As we embark a new year, most people are setting goals, making vision boards, and really looking forward to the growth of 2019. It’s a year of new beginnings as well as new influences. As 2019’s Top 35 Millennial Influencer, Nakisha Washington, also known by her social handle as The ProFashional, it’s no secret this is a woman who is smart, resourceful, and let’s not leave out fashionable! As Nakisha shared her experiences, we discussed her biggest mistakes in business, what she learned from them, and how it motivated her to start the huge blog platform she runs today.
Congratulations on being in the Top 35 Millennial Influencer for 2019! Who influences you and who would love to collaborate with in the future?
NW: “My friends, family and acquaintances that are pursuing their dreams inspire me. I love following people and hearing stories about people feeling just as afraid as I have, but stepped out and did it anyway. People that are pursuing their “it” against all odds motivate me everyday. I’d love to collaborate with Oprah on a philanthropic project. I’d also love to work with other creatives to help each other create, develop and execute our “it”.
In your life personally and professionally, how has your life changed as a woman in your 30’s from a woman in her 20’s?
NW: ” It’s funny, now that I’m older, I truly have child-like ambition. Personally and professionally, I believe that I can achieve anything that I set my my mind to, concentrate my efforts on and pursue relentlessly. In my 20s, I was a people pleaser to a fault. I had a crippling fear of looking stupid and failing. I never wanted to stray too far off of the beaten path. In my 30s, that’s out the window! I’m bolder. I’m less apologetic. I put myself out there more often, I take chances and recover more easily from setbacks.”
What is the advice you would give your younger self?
NW: “I actually just wrote a blog post about this question. I wouldn’t give my younger self any advice. Every mistake, bad decision, failure or bad relationship that I encountered, brought me to the place where I am today. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. If I had made even one different decision, my life could be totally different.”
What advice do you have for women over 30 suffering the “mid-career”crisis in their brand or career?
NW: “Its never too late to pivot or start over. At a certain age, we evaluate ourselves based on an unrealistic checklist of what we “should” be doing. We compare ourselves to our peers. We allow ourselves to focus on (potential) misses over hits. Look at where you are verses where you want to be. Take inventory of what tools, resources and experiences that you need to get to that next level…. and do it! Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, recommendations or support. You’ve got this girl!”
What is the biggest mistske you made in your business that taught you an important lesson?
NW: “Saying yes to an opportunity that I was not prepared for just because it was offered. All exposure isn’t good exposure. Taking on a project prematurely, I risked my professional reputation and credibility. I learned that if it (an opportunity) presents itself once, it will come again, possibly on a grander scale when you are ready.”
Which of your traits are you most proud of?
NW: “My tenacity. Doors have been shut in my face and I carved out a window and jumped through it. I’ve been told no. I’ve been fired. I’ve been ghosted. But I always get back up and get back out there. I don’t take that for granted and I am grateful to have been blessed with this innate ability.”
How did you get started blogging and what motivated you to go into lifestyle?
NW: “I started blogging in 2008. I’d just started working for a Fortune 100 company and began to take me professional career seriously. I struggled with doing as I was advised, dressing for the job that I wanted, while remaining true to my personal style. So, the name Profashional, was born out of my quest to dress in a way that was professional and fashionable. I was a fashion blogger for a couple of years and then life got in the way and I stopped.
In May 2018, I relaunched the blog, this time with a focus on life, style and career… I wanted to create a platform to share my experiences as a woman in her 30s. I share style tips, my career lessons learned and opinions on trending topics.”
What’s the most fun part about running your brand? The least favorite part?
NW: “The most amazing part of running my brand is that I have an outlet to be creative. Bringing my ideas to life and sharing them with my audience is invigorating! I love when people reach out to me and share their stories and how they were able to connect with something that I share on my platform is what it’s all about.
The least favorite part…allocating funds! I want to do everything on a large scale .. and right now! I’ve had to make the decision to shoot and edit a video on my iPhone vs hiring a professional in order to save money to attend a convention. As a creative, I dream in color. It’s frustrating when I don’t always have the resources to execute my visions as I see them.”
What is success to you?
NW: “The ability to live the life that you imagine for yourself and sharing it with people that you love. That being said, the definition of success changes over time as the way we imagine our lives change. That’s ok. At 20, I felt successful because I kept the same job for 2 years. Prior to that, if I stayed on a job 2 weeks there was a cause for celebration. At 30, I was successful because I landed my first job as a corporate trainer after pursing the role for 4 years. Recently, I quit my job and bet on myself.”
Nakisha Washington is a blogger, freelance writer, keynote speaker and Senior Learning & Development Consultant. Through her blog, www.theprofashionalist.com, Nakisha shares her life experiences , love of fashion and career lessons with her audience. Nakisha is a regular contributor to Her Agenda, a digital media platform that bridges the gap between ambition and achievement for millennial women. She is the Senior Lifestyle Contributor for QCITYMETRO, a local digital publication for African Americans. Ms. Washington is being recognized by The Next Big Thing Movement as a 2019 Top 35 Millennial Influencer. This national award honors millennials who are making social impacts through work in their communities. Nakisha likes traveling with her family, thrifting and watching makeup tutorials on YouTube.
IG: @iamtheprofashional
oprahzipbradford.com 
As your mother, I really enjoyed the read. I’m very proud of you.
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Loved this piece!
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