We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Niyla Robinson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Niyla, 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 found my purpose by truly getting to know myself—by going inward and discovering what genuinely brings me joy. It took some deep reflection and really paying attention to the things that light me up. That’s when I realized my purpose is all about creating and connecting.
Making videos, whether it’s for YouTube or showcasing my cooking, has become my ultimate outlet. It’s where I get to express my creativity, tell stories, and share a piece of myself with the world. I love the process—from brainstorming ideas to editing, to seeing people enjoy and connect with what I create.
For me, it’s more than just videos—it’s about inspiring others, sharing positivity, and celebrating creativity. When I’m doing that, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
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?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey! I’m a creative at heart, and I wear a few hats. From making cooking and lifestyle videos on YouTube to running my own seasoning brand, I’m passionate about bringing joy, flavor, and inspiration to people’s lives.
One of the most exciting chapters for me right now is my new business: Pretty Girls Seasonings! It’s a Black-owned, female-created brand that’s all about celebrating flavor with a touch of sass and personality. We currently have three unique blends:
Bad and Zesty – a bold and tangy lemon pepper that’s perfect for spicing up everything from wings to veggies.
PrettyPinch Salt – our signature seasoning salt that adds just the right pinch of magic to any dish.
Seaside Sass – a seafood blend that brings coastal vibes to your kitchen with every sprinkle.
What makes Pretty Girls Seasonings special is the love and creativity behind every product. I wanted to create something that not only elevates meals but also celebrates the energy, style, and flair of the women who inspire me. It’s more than just seasoning—it’s about empowerment, community, and the joy of cooking.
Aside from the business, I’m focused on creating content that inspires others, whether it’s through sharing recipes, creative projects, or glimpses into my entrepreneurial journey. My goal is to encourage others to chase their passions, embrace their uniqueness, and make life flavorful in every way.
Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come! Whether it’s new product launches or community events, I’m excited to keep growing and sharing this journey with you all.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are self-awareness, creativity, and resilience. Self-awareness was a game-changer for me because it allowed me to truly understand who I am, what I love, and what makes me unique. Once I figured that out, I was able to align my work with my passions—whether it’s creating videos or developing my seasonings—and stay true to myself. For anyone just starting out, I’d encourage you to take the time to really reflect on what excites you, what you’re naturally good at, and what you’d do even if no one else was watching.
Creativity has been the heartbeat of everything I do. From designing the perfect seasoning blends for Pretty Girls Seasonings to brainstorming fresh, engaging content for my YouTube channel, creativity keeps me energized and inspired. My advice to anyone beginning their journey is to not be afraid to experiment. Try new things, learn new skills, and give yourself permission to let your imagination run wild. The more you create, the more confident you’ll become in your own ideas and unique style.
Resilience has also been key. The journey hasn’t always been smooth, and there were times when I felt unsure or overwhelmed, but I kept going. Resilience is what helps you navigate setbacks and turn challenges into lessons. For anyone starting out, I want to remind you that it’s okay to stumble along the way. Use every challenge as an opportunity to grow, and don’t let fear of failure hold you back.
If I could give one piece of advice to anyone beginning their journey, it would be to start now, with whatever you have. You don’t need to have all the answers or the perfect setup to begin. What matters is that you take the first step and trust yourself along the way. The journey will surprise you in the best possible ways—you’ve got this!
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I do is pause and give myself permission to breathe. Overwhelm often comes from feeling like I have to do everything at once, so I remind myself that it’s okay to slow down and tackle things one step at a time. Taking a moment to regroup—whether it’s through deep breathing, journaling, or even just stepping away for a walk—helps me clear my mind and refocus.
Another thing I do is prioritize. I ask myself, “What’s the most important thing I need to focus on right now?” By breaking everything down into smaller, manageable steps, I can chip away at what needs to get done without letting the big picture intimidate me. I’ve also learned that it’s okay to say no or ask for help. Delegating or setting boundaries can make a huge difference when you’re juggling a lot.
Lastly, I reconnect with my “why.” When I remind myself of why I started—whether it’s building my brand, sharing my creativity, or inspiring others—it reignites my motivation and helps me push through the tough moments.
For anyone dealing with overwhelm, my advice is to give yourself grace. You don’t have to be perfect or have it all figured out. Take it one step at a time, celebrate small wins, and remember that it’s okay to take breaks. Sometimes, stepping back for a moment can be the best way to move forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://imxs2c-u3.myshopify.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabmSOVvkrqRe3p3taG8kEVNIf15K55cH2B6wtD8cfBWWeCiaMAw9eJpvpg_aem_sOJ7htaMVH-zsNhi4XnCYw
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niyla.r/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NiylaR
