It’s your room, your square, your stage. Because everyone has their time to shine, and everyone has their piece to play in the puzzle.
Whenever you’re handling your business and worrying about yourself in a way that contributes to the overall value that you’re giving as a business owner and person to the world — it’s essential to stay consistent. And not get caught up in what it looks like from the outside. Because that also cultivates a strong relationship with yourself, which is the most important part of being able to show up, be successful, and be effective no matter where you go.
Cultivating that self-trust is essential. You can’t do that halfway.
If I don’t make the jewelry, if I don’t fulfill the orders, if I don’t make the calls, if I don’t walk out the door and get ready to be at the places I’m supposed to be — that’s when you’re really the only person in the room that can get you there. Showing up for your to-do list and actually getting it done, allowing time to pursue those things you know will elevate you — that’s what being the only person in the room looks like.
Being effective is actually doing the work.
Thank you.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Kiss The Jewel, formerly known as The N’s Club, is based in Houston. I have a residency at True Love Studios, an art studio, and I’m part of the business incubation program at Doshi House, a plant-based coffee shop where you can find my collection of goods.
I’m starting a series of events at True Love Studios and Doshi House, and I also sell catering goods from my plant-based catering company, Sassy Sarsaparilla.
You can check out new updates on my website at [www.kissthejewel.com](http://www.kissthejewel.com). You might see me vending at places like calendula a day party hosted by dj MLE, Rado Market, The Tipsy Sloth, outside Bald Kitty HTX, and more. I also travel to Austin, NYC, New Orleans, and other places soon.
Follow us on Instagram @kissthejewel, and stay tuned for Houston Fashion Week in October!
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?
That’s a great question. I’d say the three most impactful things for me have been metalwork, being a multi-business owner, and embracing life as a multidisciplinary artist.
Metalwork really taught me discipline and focus. It’s one of those crafts that demands a lot of patience, attention to detail, and trust in the process — and I’ve carried that mindset into everything else I do.
Being a multi-business owner showed me how to juggle different visions and responsibilities. It taught me how to be adaptable and to lead with intention, even when I’m working across completely different industries or projects.
And being a multidisciplinary artist has given me the freedom to express myself fully. It helps me connect with people in different ways — whether that’s through visuals, food, jewelry, or events. I think that kind of creativity keeps everything I do authentic and grounded.
As for advice for folks early in their journey:
Don’t shrink your ambition to fit in. Stay grounded in reality, yes — but also know that anything is possible in the right environment. Seek out (or create) spaces that support your growth and vision. Protect your creativity, and trust that evolving over time is part of the process.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
I work best with people who value craft, culture, and meaning. My ideal clients understand that real creation takes time, skill, and heart — and they respect the stories and traditions behind the work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.kissthejewel.com
- Instagram: @kissthejewel
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