Own Your Brand Show Features Nakeisha Washington

In this episode of the Own Your Brand Show podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Nakeisha Washington, the dynamic founder of Nylanova STEMversity. Nakeisha's journey is nothing short of inspiring, showcasing how a simple blog can evolve into a full-scale educational enterprise. This episode delves deep into her story, highlighting the key moments and strategies that propelled her from writing online to leading a multifaceted STEM brand.

Nakesiha began her journey with a blog aimed at sparking interest in STEM among young minds. Over time, this passion project transformed into Nyla Denay Enterprises, encompassing various branches like Nylanova STEMversity and the Nyla Nova Foundation. The evolution from a blog to an enterprise wasn't without its challenges, especially with the fluctuating funding landscape post-COVID. However, Nakeisha's resilience and adaptability allowed her to navigate these financial hurdles successfully.

One of the significant highlights of Nakeisha's journey is her success in winning pitch contests and speaking at prestigious events like EEAI. These achievements not only validated her efforts but also opened doors for further opportunities. Nakeisha shares her experiences and strategies for winning these contests, emphasizing the importance of being prepared and seizing every opportunity that comes your way.

Nakeisha also introduces us to Nylanova, a captivating science superhero designed to engage children in STEM. This innovative approach has been instrumental in fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills among young learners. Nakeisha's passion for education shines through as she discusses how Nylanova STEMversity supports students from pre-K through fourth grade, providing them with enriching STEM experiences.

Another critical aspect of Nakeisha's journey is the importance of collaboration with educational and community institutions. By working closely with these entities, Nakeisha has been able to provide students with unique opportunities, including international travel experiences with a STEM focus. This collaborative approach not only enriches the students' learning experiences but also exposes them to potential STEM careers.

Building a brand that resonates with your audience is crucial, and Nakeisha has mastered this art. She shares insights into maintaining authenticity and consistency in brand-building, highlighting the power of capturing raw, genuine moments. Nakeisha also discusses the utility of AI tools like ChatGPT in content creation, enabling her to produce compelling content that aligns with her brand's voice.

Expanding a single brand into multiple revenue streams without losing focus is another topic Nakeisha addresses. She explains how she successfully transformed her children's book into a comprehensive brand, including children's programs, trips, and STEM kits. This strategy has allowed her to work full-time on her passion without getting pulled in too many directions.

Mentorship and building a supportive team have been pivotal in Nakeisha's success. She emphasizes the importance of seeking mentors and supporting their endeavors, which in turn paves the way to being included in influential circles. Nakeisha also talks about the practical steps of building a team, starting with available resources and gradually expanding as the business grows. This approach has been instrumental in managing costs effectively while leveraging additional expertise.

Finally, the episode touches on the importance of making a positive impact within one's immediate environment. Nakeisha shares personal anecdotes about teaching children to believe in their greatness from a young age, using early affirmations. This foundational effort is crucial in building confidence and encouraging young learners to pursue their interests in STEM.

In summary, this episode with Nakeisha Washington is a treasure trove of insights and inspiration for anyone looking to make a significant impact through education and entrepreneurship. From building a brand to navigating financial challenges, and from leveraging AI tools to the power of mentorship, Nakeisha's journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring educators and entrepreneurs alike. Tune in to uncover actionable strategies for growing your brand and making a lasting difference in your community.