We recently connected with Nadia Simms and have shared our conversation below.
Nadia, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
I have struggled with mental health and self esteem in the past and even still now at times. What I have learned over time is that to not think in those ways and to have better self confidence. That is why I created YummiPop. YummiPop is not just a brand but I want it to be a community where people can feel good about themselves from the inside out because that is where beauty begins from the inside.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a 16-year-old actress, model, entrepreneur, writer, and mental health advocate. I started modeling when I was just six months old and shortly thereafter I started doing television commercials. My modeling and TV commercial credits include such clients as American Girl Doll, Sears, Kohls, and Chicago Parent Magazine to name a few. In 2015 I landed a series regular role on a comedic television pilot shot in Chicago alongside legendary actress Marla Gibbs which was directed by famed Actor/Director Bill Duke. In 2016 I landed the dramatic role of “Stacey” in the feature film The Land, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival to great reviews. The Land was directed by Steven Caple Jr. Featuring Erykah Badu and executive produced by rapper/actor Nas. You can currently see me making appearances in BET’s feature film A Christmas Gift, Showtime’s The Chi, Fox’s Proven Innocent, Netflix’s Family Reunion and as “Pessimindle” in the Emmy wining series Fargo on FX.
During quarantine, I started my own line of cosmetics. I created YummiPop Cosmetics to be the quintessential hub for all things positive and beauty. YummiPop is for the young adolescent and the young at heart. My products are meant to enhance your natural beauty and evoke confidence all while still keeping you looking like your beautiful self. The packaging is fresh and colorful and the scents are divine. Plus, I will be introducing new products regularly.
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?
I would be lying if I said it was smooth. Being 16 comes with so many challenges by itself but I had to rise above all that and keep a strong mind and do what I want to do. I had to put myself out there and learn and grow. It’s still all a learning experience and a journey for me but I try to stay focused on my goals and encouraged to keep going.
My advice to others is to basically not give up. Stay head strong. It takes time, practice, energy, and patience. People have different seasons of success. You cannot look at what others are doing but stay focused on your passion and in due time you will get there.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Business wise, I would love to collaborate with major retailers as well as distributors to get my brand out there. That would be a huge dream come true for me. In regards to acting. That is my number one passion. I have been blessed beyond measure to work with some AMAZING people in the industry. I would love to continue doing that and grow in my craft and to keep learning
Contact Info:
- Website: shopyummipop.com
- Instagram: @nadiasimonesimms
Image Credits
Image with Green Shirt by: https://www.michaelletterlough.com/
