Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nautica Mason. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nautica, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Around my last year in college, I realized that due to my work ethic, I was placed in rooms and positions where I was different from others. Sometimes I would be the youngest, sometimes I would be the only woman and sometimes I would be the only black woman. Being in these situations have taught me to be an advocate for myself. It has taught me to speak up and share my ideas. I used to lack confidence. I would be quiet, shy or scared to share my voice or opinions during meetings because I was different. I would definitely say It was a challenge that I had to overcome because I wanted to open more doors and elevate in my career. I feel like It also showed that I deserved to be there and have a seat at the table like everyone else.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
When people ask what I do, I say that I am a jack of all trades. Honestly where do I begin? I am a mom first. I have two children, Gabriel and Lauryn. Along with that, I am the author of “Gabriel’s Glow”, a bail bondsman, the business owner of “Happily Ever Travels” and a public health professional with Partners Health Management. I volunteer heavily in my community as a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. I am also currently in school pursuing my doctorate degree in health sciences. What’s most exciting about what I do is that every day is different. I get the chance to effect people in different ways. Whether its going to elementary schools to read to children, helping someone plan their family vacation, getting someone out of jail and home for the night, or helping members of my community find the resources they need. No matter what avenue I choose that day, it always ends with making a positive impact on someone’s life. What’s also special to me is the path that I am creating will be something that my children grow up and look back on. They can say “wow, my mom did this” and know that the sky is not the limit.
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?
Resilience would be the first quality that I would say made my journey impactful. I grew up in a single parent home so I had very little guidance when I got to college. I was a full time student working 7am to 7pm 12 hour shifts at the hospital when I earned my degree as a first time college grad in my family. As I was working on my masters and entering my career field, I became pregnant with my son. Many people told me I would have to quit school, 6 months later I earned my degree with my baby boy on my hip cheering me on. I always recover from any hardship/difficulties thrown my way. A little later I had my daughter which brings me to my second quality; patience. I battled postpartum with my daughter and for some reason I put pressure on myself to be “HER” because I had a daughter watching now. Ive always been hard on myself feeling like I had to reach certain goals in life by a specific age. WRONG. My daughter taught me patience. With that, I could focus on the journey and let go of the pressure of the “destination disease.” Lastly, drive/determination. I am always thinking of how I can be better. What can I do next? How will this help my business? How will this help my community? My family will tell you that my plate is always full but I use that as fuel. I use It to overcome failures and stay dedicated so I can continue to be elevated.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was empower me by telling me no. I remember when I was in my second year of college, I told my mom I wanted to move off campus because I didn’t want to have a roommate anymore. My mom flat out told me that she could not afford to pay rent at two places. So that meant if I wanted to live off campus, I had to pay for It. That year I got a job working 12 hour shifts as a CNA at the hospital so that I could keep that apartment and food in it. In the summer I picked up a second job at Zaxbys. Yes Zaxbys during the day, hospital at night. I was empowered to work hard for what I wanted at the time. This taught me discipline. I learned what priorities were. I learned how to manage my money with bills and wants. I learned that nothing was handed to me, I had to work for it and earn it. This mindset got me a paid off car. This mindset made me a homeowner at 25. This mindset made me a business owner, this mindset made me a great mom. So thank you mom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/Gabriels-Glow-Nautica-Mason-ebook/dp/B0DK4G6V72
- Instagram: xoxo__tinkk
- Facebook: Tink Mason
- Linkedin: Nautica Mason
Image Credits
Christal Lanette Photography
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