Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Joseph.
Nikki, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in Orlando, FL and am a graduate of Bethune-Cookman University with a major in accounting and have been involved in music since a young age. I am also married and have been with my soulmate for 11 years.. On February 18, 2009, I moved to Houston with only my faith. I decided to give a month’s notice to my current job, and after careful research moved to Houston on a 90-day lease and rented only necessary furniture. While searching for a job, I implemented the 3P’s (Prayer, Patience, Persistence) and found a job within 67 days. When telling the story of my job search, I would always mention the 3P’s because I felt that all were equally important.
Several years later, 2018 to be specific, God put on my heart something that I never wanted to do which was start a business. I started an online retail company called NiJaes (Naturally Including Jesus Always Elevates Spirituality) with a special logo of 3P representing my transition to Houston. NiJaes came about by using a portion of my name, last name initial, along with a representation of my spiritual beliefs.
God was not through with me yet, so in January of 2020, I started a non-profit called NiJaes Makes Ways to help the less fortunate, homeless, and anyone needing assistance. I have always enjoyed helping people and NiJaes retail company was a way to prepare me for NMW. NiJaes Makes Ways allows me to help others on a larger scale than my individual assistance.
I currently am a Cost Analyst, still operating NiJaes with a focus on customizations, and Founder & President of NiJaes Makes Ways.
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?
The struggle with NiJaes retail company was knowing how much and size of inventory to order.
NiJaes Makes Ways has been pretty smooth, it’s just a matter of getting the name out to more people and finding sponsorships.
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?
We will be 2 years old in January and have accomplished a lot. There is a board of 5 members who pay annual dues to help with operational costs. We have provided face masks, food, clothing, rent assistance, and essential bags to the homeless and will soon provide scholarships. My strong desire to help by creating unique ways of giving is what sets me apart from others and anyone can get involved by donations, in-kind gifts, volunteering, or all of the above. I am so proud to say that so far we have raised over $10,000 including a sponsorship for our upcoming fundraiser in 2022.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I feel that knowing people who know people is one of the best ways to find a mentor or someone to ask advice about a specific topic.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@nijaesmakesways.org
- Website: www.nijaesmakesways.org | www.nijaes.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NiJaesMakesWays
