Nia Dariso on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Nia Dariso. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Nia, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?
My journey towards self-love was once a rocky one and has since evolved to a stable and fulfilling one. In the year 2022, I came face to face with myself and the things I’d begun sweeping under the rug since 2013, ultimately bringing me closer to God and myself. Although it was (at times) an ugly process, it was during this period and thereafter that I truly felt the most loved by myself. Not only that, but I also believed I deserved it by embodying what that looks like: to me, it looks like prioritizing self, releasing what doesn’t serve me, being open to receiving the goodness life has to offer, and, most importantly, getting out of my own way (just to name a few). In having conversations about worthiness with a close girlfriend of mine, I came to position myself to be blessed with I currently have by choosing to really love myself. While my love for self is forever evolving, it’s one that I’m most grateful for.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Nia Ashay Dariso and I am a purpose affirmed creative. Currently pursuing a certification as a full spectrum doula, my love for working with children and their families started when I was a child myself. At my pre-K graduation, I proclaimed that I wanted to be a pediatrician; this initial aspiration took form when I was accepted to my high school’s medical magnet program. My pursuit of the medical track came to a complete stop in 2013 when George Zimmerman was found not guilty for the murder of Trayvon Martin; as a result, I began my internal (and external) protest against all American systems, including medical. That experience coupled with my mother’s stillbirth in 2006 due to medical negligence gave me the courage to pursue something different.

In 2016, my initial encounter with doulas was through an acquaintance; in 2022, I met another doula: my cousin. By the time I met a third doula and attended an informational workshop about the types of doulas in 2023, my place in the birth work world was declared official. I knew this was the place for me! It’s because of this knowledge and eventually applying for a scholarship for bebo mia, inc.’s March 2025 Maternal Support Practitioner program that I’m on track to becoming a full spectrum doula.

As a full spectrum doula, our scope of practice includes offering physical, emotional, and informational support to a birthing person and their support person(s) as applicable; this is in regard to fertility, birth, and postpartum. Differing from midwifery practices, doulas are essential because they serve as an advocate for birthing people and are a bridge between a birthing person and their health care provider(s). Note that doulas DO NOT perform medically related tasks, make decisions for the birthing person, or replace the role of partner. Studies have proven that “birthing people who received continuous support were more likely to have spontaneous vaginal births (8-15% increase) and less likely to have any pain medication (10% decrease), epidurals, negative feelings about childbirth (31% decrease), vacuum or forceps-assisted births, and Cesarean births (25% decrease)” (Evidence Based Birth, April 17, 2024). With my mother’s lived experience and statistics to back it up, it’s because of this that I am choosing to pursue the journey of birth work and reproductive education.

Upon completing my certification requirements, my goals as a full spectrum doula include being of service to the Black family as they navigate their parenthood journey, increasing fertility and body literacy amongst all communities, and providing tangible action items that effectively counteract common pain points regarding birth equity and reproductive justice experienced within the Black community. As a BIPOC doula, my purpose is to be of service to my community and give back in the ways in which our ancestors have done through the years. Currently servicing birthing people in the Columbus, GA tri-city area, my career as a full spectrum doula will expand to the greater Atlanta, GA area in 2026.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Being a child of my mother, it’s no doubt that she was able to see me for me and what I’m capable of. Intentional in naming me, my mother ensured my greatness by literally affirming my purpose; my first name means ‘purpose’ in the Swahili language and my middle name is an affirmation of what was previously stated (originating from the Yoruba tribe). The woman that raised and nurtured me allowed me to pursue what I desired while making sure I stayed true to my values. As I’ve evolved through the years, my mom has never lost sight of who I am and what I’m capable of, even when I lost sight of it myself. It was in my darkest moments of 2022 that my mom spoke life into me while never judging me. The grace and love she’s given to me plays a great role in the grace and love I’m now able to truly give myself.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
After emerging from what some may consider an ego death (or dark night of the soul, whichever you prefer), I allowed myself to be seen by others and embrace the authentic parts of myself; this began in 2023 and has continued to this day. I’ve recognized the power of sharing your story by understanding that you never know who it may help. It can be easy to do this from an egotistical space, which is something that I had to learn a great deal of by reframing my victim mindset (note: I am still a work in progress!). In doing this, I was and am able to connect with others on a deeper level; as someone who’s always loved pouring into others, I’ve been able to do this on a more intentional level. My superpower lies in my ability to connect with others and while it is one that I’m constantly sharpening, it’s a power I embrace with great responsibility (RIP Uncle Ben for my Spider-Man fans).

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 would your closest friends say really matters to you?
As an Aquarius, I deeply value those that I call my friend. I value our relationship, the way(s) I’m able to hold space for them, and the way(s) in which they’re able to hold space for me; I appreciate how we show up for each other. My friends are external representations of who I am, so I reached out to a few for their insight; their answers revealed the depths of our connection:

“The first things that come to mind are your peace of mind, being authentically yourself, your relationship with God, your tenacity at self development, and your family & friends and those shared relationships.”

“The human soul! You care a lot about being able to understand “what is my soul’s path in this life?” and you are a #1 supporter of your friends and family members finding their authentic truth and pursuing it.”

“Being authentic, motherhood, being heard & seen, black women representation”

“I think you value family above everything but also being sure you’re productive and purposeful towards your path of being a doula and a creative.”

“Making an impact, doing things with passion and purpose, doing things that provide value to other people and that are health focused, being educated on the varying tools that help you operate the best way(s) you can and sharing that with others (birth work, mental/emotional health), grace and transparency, holding space for others, being able to connect with others/building connections.”

With no prompting outside of providing the above question, I’d say they hit it right on the head! I grew up on the principle of community and have a deep reverence for it as a result. I recognize that in order to build true community, you have to be authentic and transparent; those that reject you because of it aren’t your people. I’ve always envisioned myself married with children and am grateful for this representation throughout my family and now within my circle of friends; this shows me how possible it is in spite of what’s portrayed in the media (and sometimes real life). My relationship with God is one that started in the Baptist church and has evolved into a more personal and internal source rather than an external one. It’s because of this that I seek God’s face in all that I do, allowing everything I attach myself to and am connected with to orbit around Him; I do my best to carry God with me wherever I go. It’s through my faith and works that I consider myself a manifestation of intentional prayers; because I’ve experienced God’s goodness (and continue to do so), it’s a primary reason why I encourage my loved ones to carry out their unique, authentic path that’s in alignment with the calling God has over their life.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m embracing the fullness of myself and doing the things that speak to my heart and soul. Maybe it’s because I’m a millennial, however, I believe that long gone are the days of doing what you think other people want you to do. Long gone are the days of pursuing a certain path because it’s what you were told you should do. As a former people pleaser, I used to find peace primarily in fulfilling the needs of others until I realized I was left unsettled and unfulfilled. It wasn’t until I started prioritizing myself that I began to experience what true peace looked and felt like: a life that’s worth living. One of the biggest lessons I learned from my 20s is the importance of being so in tune with yourself, it leaves little to no room for anything that is out of alignment with where I am and where I’m headed. That means that even if the decision I make may not be understood by some, received well by others, or even affect me emotionally, the peace I’ll have as a result will truly surpass all understanding, both internally and externally.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: nia.ashay
• Linkedin: Nia Dariso
• Youtube: ThePurposedStudentDoula
• Other: Email: niaashay1@gmail.com

Image Credits
Elijah McGill