Life & Work with Ni’cola Mitchell of Alpharetta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ni’cola Mitchell.

Hi Ni’cola, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Thank you for asking! My journey began with a deep love for storytelling and a mission to create safe, affirming spaces for young girls—especially those who’ve experienced hardship. I’m a survivor of domestic violence, childhood trauma, and the heartbreaking loss of two of my children. These experiences could have broken me—but instead, they became the foundation for my purpose.

I first started as a self-published author, using my pen to tell stories that reflected truth, pain, healing, and ultimately, resilience. But writing wasn’t enough—I knew I had to reach beyond the pages to truly change lives. That calling birthed the Girls Who Brunch Tour, a nonprofit organization I founded to empower girls ages 9–17 through literacy, life skills, mentorship, and sisterhood.

What began as a single event has grown into an international movement, reaching thousands of girls across the U.S., Canada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and soon, Ghana. Through our workshops and conferences, we address real issues—mental health, self-esteem, human trafficking, bullying, and financial literacy—while amplifying joy, confidence, and leadership.

I’ve been honored with the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth award, multiple Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards, and even had my story brought to life in a Lifetime movie, Giving Hope: The Ni’Cola Mitchell Story. But my biggest accomplishment is watching our girls thrive—seeing them beat the odds, return to school, launch businesses, and rise into the women they were destined to be.

Every step I take is in honor of the children I’ve lost and the girls I continue to fight for. I am living proof that from the deepest pain, purpose can be born—and I’m committed to using my voice and my life to be that hope for someone else.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey has been anything but smooth, but every twist, turn, and trial has shaped the woman I am today.

I’ve faced some incredibly difficult moments—surviving domestic violence, enduring sexual abuse, and even battling cancer. Each of these experiences tested my strength in ways I never could have imagined. But I made a choice: I wasn’t going to let those circumstances define me. Instead, I used them as fuel to walk in my purpose and serve others, especially young girls who may be facing their own storms.

Starting and sustaining the Girls Who Brunch Tour wasn’t easy either. There were countless obstacles—financial hurdles, burnout, people doubting the vision—but I kept going. I learned how to adapt to changing times, how to lead with authenticity, and most importantly, how to take care of myself in the process. I had to learn that pouring into others is only possible when I also pour into myself.

Through it all, I’ve remained committed to empowering girls aged 9 to 17. Girls Who Brunch has now reached over 48,000 girls globally, and every single one reminds me why I keep pressing forward. When I see a girl who once doubted herself walk away feeling bold, worthy, and inspired—that’s my “why.”

My life was never meant to be easy, but it was meant to matter. And I’ll keep showing up, scars and all, because I know my story can spark someone else’s breakthrough.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Hi! I’m Dr. Ni’Cola Mitchell — a writer, executive producer, speaker, and founder of the Girls Who Brunch Tour. Everything I do is rooted in my passion for empowering girls and women to rise above their circumstances and recognize their worth. I specialize in creating safe, supportive, and transformative spaces for girls ages 9–17, especially those who are underserved, in foster care, teen mothers, or survivors of the s*x trade. Through my nonprofit, we’ve impacted over 48,000 girls globally through mentorship, STEAM workshops, emotional wellness, and leadership development.

I’m also the author of over 25 books and the executive producer of my own biopic, “Giving Hope: The Ni’Cola Mitchell Story,” which aired on Lifetime. That film was a major milestone in my journey—sharing my truth so other girls know they can heal, grow, and thrive too.

Some of the moments I’m most proud of include being named a L’Oréal Paris Woman of Worth, receiving two Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards, and watching young girls I’ve mentored grow into powerful women who now lead their own communities.

What sets me apart is that I’ve lived the story I now use to inspire others. I don’t just talk about transformation—I’ve walked it. My work is deeply personal. I show up with heart, with strategy, and with an unwavering belief that every girl deserves a chance to win.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I’ve always said that I didn’t get here alone. My journey has been guided, protected, and uplifted by a powerful village of mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, and chosen family who have poured into me at every step.

One of my earliest and most impactful mentors was the late Dr. William Sullivan from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Upward Bound. He saw something in me before I could fully see it in myself. His encouragement helped shape the foundation of who I am today and taught me the value of reaching back and lifting others as you climb.

I also owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to Zane, the national bestselling author and director. She didn’t just open doors—she taught me how to walk through them boldly and unapologetically. Zane showed me the power of storytelling, branding, and using your voice to both heal and transform. Her mentorship helped shape my path as a writer and entrepreneur.

The late, great Angie Stone was another soul who poured into me in ways that only a woman of her depth and grace could. Her spirit, strength, and soulful wisdom gave me permission to be fully myself—and to celebrate that in others.

Beyond those names, I’ve been blessed with a host of adopted parents and mentors from around the world. Some are elders in the community, others are everyday angels who show up for me with prayer, advice, or a warm hug when I need it most. They’ve helped me carry burdens, reminded me of my worth, and kept me grounded when things got heavy.

And of course, I can’t forget the girls, clients, and team members of the Girls Who Brunch Tour. Watching our girls grow, reclaim their power, and thrive has been the most beautiful reflection of purpose. My team, many of whom are former participants themselves, is the heartbeat of this work. Their dedication and passion remind me that what we do matters.

So yes, I may be the face of the mission, but I carry with me the legacy, lessons, and love of every person who has ever poured into me. I’m forever grateful for my village. They didn’t just support me—they helped shape me into the woman I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.IAmNicola.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/DrNicolaM
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/MsNicola
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnicolam/
• Twitter: https://Twitter.com/MsNicola
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrNicolaMitchell
• Other: https://www.GirlsWhoBrunchTour.com

Image Credits
Main headshot Unposed Photography