We’re looking forward to introducing you to Nephresha Singletary. Check out our conversation below.
Nephresha, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My I get a lot of joy from hosting events for the Ambitious Women of Color Communities. I founded the Meetup back in 2018 and the Business and Professional Association in 2020. I love creating a space for WOC to be their authentic selves and make new friends. These communities brought me a lot of peace during the ups and downs of life these last few years.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a three-time corporate award winning traveling small business consultant and I’ve traveled the country working with dozens of service-based businesses from construction to architecture to retail. My background is in leadership development, sales & marketing, operational efficiency and managerial accounting – and I use my expertise to help my clients improve their sales, profitability and work environment.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in advertising from Pepperdine University, graduated with honors, I spent a decade in management with Starbucks, and I ran my own business as a chef, and cooking instructor before getting into consulting. I’m also the founder and event host for the Ambitious Women of Color Meetup and AWOC Association.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Like most kids, I was a bundle of enthusiasm. I loved to live in my imagination and create big dreams for myself. Then becoming an adult happens and you have to pay bills and be practical. The work now lies in finding that balance of enthusiasm, harnessing big dreams, while being a responsible adult that is setting herself up for a healthy retirement.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
For a few years I worked at a consulting firm with a very strenuous schedule. I was on airplanes twice a week, every week. I was working as many hours a week as I possibly could. I was showing up for my clients in a big way – and I was also perpetually exhausted. Though I wouldn’t call myself a people-pleaser, I’ve always strived to be patient, friendly, and graceful – believing that people don’t need to hear my criticism because it won’t do any good. All of that went out the window in my exhaustion era – but surprisingly I felt this level of satisfaction in calling out BS, setting stronger boundaries, and reflecting things back as they are. There’s power in that, and now that’s just how I move.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
My work as a consultant is absolutely in my zone of genius. I enjoy my work on so many levels. While I serve my clients, I will always be committed to growing the Ambitious Women of Color Association to a nationwide community – so that Women of Color, no matter where they move to or have to work, have a built-in community of other WOCs that want to see them win.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that people will tell a story of a woman who found her value and worth outside of the societal norms of marriage and motherhood. She lived life on purpose…always being brave enough to bet on herself regardless of the outcome – with a laugh that could brighten anyone’s day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nephresha.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/nephresha
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/nephresha
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@nephresha
