Nadia Harrald was born and raised in Chicago and wouldn’t have it any other way. With a passion to always help others and a desire for entertainment, Nadia created theNSider with a mission to spread positivity, encouragement, inspiration and entertainment to others. While working for a local news station, Nadia saw and heard about everything that went on around Chicago and it was mostly negative, not to mention depressing. “My goal is to uplift everyone’s spirits through stories, interviews and show a side of Chicago we barely see anymore.” Read our interview with the lovely Nadia below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I worked for a news outlet for 2 years and the stories we reported were always sad and depressing and I really wanted to highlight Chicago and its people in a positive light. Last May 2016, there was a lot going on in Chicago from protests to overt violence and it seemed like that was all we saw, so I created theNsider to show what Chicago had to offer and that there are positive things going on here as well as great people.
Tell us about your business.
theNsider is a creative an outlet for entrepreneurs where I highlight musicians, community activists, and other people around Chicago who were doing positive things.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
No promos, but always looking for videographers and writers to help out!
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
I think my biggest accomplishments has been the continuous growth of my show and the people I get to interview since I started last May. It’s been a wonderful ongoing ride!
Where is your business based?
Chicago, Illinois.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
Setting up my website and reaching out to potential interviewees.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Social media and word of mouth. Social media is a great way to connect with people and from there get referrals via word of mouth. Also after I interview someone, people check out the post and reach out to me to get featured themselves.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
I never thought that I would be an entrepreneur, I still have so much to learn in terms of marketing and branding and coming up with new ideas on how to engage my audience.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I am a strong believer in God. I pray and hope things will all work out and 9 times out of 10 they always do!
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I always try to stay positive through the good and bad. Sometimes you fail and that is ok, sometimes you succeed and that is even better! Business similar to life is like a rollercoaster – I like to remind myself that if something is going wrong the only way to go is back up!
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I don’t really focus on the competition so I’m not sure. I just know I have ideas that I feel are original, relatable and needed for today’s society.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
Don’t compare your journey with others. Because while you are comparing and looking at their journey, you are wasting time that could be spent on furthering your own journey. That person you are looking at probably had to work their butt off to get there, so stop looking at them, start looking at yourself and start working harder!
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Stay consistent, committed, and passionate about your brand. Also stay prayerful, because it does get stressful.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
Social media!
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Facebook @theNSider
Instagram @theNSider
YouTube @theNSider
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
I love reading the articles on xonecole.com, I’ve followed Neville for the longest and live how she revamped herself and blog. Her articles at very inspirational. Also, finishing up a Taraji P. Henson book, I just love her!
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
Branding, videography and editing. I am currently looking for freelance writers and videographers!
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
- I have a list of people that I want to interview from Chicago and will be reaching out to them!
- I have an event in the works potentially coming up in June.