Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Empress Hyder. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Empress, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
My confidence and self-esteem were developed out of necessity and resilience. My journey hasn’t always been easy, and life has presented its share of setbacks and challenges. I started with an idea and a spark of passion, building my first business with only $500 and a dream. I took risks, made mistakes, and had some doors shut in my face, but I learned that these experiences are part of growth.
From creating Little Miss Royalty Sip and Spa, where I handled everything from logo design to bookings, to building brands like The Graphix Doula, TeeShirt Junkie Co., and Pixie Print Studios, each step pushed me to trust in my skills. Confidence came with every small win, every design project completed, and every child or customer I made smile. Even now, as I help guide others, whether through coaching, my Etsy shop, or educational resources with Brainiac Broz, I realize that my confidence grows through my ability to impact others positively.
I’ve also learned the importance of reflection. My mompreneur framework, for instance, is built on introspection and understanding that confidence is deeply tied to a strong sense of self and purpose. I know who I am and why I do what I do, and that clarity is what fuels my self-esteem.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I wear many hats, and I’m deeply passionate about each one because they all revolve around creativity, empowerment, and community. As a designer and business doula, I work with clients to bring their visions to life—whether through logos, marketing materials, or customized brand assets. My design studio, The Graphix Doula, allows me to support entrepreneurs as they launch and grow, guiding them through every step of building their brand.
Another creative space I’m proud of is TeeShirt Junkie Co., a t-shirt line with bold designs that speak to people’s personalities and passions. It’s a joy to watch my designs resonate with others and become part of their everyday lives.
On top of design, I’m also committed to education and supporting families through Brainiac Broz and my newest project, MY NICU Story. As a two-time preemie mom, I felt a calling to support families in the NICU community, sharing resources and creating a safe space for them. My heart goes into every initiative, whether it’s an educational book like Gigi’s Germy Adventure or a new website aimed at helping NICU families.
What’s most exciting about what I do is the impact. Each brand or product isn’t just a business to me—it’s a way to inspire, to give people tools they need, or to help them feel seen. And right now, I’m developing a unique 27-step mompreneur framework built around self-reflection and growth, designed to support other moms in the entrepreneurial journey. It’s an interactive coaching program that invites women to tap into their potential and confidence.
At its core, my work is about empowering others, whether they’re kids, families, or business owners. If I can help someone realize their dreams or make their journey a little brighter, then I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to do.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that have been most impactful are resilience, creativity, and the willingness to adapt. Each has shaped not only my path but also how I approach every business, brand, and project I’ve taken on.
1. Resilience – Starting out, I faced countless challenges, from limited resources to setbacks that would’ve made it easy to give up. But resilience allowed me to push through, using each hurdle as a lesson. For those early in their journey, remember that resilience isn’t about never failing; it’s about getting back up and trying again. Keep your goals close to your heart and know that obstacles are part of the process.
2. Creativity – My creative approach has been essential to my growth, especially in design and branding. Whether it was building Little Miss Royalty Sip and Spa from scratch or developing products for TeeShirt Junkie Co., creativity allowed me to stand out. For anyone developing this skill, I’d suggest immersing yourself in inspiration and learning from others, but also trusting your own vision. Creativity flourishes when you’re not afraid to take risks and be authentic.
3. Adaptability – Life and business both have a way of throwing unexpected changes your way, and being adaptable has been crucial in my journey. The entrepreneurial world is fast-paced, and trends and needs shift constantly. For newcomers, I recommend staying open to change and seeing it as an opportunity. Build your foundation, but remain flexible in how you execute your plans, because growth often comes from adjusting to new demands or ideas.
My advice to anyone starting out: be patient with yourself. Focus on building these qualities step-by-step, and give yourself permission to grow. Success is rarely a straight line, but with resilience, creativity, and adaptability, you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely, I’m always open to partnering with like-minded individuals and businesses who are passionate about creativity, empowerment, and making a positive impact. In my work across design, coaching, education, and advocacy, I value collaborations that bring fresh perspectives and complementary skills to the table.
I’m especially interested in working with fellow entrepreneurs, educators, and creatives who share a passion for community impact—whether it’s through developing educational resources, launching new products, or expanding services that support families and small businesses. Those involved in the NICU or preemie support community are also near to my heart, and I’d love to connect with anyone interested in advocacy and resources for NICU families.
If you’re passionate about building something meaningful and see potential for us to work together, I’d love to hear from you! The best way to reach me is via email at info@empresssimone. Let’s see how we can create something incredible together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mynicustory.com/mynicustory
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theempress_simone
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/empresshyder
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/empress-hyder
Image Credits
T. Rochelle Photography
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