who is nikk?
On my playlist:
Golden - Jill Scott
“I’m taking my own freedom. Putting it in my song. Singing loud and strong, grooving all day long.”
Hello, nice to meet you! I actually go by the name Nikki; Nikk is a nickname I call myself. For those who may be asking, “Why Nikk instead of Nikki?”It's not that exciting but I will address it here because I would wonder if I were on the other side of the screen. In short, Nikk is the name I use most often when I am referring to myself while thinking of and/or talking to myself. Because I often process my thoughts aloud, I talk to myself alot (don't you judge!) During those talks, Nikk is the name I most often use.
My given name is actually Domonique. I have had many nicknames throughout my lifetime but my core family (i.e. Mom, sisters, Dad) call me Nique. My maternal grandmother always called me Nikki. I’m not sure why she chose Nikki; people of a certain age do what they want. For some reason, that name stuck and because I wasn't the biggest fan of the name Domonique (it would often get mispronounced and misspelled, which is more annoying than you'd think), I just began to introduce myself as Nikki. So while I've always gone by Domonique in more official settings, most people only know me as Nikki.
But I know myself as Nikk.
She is the most raw, authentic, pure version of myself.
To answer the question "Who is Nikk?" I'd have to say, I am still discovering and deciding that. Every day, I am being intentional about paying attention to my motives, my quirks, the things and people I gravitate towards and away from. I am learning who I am today, (like who I truly am; good, bad, and in between), assessing what no longer serves me and what's missing, and taking action accordingly.
take a listen to the digital journal.
I had a revelation a few years ago: you get to decide who you will be. In spite of what you had or did not have, in spite of where you came from, the examples you saw or didn't see, ultimately, it's you who gets to decide what your life will look like. That revelation was incredibly empowering for me. It means I'm not beholden to the destiny my circumstance has created for me. By doing the tough work of becoming, of being intentional about doing the work and cultivating wellness, I can curate a life that is good now and produces the legacy I desire for tomorrow. I can be a good steward. So, I am intentionally learning how to steward my life well. This journal, and the podcast that goes along with it, is a documentation of that learning.
my assigned vehicles of learning / the gardens I tend for growth
Mothering my two precious toddlers while refining a covenant relationship with my husband helps me to flex my stewardship muscle. They teach me so much about myself and love me while the rough parts are being pruned away. The assignment of mother and wife, along with my professional assignment of stewarding the visions of influential creatives of color at my operations firm, Thrive Business Support, keeps me in the constant practice of being mindful of what it means to steward well. I am careful to surround myself with people and opportunities that spur me to take action alongside that mindfulness.
At the moment, Nikk is a disciple of Jesus, a woman in progress, a wife, a mother, an entrepreneurial vision steward, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a host of other titles. I am progressing in purpose, on purpose as I learn to steward well.
“I’m strumming my own freedom, playing the God in me. Representing His glory. Hope He’s proud of me.” Golden, Jill Scott
For my skimmers (I see you) here is a summary of who I am:
topsoil (i.e. commonly shared, easily discoverable facts): Black woman, married mother, Christian, entrepreneur, sibling of 4, aunt of 8; lover of neutral colors, flavored ice cream, soul-driven music and vulnerable artistic expressions in all mediums
roots (i.e. where I come from, what grounds me): early mornings, long days, and late evenings in the pews of a small Baptist church on the southwest side of Houston, Texas; shared laughs, tears, bedrooms, punishments, and traumas with two sisters who taught me to cherish beauty in all its varied forms; unedited advice and enumerable sacrifices from my incredibly talented mother; a kindred reflection of self from my first love, my father; up close lessons taught by brave, bold, flawed women who let me close enough to truly see them; Summers filled with cool cups, corner store trips and neighborhood exploration with soo many cousins; learning the mercy, faithfulness, and power of a living God for myself
fertilizer (i.e. what fuels me & my growth now): new words, enthusiastic cuddles, and uncontrollable giggles overflowing from my son, soaring duets of Lin Manuel songs and random declarations of “I love you mommy!” from my daughter; 21-year-old inside jokes, Marvel movie marathons, and sensual slow dances with my hubby; great food, sobering advice, and belly laughs with friends; steadfast, Biblically-based, deeply human examples from my mentors; a drive to be well and fruitful in all areas of my life for the now and for the benefit of those who will follow.
at the core (how I spend my time): hours and hours of singing, dancing, writing poetry and prose; curating my empathy through documentaries, podcasts, books, and deep conversations; praying, crying, and rejoicing for others; serving as I am blessed to serve; and savoring the peace and reflection found in the silence when no one else is around.
Tell me about you!
Email journeyofnikk@gmail.com or connect on socials @journeyofnikk to share something about yourself.
I pray something you have read here inspires, empowers, or encourages you to be brave, be honest, and be well.
Until next time,
- nikk
Note: although AI is a super dope tool, all of these words are written directly from my own mind, unenhanced by technology. :)