Naomi L Brown
Naomi L Brown Ba (Hons) is a Life Coach, Mental Health Mentor as support consultant as well as new mum. She owns consultancy NLB Coaching Solutions, a practice which opened this year to support men and women in the local area who are facing more and more challenges which face them through the ever changing social climate within the UK and beyond. Turning her pain into power after years of abuse, and poor mental health she is more than equipped to help, support and nurture those she works with. Her efforts have seen her published in yahoo finance last year as being a top coach to look out for.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
My early years and young adult life followed turbulent patterns with soaring highs and plummeting lows. I grew up in a household where I experienced and witnessed my fathers alcoholism and domestic violence as well as emotional and physical abuse. I had suffered at the hands of my ex partners and history repeated itself for me until I said no more. These relationships nearly cost me my life and sanity. My mental health was at an all time low before Covid and there comes a point where you have to say no more. I had had a long career helping others in the UK with mental health, substance abuse and homelessness. I had a passion to help others through their pain and that’s where the idea came to build a business around this. But first I had to take part in my own healing so I could be accomplished and accountable in helping other women do the same.
Was there any turning point in your life that changed your journey? If so, what was it? Please tell us the backstory behind it.
I hit rock bottom 2018 I was suicidal, depressed and very alone in the world I was with a man who put me through emotion hell with his narcissistic tendencies and behaviours. I attempted my own life, I survived to tell my story but we can’t heal fully in the places that keep us sick and I grew from that to where I am now. I became the phoenix I was always meant to be. After all, I couldn’t go any lower than die. I was at rock bottom.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say “YES, go for it!”
My pain… I wanted it to become my power. I wanted to harness that pain and use it for good. I’ve come so far I wanted to show others it’s possible.
Everyone has their own set of challenges when starting an entrepreneurial journey. Still, the most essential part for others to learn is how you deal with those. Would you like to share with us your challenges and your coping mechanisms?
The closest people around me at that time didn’t have any faith in me, told me I was stupid, silly and would never amount to anything. These words stayed in my head and you would think these would deter me but instead they made me go for everything I deserve in this life. Cutting off these people was a blessing for me, my motivation and mindset. Through this journey, it will be tough, it will be hard, there will be sleepless nights, there will be tears but it is worth it all and more to go, grow and glow into who I meant to be. You can’t let others weigh you down, you have to see them as drivers to be better and do better.
While the global pandemic of COVID-19 is associated primarily with adversities, it has also brought about a true boom in startups, with successful entrepreneurship in many countries. The pandemic has impacted all of us in one way or another. Would you like to share your experience on a personal and professional level?
Covid pandemic saved my life, I used it to heal the past and pain I felt inside me. I left my abusive relationship, I had to start again and I’m so very glad I did.
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
I went from being homeless, broke and unloved to having my own consultancy, beautiful relationship and son who reminds me everyday that you should never give up on your dreams.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
Absolutely. Mental health doesn’t discriminate based on religion, skin colour or belief but please know and remember you matter, you have a purpose and life to lead and love in doing so. I am living proof that you can come from a horrible past and childhood and rise.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
Rest don’t quit is my motto and I can, I will, I shall, I must do what I set my mind to.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women’s leadership today?
There is still much work to do when it comes to women being recognised as equal to our male counterparts but we are closer than we ever have been before and this starts in the right direction. I would tell any woman who wants to aspire to their dreams that you can. You may think there are limitations but the only limits you have are the ones you create in your mind.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
Everyone’s story matters no matter how diverse and messy it may have been. Please use your story to create your own glory and practice kindness, the best things in life are free kindness and gratitude cost nothing and someone will always remember how you make them feel.