We were lucky to catch up with Niyah Jackson-Kikonda recently and have shared our conversation below.
Niyah, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
I’ve learned over the years to work from a place of rest, rather than having to rest from work. A few books come to mind that locked in this new lifestyle change for me: “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer, “Redeeming Your Time” by Jordan Raynor, and “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality” by Pete Scazzero. Each book goes into detail about the biblical practice known as a sabbath and advocates for having a weekly 24-hour period where you just, stop.
For me, this looks like keeping my laptop closed. no social media, no making content, no answering emails. I avoid the grocery store, running errands, and heavy housework. I stop hurrying. I avoid any major decision-making… aka no financial talks with my husband on Saturdays, haha. Instead, I get to rest. I nap, take long outdoor walks, catch up on my shows, read color, journal, and “waste time” – avoiding anything that’s deemed “productive.” I lean into delight by dancing to music in the living room, savoring my food, meeting up with friends or family, playing a game with my husband, revisiting childhood diaries, collaging, and painting. And of course, I’m seeking God by engaging in scripture reading, praying, worshiping, and sitting in silence & stillness.
Each Saturday looks slightly different, but it’s a day I look forward to every week because I have permission to rest, slow down, and have fun! I’m not the most go-with-the-flow type of person, but on my sabbath days, I am! I have nothing truly planned. I’m more at ease and that’s incredibly freeing! Sabbath is a gift from God that we can choose to accept. Many people keep going, going, going, until their body forces them to stop. By working from a place of rest, I’m much more productive during the week vs. operating in constant burnout mode. This practice is one of the best things I can do for self-care. I’ve been consistent with it for 3 years now.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m the founder of a creative community for young adult believers called Be In Not Of (BINO for short). BINO is the place on the internet to go if you want to nurture an authentic relationship with God. More specifically, I teach how to go from routine to revelation in your quiet time with Him. I’m passionate about this because it can be so easy as a Christian to just go through the motions of religious activity. As we mature in our faith, the initial vigor and excitement can wear off, but I do not believe that’s God’s desire! We can go deeper and deeper in our knowing of the Creator of the Universe through our relationship with Him and in getting connected to community.
BINO has been around for 5+ years (since October 2018). At the top of this year, I launched Bible Study Book Club where we read a new book in the Bible together each month, talk about it in our private Facebook group, and then meet on Zoom at the end of the month to share insights and ask questions. It’s been a great way for the community to stay consistent in their Word, have built-in accountability, and grow in biblical literacy.
I also have a few digital products out: a Bible study course called “Read for Revelation Masterclass– which is an implement-as-you-go masterclass on studying any biblical passage in-depth to go from seemingly ‘gibberish’ to clarity and confidence with real-time results. As well as two Creative Quiet Time Journals which feature 30 creative prompts and activities to encounter God daily.
Also, at the top of the year I founded a new brand strategy business called The Set Apart CEO. I help early-stage Christian entrepreneurs build an online business set apart from the sea of sameness while attracting loyal followers/eager buyers. I love that I get to use my experience with BINO (as well as my educational and former career backgrounds) to champion other entrepreneurs to use their unique gifts/callings and make an impact in their own corner of the internet. Within my first 30 days of launching, I secured 4 amazing clients, working with them over 4-6 weeks to build out the foundation of their brand strategy.
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?
Three qualities/skills that have been most impactful in my entrepreneurial journey thus far are having open palms, a servant mindset, and only listening to 2 or 3 voices at a time. Ultimately, I believe in the Holy Spirit. As a Christian entrepreneur, I never want to get ahead of God’s direction or timing. This looks like having a loose grip on my plans. Instead of thinking I have it all figured out, I try to make it a habit to consult the wisdom of God throughout my decision-making. I keep open palms to be flexible and adaptable to how the Holy Spirit may have me shift my movement.
Secondly, a servant mindset. Anyone in business, is in the business of problem solving. We are providing solutions for our customers/clients. This requires listening to the consumer’s pain points and desires and serving their needs with a mix of our skills/passions. What makes a business thrive and remain successful is staying connected to the people. When I help my clients with their brand strategy, I teach specific tools to listen in and see the opportunity areas in the marketplace and how their business might help fill it. This is how I knew Bible Study Book Club was needed, for example.
Lastly, an important skill to have is filtering out the over-consumption of information. The internet is a loud place full of different opinions. It can be really easy to fall into analysis paralysis by trying to learn from dozens of people at once..attending their trainings, consuming their content, reading their emails, etc. There are currently two experts I listen to regularly and truly take in what they have to say. That’s not to say I’ll only ever listen to them, but for now in the season I am in, they’ve proven to be trustworthy and provide consistent value. This limitation helps me to be agile in my business and actually execute on the advice they give.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
I think one of the most impactful things my parents did for me was giving me the freedom to discover who I am. I had the privilege of pursuing a lot of my different interests growing up. I tried dance, piano lessons, choir, voice lessons, track, gymnastics, basketball, Girl Scouts, making and selling cards at the local flea market, etc. I don’t remember feeling constricted or being told no, we won’t allow you to try that. I wasn’t good at everything. I think I tried piano on two different occasions, but it just wasn’t my thing. I learned over time I was really into fashion! I walked my first fashion show at the age of 13 and got into modeling. I even ended up graduating with my Bachelor’s degree in fashion design. I know some parents might find getting an education in a creative field to be risky as far as job security, but mine always supported me from day 1. Of course, I ended up in a slightly different industry, but I’ve learned so much about myself, who I am, what I’m good at, etc. from being allowed to explore. In the exploration, I’ve also gained a lot of confidence and surety about how God made me. I don’t know if that would’ve been the case, or happened in the timing it did without the freedom my parents gave me to lean into my curiosities. I’m forever grateful!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beinnotof.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beinnotof/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/beinnotof/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeInNotOf
- Other: brand strategy IG: https://www.instagram.com/thesetapartceo/
