Meet Nika Hollingsworth

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nika Hollingsworth. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nika below.

Hi Nika, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I’m am an entrepreneur and a creative. I find purpose in my passions. I’m a community-driven, multi-disciplined creative which is a fancy way of saying I do many things such as write, design, and create (art, space and opportunity). It could seem like I’m scattered and just doing a bunch of random things that do not necessarily fit together. That is far from the truth. For me, all of these things connect because they are all part of who I am. I wanted to find purpose in all of the elements that motivate and define me. I figure out how to take all of these things and create a beautiful blend of my artistic talents, social consciousness, and connection with others.

I utilize my creativity for social good by producing cause related events and themes that directly address social issues or support charities that I think are important to my community. This could involve creating fashion shows or engagement opportunities that raise awareness for causes such as food and housing insecurity. It may involve writing poetry that tackles themes of social justice or mental health. I also pour into workshops and education driven events that allow me to share my skills. Doing these type of events can empower others in the community and get their creative juices flowing . I recently hosted a wellness event where I presented a mini-workshop about tea and their many benefits, offering a variety of tea infused and tea based drinks for attendees to sample. Running this workshop led to discussions about wellness and self-care. So all of these things that I do and that I am passionate about hold purpose.

Many of the events I produce or get involved in have fundraising and advocacy components. I leverage my talents to raise funds or awareness for breast cancer, anti-violence initiatives, autism – just to name a few. I want to use my abilities and platform to advocate for change and to build stronger communities.

Collaborative projects are also important to purpose. Working on creative projects with others in the community fosters connection and a sense of belonging. Creativity is a bridge and creates a space for dialogue, engagement and connectivity for my diverse audience. I love welcoming people from all backgrounds but who have like-minds.

I have a day job on top of running Nilanjo! Fashion Entertainment and Nilanjo! Boutique. By being my authentic self, I have found purpose in all that I do. In my work I am committed to amplifying the voices of marginalized groups, advocating and fostering empathy and understanding within the community. I work to address educational and social inequalities in my personal and professional roles.

Ultimately, as a community and charity-driven multi-disciplined creative finds purpose by using my interests, talents and passions to make a positive impact on my surroundings. I weave together my artistic voice with a desire to uplift and empower others, creating a legacy that goes beyond aesthetics and into the realm of social change and positive connection. And just like my passions and my very being, my purpose is ever-evolving.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a Fashion Designer, Poet, Author and the proud Founder of Nilanjo! Fashion Entertainment which is 501c3 non-profit based in Boston, MA and the Creative Director of Nilanjo1 Boutique, LLC which is an eCommerce lifestyle brand that sells fashion, beauty and wellness products. I use fashion to encourage, empower and inspire women of all sizes to help promote positive self-esteem. I create events that encourages more community activation and support of small business enterprise and entrepreneurship. I work hard to increase awareness and provide access to opportunities, resources, wellness and social connection. In the midst of it all, I desire to connect to others in a way that promotes mutual talents and passion.

I released my first poetry project, A Reason. A Season. A Liftetime: Poetically, last year and in June I will release my 2nd creative project, Gemini: Poetry & Beats which is dedicated to my daughter.

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?
There are several things that have been impactful along my journey but to name a few qualities, skills and lessons that have been the most impactful…

First would be resourcefulness and resilience. I am part of a marginalized community and often times I have (and at times still do) face limited access to resources and funding. To be a successful entrepreneur, I need to be resourceful, able to find creative solutions with fewer resources and adapt to setbacks. Resilience is key to bouncing back from failures (because they are inevitable) and keeps me pushing forward despite challenges.

Secondly, having a deep understanding of the needs and challenges that my community faces allows me to develop products and services that directly address those needs and helps me to best advocate for the community’s overall wellness and empowerment.

Thirdly, I’d say network building is key. Building strong networks within the community and with allies outside of it is crucial. There is an extreme importance of cultural competency and your network is how you navigate your business and find support that aligns with your background, vision and purpose.

I’d advise anyone who is early in their journey to embrace these things by researching low-cost or free resources for business planning, marketing, and legal guidance – including libraries, workshops and online resources about what they are interested in so they can be armed with knowledge and understanding. I also suggest networking with other small business owners and learning how to barter services or share resources. Look for creative ways to fulfill needs without a big budget. Develop a growth mindset. Reflect and view challenges as opportunities to learn. Embrace failure as a stepping stone but be sure to celebrate small wins along the way.

Talk to people in your community to understand needs and gaps in your market: See where existing businesses aren’t serving the community well and look for opportunities to fill those gaps. Get involved in local organizations and events that advocate for policies that support small businesses and economic development in the community.

Lastly, seek mentorship and authentic professional relationships. Look for mentorship programs specifically aimed at your areas of interest. Many organizations offer programs that connect you with experienced business professionals within your community: Build relationships with other local business owners and community advocates. Attend events that align with your purpose and join relevant online groups. It is not enough to be seen. Educate yourself on navigating business interactions outside of your community. so you can learn how to present your ideas confidently and tailor your communication style to different audiences.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
My current challenge is human capital. I am at a stage where I need to hire help. I need to focus on the meat of the businesses but I am doing that as well as every other task along the way. That is not sustainable. My digital presence needs to be bigger. My time is stretched thin despite how well I may try to manage it. There is never enough time. I am either busy or I am at the point of exhaustion from trying to do and manage everything. Work/Life/Entrepreneur balance is non-existent right now and this puts me at risk of burn out. As I get older, self-care becomes a bigger and bigger priority for me. So I am learning to say “no” to others more to say “yes”to myself. I still feel guilty when I cannot make it to a networking event or I choose to rest rather than do this thing that someone asks of me. I am still learning to work through that.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Rachel Chen Photography Elbert John – A Man With A Camera Denis Gagnon

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