We had the good fortune of connecting with Nekiwa Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nekiwa, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Life is a journey of wearing different hats and juggling at times. Different seasons call for different responsibilities. Being a mom of small children to now teenagers and young adults, my responsibilities changed a tad with each season shift that occurred throughout my life. One thing remained and will remain the same, regardless of where I was at professionally, personally, etc. and that is the importance of balance. I believe having a work life balance is critical to being successful. Without adequate balance, we’re not able to effectively manage our lives. We can’t be effective entrepreneurs if we don’t take the time to take care of ourselves spiritually, emotionally, physically, mentally and relationally. I notice that when I neglect balancing all of the countless things that I’m responsible for, I’m not as effective.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My entreprenurial journey included a series of ventures, I’d call serial entreprenuerial-ing. I had a lot of pitfalls and setbacks, start-up and downfalls to arrive here. I think what set’s me apart from others is my drive, passion, coupled with my love for others, my desire to see my team and all connected to me grow and my willingness to sacrifice when needed for the greater good of the vision, mission, goal and others. I love what I do. I know that its not just a ‘job’ or a ‘business’ but a calling for me. It wasn’t easy because it took countless attempts at different things, trial and error somewhat, until I discovered my “it”. I had many challenges including failed businesses, balancing motherhood and marriage, continuing education, financial struggles, lack of support, you name it. I overcame because of my faith and confidence in God. My knowing that regardless of whatever challenge I was facing, He had purpose for my life and that those challenges would only make me stronger. I learned throughout those seasons that we are stronger than we think. I learned that we can overcome anything if we believe, dream, set goals, plan, sacrifice, and do the work. I want everyone to know that me and my brand is here to stay and will continue to impact our world and culture for generations to come. Harvestegy Music and Harvestegy Inc. was both birthed from my story, my life, my vision. Our company, management team, board members as well as our artists strive to effect change in the lives of people who might be struggling with finding themselves, their purpose, their faith. We want listeners and followers to know that God loves them and He’s rooting for them. They’re winners and they can be everything He’s called them to be!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend was visiting, I would definitely take them to the Wax Museum, The Fair Park, The Fort Worth Stockyards, Deep Ellum, the Dallas Fabrication Yard, Down Town Dallas, Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor, Klyde Warren Park, Dallas Museum of Art, maybe Reunion Tower, to name a few. I would also take them to Joe Pool Lake and a few other scenic places like The Dallas Arboretum.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate this shout out to God, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ first and foremost. Without my relationship with him, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I’ve had so many people nurture, support and love me throughout the years. All of the special people contributed in some form or fashion towards my story. They taught me virtue, the importance of faith, consistency, hard-work, dedication and integrity as well as education and equipping one’s self. To name a few, these individuals include my late great-grandmother Cornelia Gardner, my mother Deborah Gardner, my aunt Denise Canto, my 6th grade teacher Ms. Thigpen, my late father James Williamson, my god-mother Joyce McDuffy, my ex-husband Marcus Smith, my children Marcus, II, Abigail, Naomi and J.Malachi, the YMCA Girls Club, Girls, Inc., The Girl Scouts and others.

Website: http://www.harvestegymusic.com

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/harvestegymusic

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/harvestegymusic

Image Credits
2902 Media Cassandra Juarez Photography

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