Meet Nadia Gordon

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nadia Gordon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nadia, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

For me, imposter syndrome began with self-doubt. It wasn’t rooted in anything someone said or did — it was the internal feeling of not being “worthy” of certain spaces. I first felt this during my very first corporate internship. I was surrounded by students from large universities with extensive marketing programs, while I came from a 1–20 HBCU classroom where we were still learning the basics of surface level marketing. At first, I questioned whether I truly belonged. But I had to remind myself that my HBCU was a meaningful part of my journey, it shaped me, prepared me, and helped mold who I am, but it did not define or limit me. Once I recognized that truth, I made it my mission to close any knowledge gaps and build the confidence I felt I was missing. I taught myself the skills, tools, and materials I needed to excel. Bit by bit, that effort helped quiet the imposter syndrome and replace it with a sense of capability. I realized I was enough and I had every right to be in the room.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a multifaceted creative professional working in the marketing and outreach sector of children’s advocacy in the nonprofit world. I recently co-published a children’s book titled “Just For Her” a poetic story told from the perspective of a mother imagining who her little brown girl will one day become. I am also the counterpart and creative partner behind Just For Kids Publishing, where we create alphabet and early literacy books for African American grade-school children. Our mission is to support early reading skills while exposing kids to diverse careers and empowering them to dream boldly. After graduating in May 2025, I decided to rebrand my longtime business, #ByNadiaSimone, transitioning it from collegiate apparel to a platform for digital products and creative resources. Along with publishing, I run a freelance graphic design and social media business, Creative Cr8Her, where I support small businesses and community organizations through branding, marketing materials, and digital content. Outside of my 9–5, I’m deeply involved in several creative and entrepreneurial ventures. And like most creatives, I have a growing list of projects and entrepreneurial endeavors that continue to inspire me.

Community service is also a big part of who I am. I love giving back through personal outreach and through service initiatives with my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. Whether I’m designing, serving, or helping children feel seen, everything I do is rooted in creativity, purpose, and impact.

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?

When I look back on my journey, the three qualities that have shaped me the most are family, community, and faith. Family has always been my foundation. I grew up watching my mother run multiple businesses and hearing stories about the entrepreneurial spirit my grandmother carried in her earlier years. Their hustle mentality was passed down to me long before I even recognized it. That example sparked something in me as a teenager and ultimately pushed me to start my own business in 2019. Their resilience taught me that creating something of your own is possible with determination and vision. Community is another core pillar of my journey. I’ve always been driven by a desire to solve real problems. In my hometown, issues like homelessness, food insecurity, and illiteracy were impossible to ignore. Knowing that my creativity could help steer even one person away from becoming another statistic motivated me to use my gifts with intention. My work, whether in community service or design, is rooted in a desire to give back and create opportunities for others. And lastly, faith. My steadfast belief in God has kept me grounded through every season, the highs, the doubts, and the unknowns. Trusting God’s will over my life and choosing to walk by faith and not by sight has helped silence the anxiety and fear that often come with chasing big dreams. A motto has always stuck with me: “Worry about nothing, pray about everything.” That mindset has guided every major decision and continues to sustain me. Together, these three pillars, family, community, and faith, have shaped me into the entrepreneur and creative professional I am today.

My advice for anyone early in their journey: Honor where you come from, stay connected to the people who remind you of your purpose, and lead with faith even when the path feels unclear. Your foundation will carry you further than you think.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I’ve learned to do is step back and regroup. You can’t pour into others from an empty cup, and reminding myself of that truth helps me pause before I hit a breaking point. Understanding that I am human and that it’s okay to rest has been essential in navigating stressful or chaotic seasons. To be vulnerable, I’ve experienced burnout before. I’ve had moments where I didn’t want to show up for anyone, not even myself. That season taught me two major lessons: stop before the bow breaks, and prioritize self-care consistently, not just when things fall apart. Once I made myself a priority and stopped pushing past my limits, everything shifted. Simple things like taking a walk on a nice day, listening to my favorite music, or spending time with a hobby helped me reconnect with myself when work and life felt heavy. Those small moments reminded me that rest is not a reward it’s a requirement.

My advice: Give yourself permission to pause. Listen to your body, honor your mind, and build healthy habits before you reach burnout. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish it’s how you stay grounded, balanced, and able to show up as your best self.

Contact Info:

• Website: justforkidsstories,com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bynadiasimonee/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiagordon/
• Other: https://creativecr8her.my.canva.site/