Meet Trailblazer Nia Beasley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nia Beasley.

Nia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It’s kind of a long story (lol). It all started back in 1998 when the Powerpuff Girls first came out. My older brother and I were watching an episode. Then out of nowhere, he started drawing a dog from the episode we were watching. When I saw how closely it resembled the cartoon, I was intrigued and instantly wanted to compete with him. So, I started drawing just to compete with my older brother Akeem (lol).

I continued to draw throughout my life. During my senior year in high school, I was asked to design our class shirts because everyone knew that I drew. Once I completed that task, the principal called me to his office and asked me to create logos and designs for various school shops.

As I continued to transition into adulthood, my artistic abilities eventually transitioned into painting and graphic design. In 2014, during my sophomore year of college, one of my good friends asked me to design the logo for a new organization that he wanted to start at Georgia State. After I completed his logo, another friend asked me to design their photography logo, and from there business continued to blossom.

In July 2017, a friend that I met at a party, worked for a beauty brand. They were looking for a new graphic designer, so he referred me because he loved my work (which is really dope of him!). This opportunity unknowingly launched me into a new phase that I’ve always dreamed of. I had the opportunity to completely rebrand the beauty brand, alongside my co-workers, who are now some of my closest friends! We were able to get their products into stores such as Target, Sally Beauty, etc. The opportunity allowed me to not only build my portfolio but also my skills, expertise, eye for branding, etc. I’m definitely grateful to have played a major role in their rebrand.

Then, in March 2018, I quit the beauty brand job because I was underpaid and overworked. I also began to search for peace and my true purpose. It was definitely scary after I quit because I didn’t have a plan. I literally typed up my resignation letter off impulse because I was fed up with working there. Although the decision and transition were scary, every moment of my new journey was worth it! This beauty brand became my first big client.

Now, I’m living out a dream that I never knew how to achieve. I am blessed to be able to not only work for myself but also provide for myself through sharing my life-long passion for art with others.

I really, really hope that someone out there hears or reads my story, and mustards up enough courage to make that leap of faith! When you trust in The Most High and yourself, He will make sure that everything falls into place for you. I’m evidence of His faithfulness!

Great, 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 road to get here definitely was not easy, but oh so worth it! The struggles that I’ve had to deal with were knowing my worth & value and navigating through dry seasons.

When you’re an entrepreneur, you HAVE to know your worth and value, because if you don’t people will take advantage of your talent. My advice to combat this issue is to set boundaries BEFORE presenting what you offer. Decide what price YOU value your work, time, creativity, and energy at. Do not budge for “exposure”, if it doesn’t ultimately benefit you in an effective way. Do not give out discounts all willy nilly just because someone says you’re too expensive, or even if you believe that they won’t pay your set price. Stay true to yourself! The right client will respect the tone that you’ve set for yourself and your business.

Dry seasons occur when you’re not receiving your usual amount of business/clientele. It’s pretty tough when you’re working for yourself because if you don’t work, you don’t eat. My advice to combat this is to schedule and book at least a month beforehand. Also, SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE. Do not spend all your money as soon as you make it. Set aside a certain amount each time you make a profit. It’ll help you in the long run, especially when it’s time for you to pay taxes.

All in all, life is going to always throw obstacles in our way. The key to navigating through the obstacles is to master how you react to them. We can either choose to be hindered by the obstacles or adjust and persevere.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Honcho Branding – what should we know?
I’m an Atlanta-based Visual Branding Designer. I specialize in graphic design and branding. I help new and established entrepreneurs, businesses, and companies translate & elevate their unique brand identities by designing clean, creative, and professional brand aesthetics that meet their business needs!

I am known for creating quality and creative graphic designs. People mostly gravitate towards my packaging and label designs, which are my favorite designs to create.

I am most proud of my brand’s authenticity. If you follow me on Instagram, you will see that I’m pretty open about my views on life – spirituality, business, ideas, etc. I don’t place my brand into a box, based on what others say it should reflect. I am an artist and Honcho Branding is my expression. There are no rule or boundaries in creativity. My brand is wholeheartedly a reflection of my passion for my creativity and self-freedom.

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
Yes! The Bible is my resource. Contrary to what people may believe, the Bible’s messages are living. They’re relevant in every sense and help me to navigate my emotions, motives, ideas, schedule, what I design, who I work with, etc.

Reading the Bible helps me to retain the messages of scripture. When you take the time to read and learn more about The Most High, He writes His scripture onto your heart. There are times when I want to breakdown, react negatively, or begin to doubt then The Most High swoops in every time to remind me of who I have on my team and the ability that we (Him & I) have together.

Scripture, prayer, and fasting keep me sane as an entrepreneur. I would not be able to navigate any of this without my Creator, YAHUAH (God’s Hebrew name). All praises to Him for sure!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.honchobranding.co
• Email: nia@honchobranding.co
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/honchobranding.co
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/honchobranding.co

Image Credit:
22 Production, LLC, Piece Godz

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