We’re looking forward to introducing you to Najya Williams. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Najya, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Who are you learning from right now?
I am learning from my inner child right now, which would’ve surprised so many prior versions of me, but it’s the truth. She is super cute, nerdy, sensitive, helping, and kind, but so scared of her power and how it can unintentionally eclipse others. I’m learning from her experiences that it’s okay to stand in your strength and simply shine. You don’t need to dim for anything or anyone — it’s okay to be seen, in any and all ways. This has been critical for me as I lean into spaces that require me to accept light and kudos just as freely as I offer it to the people around me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am currently working at an interesting intersection between two different but interconnected industries: art and medicine. By day, I work as a resident physician and serve the greater Pittsburgh area across all age groups to provide acute and chronic care. It is a dream fulfilled from the age of 3 and a constant reminder of the privilege I’ve been afforded as a descendent of Black American slaves and sharecroppers. When I am not in clinic or the hospital, I am a multidisciplinary writer and performer who shares her perspective as a Black woman navigating life in the Western world. My work can be wild and wonky, stoic and poised, even a bit mysterious but it’s always honest and always a reflection of the work I believe in and commit to actually doing.
Simply put, I am a doctor, dreamer and doer.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The armor of defense I built around myself to defend against hurt served me for a long time and as grateful as I am, I welcome a new season of softness. I have always been told by a special woman in my life that “life can make you hard” but I work every day to stay open and receptive to what life offers, even if it means I may experience pain. It’s not always fun and there are moments when I want to retreat behind those walls, but I remind myself of all the goodness I could be kept from because of that fear.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are so beautiful. Not just in your looks, though your long eyelashes, smooth brown skin, and bright smile can turn the darkest sky blue, but your spirit, honey. When you walk into a room, your hunger for learning and serving others show up before you even speak. You picked out the PERFECT purple glasses — Grandma would’ve loved them. You are so tenacious and strong and wise beyond your years. You give the simplest advice that seems to make every problem so much easier to handle. You are so beautiful, baby girl, and I can’t wait to see how you will grow to believe in that.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My chosen family would say that justice, respect and compassion are critical qualities and principles that I hold dear to me. Everything I do centers around those three things and if I cannot reasonably assess a connection in what I’m doing to any of those, I have like stepped outside of alignment with my purpose. On the lighter end, they’d also say humor/comedy — I am a bit of an amateur comedian surrounded by fellow amateur comedians who love to laugh!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would immediately stop stressing and stop putting off anything I dream of for the long-term. I’ve done well by way of checking things off my bucket list: visiting Paris, appearing on a game show, publishing poetry, performing on stages small and grand, and so many more. Yet, there are still a few places and things I’ve yet to touch that I told myself I’d do when I’m more established in my life. If that life only had 10 more guaranteed years, I’d start throwing caution to the wind and set forth on my own version of a bucket list tour. I plan to leave no stone unturned.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://NajyaWilliams.com
- Instagram: @NajyaWilliams
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