Connect
To Top
local stories

Exploring Life & Business with Niki Bell | U.S. & International Investment Strategist

Avatar photo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Niki Bell.

Niki, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
“Your story is incomprehensible”, once were the words told to me. Another said, “You are an exception to the rule.” I learned that everyone has a unique story that should not be compared. I chose to tell mine today. As a global village if we choose to listen more there would be a lot more love, peace, harmony, and belonging. I am Spirit. In the context in which I answer the question. It simply means I am a divine entity or entities. We are generally thought to be messengers from a higher power who are dedicated to sharing unconditional love. We are often referred to as guardian angels, spirit guides, a celestial beings, Buddha, or a spiritual beings. I have no religion. I am spiritual. I was placed here, and not by choice to undo what my ancestors could not undo. I am breaking generational curses. This is why things do not come easily for me or certain situations last for eons at a time. I am who my bloodline has been waiting for. I have learned that not everyone is ready or willing to hear my message(s). My messages are usually for the few, not the masses, who are open to hearing me and receiving them. I suggest rather than advice because the internal power that one possesses must be realized by that individual. And it all comes from within (you). I came to this earth with many purposes and more than one mission. One of those missions was/is to change intergenerational poverty. Yet, the mother drum was a distant cry and carried me home within. Remember this… I had no protection when I took my first breath from the day I was born.

Breath, breathe, breathing… is my achievement, learning how to and how I became to be. We want to rationalize things that cannot be rationalized. We want to make logical reasoning of people who are illogical. You cannot! We cannot! I have been in pain every single day of my entire life. My mind, spirit, and body was trained in a way that is similar to a child of war. I never carried a gun but had weapons used on me. I was in a war zone here in America. Pubmed.gov states, “Children exposed to war-related stressors experience a spectrum of psychological morbidities including post-traumatic stress symptomatology, mood disorders, externalizing and disruptive behaviors, and somatic symptoms determined by exposure dose effect. Specific questions for future research are identified.” Furthermore, when adults who were supposed to protect a child and instead use their mind as a weapon; these adults are able to do the following: “to plant false ideas into the child’s brain, and it makes them much easier to brainwash, control, and manipulate. A child has no place being used as a weapon.” Mental illness was not only in my bloodlines but in my environment every day of my life. I could not fall prey to it. I had to suffer in silence and fight! Another mission was/is to change generations of psychological terror.

I liberated myself before I knew the meaning of such a word. I was born into a world of hatred, animalistic behavior done unto me, tortured daily throughout my life, and I suffered in silence. When I was a small child, I knew something was wrong. I knew that no one would believe me if I spoke up. I also knew that the system was worse. I have no memory of love, kindness, and care in my immediate environment because there was none. The conditions were always unsanitary. I did not know encouragement, support, and human decency. The dehumanization I suffered most of my life was unimaginable. I never stood a chance. People typically want accolades of achievements, inspiration, or some kind of hope. I have none to give. At the same time, I learned to just take it, to just deal with it, and eventually to go beyond just surviving. These so-called achievements that we look for in a person’s story is a social injustice and a human rights violation. Some of us NEVER GET OUT!! The fact that somehow, I am still standing, still persevering, is not about resilience. It is about Spirit. I had to master my Spirit, not my mind, not my body; but my Spirit. I had to suffer in silence from that first breath of death because I knew I had a greater purpose in life.

I raised myself. I was a foreigner in my own land here in North America. There were different cultures, accents, languages spoken, and more. The extreme trauma made it impossible for me to speak, to grasp and process language in auditory form. I turned to written form, whereby I could effectively verbalize. Then, I trained myself to speak. I became very linguistic, studied body language, and knew language that had no written format. I lost my British accent as a young adult. I forgive those who have trespassed against me. It is a vicious cycle that a person may not ever get away from. There are many factors involved: karma, soul lineage, energy, intergenerational poverty, illness-whether by design, environment, or genetics; psychological terror that comes with it all, societal crisis, and much more. These are not determining factors for someone like myself. A lot of guru’s will prophesize what they believe to be the key to overcoming. As unique as it may sound to tone-deaf ears who continue to reciprocate the same story without a different answer; it proves that what works for one does not work for everyone. Another mission was/is to change impoverished ignorance into intellect and lead oneself from the heart toward justice!

As a child, I knew what I had to do. I had already seen what no one should ever see or experience. I do not use my story or my past for career or political gain. If anything, it works against me in a world that is already dismissive of my efforts. If we cannot believe that someone who talks like me-intelligently, is articulate, kind, compassionate, and is a wonderfully loving human being exists. How can we believe that someone who looks like me, walks like me-with confidence, sees the beauty of the world through Spirit, and remains in the ninth consciousness at all times. A person and professional who is distinctly aware of self and others respect oneself and others, and has traveled the journey of rightfully being here, now, despite any circumstances; while breaking down barriers, internals blocks and resistances from others who arbitrarily do not present themselves with value, a moral orientation, or follow certain human or spiritual code. Then why, if this is part of the societal makeup… Why would we believe that a person like myself has mastered the following:

I am a fee-based Investment Strategist & Investor Relations Expert. I run an International Investment Consultancy within the private sector. I can say what I do a thousand times, but I end up having to “mansplain” myself for no reason. I am a Woman! Hear me roar!!!!! But, I often have to over-explain what I do. A person’s success is not determined by their past or even their present. It is determined by their sincere will to not ever give up!!!

I have overcome homelessness throughout my life, the last time lasted for five years along with having my two children. I have been physically on my own since age 14.5; and alone my entire life fighting these battles. I have not ever prostituted, done any illegal drugs, or been on psychiatric medication (and if one needs it by all means talk to a health professional and do what you feel is right for you). I was malnutrition since I was a child and throughout my life, many times without food and had no access to medical care. I grew up with gang members, rapists, murderers, as well as preachers, priests, police, and professors. I blended with the good and tried to fight off the bad.

Another mission was to change my own experiences of childhood rape, gang rape, and adult rape by willing it into the purity of my body of self-worth, self-value, self-respect, self-love; and to use my voice that resounds from the depths of the ocean beyond the mountains into the galactic portals of universal alignment. As a child and a teenager, I could not keep count of the number of people violating my body. I was born into a world of sexual trafficking, sexual violence, physical violence, psychological/mental torture, emotional manipulation, cultural brainwashing, and extreme verbal abuse. This all began from my first breath of life and definitely before the age of 2. Those of us who have experienced extreme terror can either remember or not remember. Well, my mind worked to remember every detail of some instances, some of it repressed, and at other times no memory at all. As a baby, I had already seen the cold heartless world that existed for me. I was meant to be destroyed. I was treated worse than an animal. Yet, the crows danced nearby; a symbol of rebirth and change. Since I was a child, I have been a runner/athlete starting at age three. The freedom of running would save my life time and time again. It literally moves my life forward in unexpected ways. In the last four years, there were times I could barely walk due to my chronic illnesses. I am now slowly running again to victory! At age five, education was forced on me and there were consequences. If I did not perform, including academically in my environment or at school, I was punished in more ways than one. At age 5, I would spend eight hours a day in the college library. It was an escape, a privilege, research and books made me feel brilliant. By the time I was a teenager, I became an oratorical (starting at that age) and motivational speaker. I have led movements well into adulthood while still suffering in silence. I have over 30 years of experience as a researcher and data professional by hobby and skill. Also, I have the same number of years in leadership within the community, state, national, and globally. I have 25 years of background as a political strategist in diversity, equal opportunity, civil rights, ballot initiatives, and women rights. In my 20s, I oversaw 200 organizations for several years as a leader who was against the dismantling of the laws and policies, put in place before my time, that allowed people to have opportunity despite certain disadvantages in which certain people are predisposition to, then and today.

I only had my dreams to aspire to. I have 25 years background in education, fighting for the injustices of our special needs children, Spanish-speaking communities, state and federal committees, and more. I have always been involved in my Indigenous communities here in America and in the world. I raised myself with faith, values, morals, and high intellect. I have moved many oceans and bridged them into one on my own without encouragement or support. I have a Master’s level education and work on myself daily. I do not allow my illnesses to debilitate me as they should. I do not allow my pain or any lack of access to doctors or health care to interfere with my ability to fight these illnesses. I put my best foot forward and focus on my mind. I pivot, change, and innovate on a daily basis from the heart. I am on nine social media platforms with almost a hundred motivational episodes between a few of them, and I post daily on all. But, I rather deal with data and real business people in-person. Professionals who seek me out, some I turn away unless they want to partner or help each other to profit via white label. They must know business and respect the process! Right?! If someone does work, pay them. Simple. I am a person of character and I take full responsibility for my life. And as an adult, the violence continued.

I am a 20 years survivor of domestic violence including sexual violence, including being stalked for decades. There are anti-stalking laws, anti-violence laws, but it is still allowed. Women and children are the most victimized. There is no equal opportunity in domestic violence at all. I advocate for women and children on an individual basis. I found that organizations, government, and certain systems could not help me. But, if a woman needs it, I am a firm believer that she should use these resources. I have had to save myself in all my endeavors. It is not okay to live this life alone as I have. I have to declare each day that I will not walk this life journey alone. I live without regret! I am focused, determined, and I have unconditional love for myself and to those deserving of my love. Music, dance, singing, and having my own genre in the performing arts for over 30 years; many times, it has kept me sane and on track. I continue to heal. My flaw is that I do not know how to tell people that “I know” things and their paths without knowing everything. I can listen to a person or professional with their massive amount of issues and have keen soulful insight into what is hindering them. It is a gift. The bald eagle flew so high once that I thought I was dreaming; a symbol of strength. A messenger to the Creator and the universe I have found myself to be, timelessly.

My past does not match my current reality, no beginning and no end, yet lingers in daily life. In this karmic-cosmic tale spinning of being confronted with overwhelming challenges in life and in career, everyday. I have not ever been given a chance to live or the chance to make something of myself in my industry. Therefore, I created my own opportunity where none exists. I crafted my skill sharper than a ninja’s sword. I practice having high energy, high vibration, and being one with the frequency of Spirit. I am indigenous, Latina, a Mexican mother to my children, and have always belonged to my Asian community. We all come from the motherland, Africa. I was told many times that I should not be alive. Yet, I am still here.

I absolutely love what I do. I am passionate about what I do. I am practical, loyal, honest, and transparent to the firms and individuals I represent. Deal flow and my consultancy is the way in which I have broken free from my demise; and instead exude my spiritual and financial purpose in all of this, which is my why… “By being involved in investments, I am determined that I will not ever be broke, broken, and hungry again.” This is the absolute mission while maintaining a healthy mind, body, and soul. Silence is my friend, Suffering is not, Strength is my curse, and being one with Spirit (from within) is my LIBERATION!

Thank you for the opportunity to share my truth.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The Mother drum is smooth, not the road. The drum is the heartbeat of Mother Earth and is the center of all the songs. The drum carries the voice of the People to the Eagle who then carries the prayers to the Creator. Some of my struggles along the way have been life crises. One year, it was my child (age 11 at the time) suffering from heart disease that she was born with. Another crisis was being without a home for many years. Another was decades of domestic violence, in hiding, and more. Another year, in 2021, my son was hit by a car while in the crosswalk as a pedestrian, he suffers from traumatic brain injury and internal injuries. We still cannot find a decent lawyer. One lawyer made us wait eight months after signing on with them before they let us go as their client without any reason. They were high-ranking national lawyers and we are devastated by such treatment. I researched over 300 lawyers and interviewed maybe twenty-thirty. Now, I am simply tired of lawyers trying to find fault in what we did, criminalizing us for getting hit by a car, unwilling to be of help and advocate for my son, treating us like we’re stupid, and when the driver accepts full liability. We are still in need of a personal injury lawyer before the two years are up to file for a settlement. It is a true injustice! The countless number of specialists, doctors, and the like is enough to drive anyone crazy. I have been doing it their entire life and when there is a crisis, I have to go to work even more valiantly. Both of my children have been in and out of doctors and hospitals most of their lives. I have never taken a vacation or had respite time. I feel extremely blessed to advocate, be a mother, and channel some of these unclear waters into triumph. I have had to fight for my right to human life, to live joyously, to breathe, and to be treated with human decency. I did not grow up on government programs. I grew up without access to any kind of care. In my adult life and as of late, I have had to make it very clear to almost every doctor and specialist visit that we have a right to access the health care we need. I do this diplomatically and tactfully. I shouldn’t have to. It is exhausting. Whatever I lack or cannot access, I make up for… in terms of grit and the ability to NEVER GIVE UP! I may not ever be void of life challenges. I just know how to fight, deal with it, practice active patience, and all… in the hopes of one day being victorious in all matters of my life!

People do not realize I am always dancing to the Mother drum or to the sounds of bachata with seductive clarity within my own world, mindfully patient… Rumba plays to the sound of my feet moving while folks continue to be unaware. In terms of my career, I am a gatekeeper to the investors I represent, to say the least. People and companies with sales pitches, pitch decks, and the like. I tend to listen to them, give suggestions, and move on. They usually want me to do it for free. I do not think so. I know not! This is not what I do. Investors who come to me, usually by referral, who need help. They know that they must be able to prove their financials, have a portfolio or at least a bio. They can be just starting out, seasonal, quarterly type of investor, long-time investor, etc. They are investors who are of like-mind, have values, and simply need help in regards to avoiding mistakes. In my crystal glass ball, based on their challenges, I create a strategy to help them get to where they want to be. “ ‘Relational wealth’ is not transmitted to fellow group members. (I will add) especially if you are not ‘White’.” It is a fact! A fact that has been told to me by White male investors themselves. While I may be aware of this. I do not let it hinder my progress and if they want to speak on it, fine. I always bring it back to business. They state their issue, I state my rate, and we get on with it. Simple. Money is energy. Money does not see religion, race, gender, politics, educational level, sexual orientation, etc. We Do! And as long as we do… A person like myself does not stand a chance! And certain individuals who play to the tune of seeing others as “others” or “those people”, tend to feel challenged by a person like me. I do not linger in negativity. The entire world runs through my veins. I do not have time for dishonest, greedy people who are doing the same thing in my industry for generations and decades. I do not just pass along pitch decks to investors. What would that mean? It indicates that I work for free or by commission only. In order to stop that ruckus, I charge from the moment an investor wants to speak to me. I am happy to build a “relationship” while being paid. I am happy to create “value” while being paid. I am happy to “review” one’s deal flow while being paid. I am a change-maker in my industry without intentionally having such a purpose in life. It is definitely needed. The private sector is extremely non-transparent, secretive, and some of us do whatever we want, including private companies and investors. How many investors will pull out of a deal right before signing just because? Too many. It makes the industry look bad. By contract, I do not allow for this to happen. The company looking for an investor may not have had an expert like myself who can investigate, interview, and vet for the investor found. They may not have had certain contracts in place. By working with investors… I am able to curtail that offset. I am able to create strategies that pertain to the investment for the investors. Strategy for risks pertaining to certain projects. Strategy of expectations, whereby the company and investor know what to expect from each other built on certain guidelines that combat infrastructure challenges.

I am not influenced by what people think or say. A lot of women say I am bold. When in reality, I am not them. I am me! Sisters must uplift each other rather than tear each other down! There is no need for me to discuss gender inequality. We know it exists. But, her sense of experience of inequality is not the same as mine. I choose not to speak on behalf of women. The emotional connotations associated with that topic interrupt deal flow. It is important that everyone sitting at the table understands that we are there to do business. I should not be treated any differently regardless of culture, gender, or race one may think I belong to. Stereotypes and generalities are not allowed. Show up ready to do business. Period. If I wore a hijab. Is that too distracting for those at the table? Perhaps, but that is not my problem when individuals cannot place me. Again, in my “mansplaining” does it matter? No. We are all Brothers and Sisters in our global village. My skills surpasses expectations. As it should be, if you want the job done competently, enthusiastically, and in relation to the business at hand, then I will be here.

How did I come to be me where I do not reciprocate poverty thinking? What is that, people say? It is a term I use often. “Poverty thinking” can apply to anyone. You can be wealthy and still have poverty thinking. Let’s say you consistently have a million dollars. One day you realize a friend of the family owes you ten dollars. This is poverty thinking. You do not need ten dollars when you have a million dollars. This would not be a client I would work with. Another example, let’s say you are an entrepreneur and you want to save the world. You believe that if you had thirty billion dollars, you could help cure hunger. You are not Elon Musk nor are you Bill Gates. Yet, you are determined. A person wants to be careful to not displace their heartfelt attempts at solving certain issues without innovation or vision. This is poverty thinking because the systems in place do not have a strategy of financial backing or overriding the multiple current systems that will stop the capitalization of human suffering. And neither does the person asking for billions of dollars. You must make some kind of sense in a world that does not care to have any. I empower my investors to be well-informed and to make their own decisions. In a blame-worthy world, I am not libel.

In all of the careers and matters, I have been involved with… It is the person that has crossed my path that matters most. I can see where they are on their journey and the truth that lies ahead. Oftentimes, I must be silent and simply listen because Spirit knows they are not ready to hear what I need to say. When a person has mastered Spirit, which is the divine entity within oneself. Then you can master your mind, and your body becomes a vessel of hope and light. I do not expect this from anyone. I grew to protect others, and remember from my first breath… I was born without such protection. I grew to love my neighbors, my community, my children, and myself. I give without expectation or expect it to be returned. I am a warrior! Most importantly, I am a Goddess. A Goddess can walk through fire and walk on water unscathed. In no way is this my full story, a molecular glimpse of it perhaps. My story is incomprehensible and I am an exception to rule, which is the greatest gift that has been bestowed upon me from the universe. I am not WOKE, I am awakened to the effect of what my ancestors left for me to do in order to become victorious on all fronts. Therefore, my causality in this moment and lifetime, my suffering, every cell that vibrates to a new rhythm; will be the change for the generations to come. We must change our perspectives in order for there to be real human progress. I have not ever wanted what another has, and have always fought for my own; to be my own person, to have my own investments, to know thyself, and be thyself no matter what path I embark upon. I am me, an amazing human being and an exceptional professional.

Thank you for the opportunity to share the mazed clarity of my mind.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I research, guide, educate investors; and the multiple issues they are having within their teams, deal flow, organization, decision-making, due diligence, risks, and more. I have represented investors with my services who need my help for 13 years now. I represent: private investors, high net-worth individuals, wealthy families, angel investors, private equity firms, venture capitalist, etc. in the areas of: equity stake (strategy & relations), buy and sale (strategy & relations), mergers & acquisitions (relations only). I approve and disapprove an investors’ deal flow, assess risks, compliance, review contracts, initiate & close on deals on behalf of my investors. I do not scout or present potential projects to my investors; they already have deal flow. I do not deal with securities, stocks, trades, or assets. I am a world humanitarian leader in the areas of solidarity, world peace, and economic development. I am a fee-based Investment Strategist & Investor Relations Expert usually for individual investors who are in control of making decisions about their money; whereas firms and groups that I represent take a lot longer. I run an International Investment Consultancy within the private sector.

Indigenous cultures around the world, we have witnessed our geography chosen for us by those who sought to terminate us as a people. And while that termination continues in my own career… I will say, What sets me apart from the others is the fact that I have acquired a certain niche with investors. We tend to be of like-minds, consciously aware, not money hungry, communicative, have some of those old-school values, and youthful innovations are key composites to growth that will spearhead the future. I deal with older-generation types of investors as well as new-age young investors. While they are different. The similarity is this, as I always say, “The execution and close of a deal is the ultimate organism!” It truly is! I simply make things go smoother, make sure everyone is on the same page, contracts need to make sense, make sure they are in compliance, and investors are not allowed once a contract is in place to pull out of a deal, and more. There is some accountability that takes place because I expect the best from myself and from others I am representing. When businesses, companies, corporations, and start-ups come to an investor. Sometimes, they come with a lot of noise. The biggest noise is when they say, “We need funding? We need money from your investor(s) RIGHT NOW!” That is all great! But, I cut through the noise and channel my energy in finding out what is really going on. Sometimes, it is simple; especially when everyone involved is honest. If the company has debt, they need to admit to that. The investor and I can put that into their “ask” or capital.

For example, it may become performing debt. In regards to my investors, I do not like to reinvent the wheel. I like to do deals a little different from the norm. I like deals that are simple, simple, simple. If they are not, we may pass on it. My investors find me to be passionate, approachable, firm, focused, adorable, and fiercely loyal. They know that I have their back. But, I operate in relation to what the investor wants, not what the business wants. This is why I have to “mansplain” to companies I am not a scout. I deal with an already existing deal flow. The investor usually makes sense; but may need help in certain areas. I do not know until he is willing to speak to me and have a friendly business conversation. We discuss deals, not politics, religion, or gender, etc. Investors are the real “players” in all this. Whatever I charge or my rate, they have no problem paying because they are a real investor. Investors that are stingy with their money or rather partner than pay me, etc. I tend to pass on. I am the investor’s go-to person, I keep the noise out, and he/she appreciates all that I do. They tend to take me for face value. Sometimes it happens from a referral or simply by briefly speaking to me. It is like they already “know” who I am and what I am capable of doing for them. They tend to not second guess me. Young or old, they are relatable and know that I am there to protect their money and their reputation. Reputation and credibility come from the Investor Relations part of what I do. Everything is a strategy to me. It does not matter what title they want to give me. What matters is that they are open to giving me a chance. A lot of investors are not on social media or have websites. This may come as a surprise. The private sector is very in-house. Wealthy families tend to love me. A rich person or family without problems does not exist, same for all of us as human beings. The human race is not without struggle. Anyone who believes that is ignorant. They love that I am kind but direct, to the point, and I can incorporate different variables to achieve desired results. Do I crunch numbers? Sure. I also have a team that I devise that does the same or investors have their own people that I work with. I am a leader and I have the ability to hire and fire professionals. I simply choose not to be in that position because I am not there to take over. I am there to help and make sure the investor is accessible and knows what is going on at all times. I simply love what I do because everyone involved wins!!!!

I offer paid sessions via my calendar link or by phone. I offer peace of mind. If you are rough around the edges, grumpy, and people find you to be unapproachable, for example. I am the person they rather go to on your, the investors’, behalf. This is the same for meetings my investor client may not want to attend, such as events, banquets, video calls, etc. “I am the face of the investor”. I do things with finesse. I encourage and motivate others with my amazing energy. People do not love me or hate me. They simply love me. I am appreciative, humble, and a grateful person. I take no one for granted. I am my own brand-NIKI BELL. I created my reputation, credibility, etc. manually. Every single contact and connection is a human connection first. I can make a deal from a napkin. I seize every opportunity worth investing in. I invest my time and energy into individuals. Money is secondary. Life is first. I illuminate the sun from within wherever I may roam because I am the eye of the beholder. The acorns and leaves gathered from dusk ‘til dawn waiting for the moon to speak through the Mother drum. Nothing is ever as it appears to be.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my heart and journey.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Data is the next best thing and we are behind.

Pricing:

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Related Items

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in local stories