Meet Nikia Pratt
I’m Nikia Pratt, also known as ‘Thee Moach,’ specializing in Mom Coaching. My mission is to empower mompreneurs to unlock their full potential and manifest lives filled with abundance. Through our collaboration, the mompreneur and I delve into the essence of who she is beyond her roles as a mother and entrepreneur/professional. This partnership sparks transformation, leading the mompreneur to align with her purpose, resulting in newfound clarity and vision. With this clarity, she navigates her life and business with precision, ultimately cultivating a thriving enterprise. In my coaching practice, we prioritize branding the woman as an individual before focusing on her business’s brand. A strong foundation is essential for business success, just as a healed and healthy mother is vital for her children’s well-being. Essentially, the woman serves as the cornerstone for both her business/profession and her children.
I’ll never forget the moment when I realized I had lost sight of who I was, consumed by the daily demands of life. Seven years ago, amidst a divorce, my three children began visiting their father every other weekend. The first night they left, I found solace in the quiet, but soon, it became overwhelming. Alone in my house, I struggled to even decide what to eat, having always catered to others’ preferences. In that moment of solitude, I broke down, feeling lost and unsure of my identity and purpose. In the midst of my divorce journey, a moment of clarity came during a quiet evening outside a bible study. God’s message resonated: “To Know Thy Self.” Despite feeling inadequate and overwhelmed, I understood this as my calling, a mission to help mothers who, like me, were struggling to find themselves amidst life’s challenges. Seven years later, To Know Thy Self LLC has become a global brand, empowering mompreneurs worldwide to embrace their worth and never settle for less. Through my own journey, I’ve conquered obstacles and emerged as a confident mompreneur, living a life of abundance. Now, it’s my mission to equip others with the tools they need to thrive at their fullest potential.
As a black woman, my cultural background and experiences have profoundly shaped my approach to entrepreneurship. Coming from a lineage of resilient and strong black women who led my family, including my grandmother, aunts, and mother, instilled in me the values of strength, love, and unwavering support. Witnessing their dedication and sacrifice, I aimed to emulate their greatness, especially in motherhood. However, upon becoming a mother myself, I realized the importance of self-care and maintaining my own identity beyond being a caregiver. While my predecessors were exceptional role models, I recognize the need to prioritize my well-being and personal growth alongside my familial responsibilities. My journey in entrepreneurship is not only a testament to their legacy but also a commitment to honoring them by being the best version of myself, both as a mother and an individual.
As an entrepreneur, my greatest inspiration stems from my faith in God. He entrusted me with the assignment of starting my business, and when I surrendered all my plans and ideas to Him, He orchestrated everything beyond my imagination. This unwavering trust in divine guidance fuels my work and business endeavors, as I believe that every step I take is guided by a higher purpose. Additionally, I draw inspiration from Lisa Nichols, a renowned public speaker known for her captivating storytelling. Her ability to take audiences on a journey, pulling them into her experiences, resonates deeply with me. Similarly, in my own work, I strive to emulate this approach by infusing vulnerability into my storytelling. I openly share my journey, including the struggles I faced in the valleys and how I triumphed to reach the peaks. By doing so, I aim to inspire and empower others, showing them that the unimaginable is indeed possible and that they too can overcome obstacles to achieve their dreams.
At Soigne’+Swank Magazine, we make it our business to highlight and promote positive, uplifting, and meaningful examples of black excellence. What does black excellence mean to you and what advice would you give your younger self or an aspiring entrepreneur?
To me, black excellence signifies the culmination of resilience, determination, and achievement within the African American community. It’s about envisioning a multitude of individuals thriving, their paths illuminated by the sacrifices and perseverance of our ancestors. I stand as a testament to their legacy, knowing that my ability to exude excellence is rooted in the foundation they laid. Black excellence transcends the barriers of systemic racism, poverty, and stigmas, showcasing the indomitable spirit that propels us forward. It embodies strength, courage, wisdom, and success, inspiring not only the present but also shaping stronger and wiser generations to come.
My advice to aspiring business owners with dreams of pursuing their passions would be to prioritize self-discovery and understanding. Before diving into entrepreneurship, it’s crucial to know who you are and align with your purpose. This forms the foundation of everything you do. Understanding your “Why” behind starting the business is essential, as genuine passion and personal investment are key drivers of success. If your sole motivation is monetary gain, it will reflect in your endeavors, and potential customers or clients may not resonate with your ideas. Remember, every business needs a solid foundation, and that foundation begins with the owner. So, take the time to know yourself, define your purpose, and let your passion be the guiding force behind your entrepreneurial journey.
Where can we catch up with Thee Moach?
This May 2024, I’ll be speaking at a conference in St. Maarten, where I’ll have the honor of addressing 100 mothers in celebration of Mother’s Day. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow moms and share insights on navigating the journey of motherhood while pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors. Additionally, I run an ongoing group coaching program specifically designed for mompreneurs like myself. It’s a supportive community where we celebrate each other’s successes, uplift one another, and provide valuable guidance along our mompreneur journeys. As the saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child,” and I’d like to add that it takes a network to support a mompreneur. I invite you and any aspiring mompreneurs to join us and become part of this empowering network. To stay connected and learn more about upcoming events and opportunities, please visit my website at www.nikiknows.com. Feel free to reach out, and let’s continue supporting each other on our entrepreneurial paths!