We’re looking forward to important conversations, real talk, and tips to uplift one another and care for ourselves next week—and that’s exactly what Brée Nachelle is bringing to the Amplifying Her Voice “In Moms We Trust” Mother’s Day Summit.
Nachelle, who will speak on a panel about self care, embraces many roles as a mother, creative communicator, writer, speaker, and professional best friend. She pivoted after almost two decades as a c-suite executive assistant to a career in storytelling—helping others realize their full power through discussions on life, entrepreneurship, and self-care. You can find her dishing on life, business, and self-care tips on the Fabulous F**kery Podcast.
In our Q&A, Nachelle shares her inspirations and how she hopes to inspire others, difficulties facing mothers today and her personally, the importance of staying connected and showing up, the value of naps, and more.
What inspired you to join Amplifying Her Voice for Mother’s Day? What do you hope to share with the world?
As a mother of two young men, I’m hoping to share what I have learned about being a mom, and I hope to learn some new tips along the way.
What most drives and motivates you each day?
I’m motivated by new opportunities. Every day is an opportunity to try something new, or to get a second chance to get it right. So many people didn’t get to open their eyes today. I did, and I need to do something new.
Who is your role model, and why?
My role model is Cyndie Spiegel, she’s an amazing model of nontraditional entrepreneurship. She’s successfully used her interests to embrace whatever creative opportunities speak to her passions. I hope to be as fearless in the pursuit of chasing my dreams.
What cause, company, group, or movement are you a part of that you would like to share with us?
I belong to a few, but my favorites are Dear Grown Ass Women, which is a diverse sisterhood of women over the age of 40 who are changing digital space to by transforming the status quo. I also love the Women of Color Podcasters community—we are taking over a male-dominated industry and making it our own.
What do you think are some of the most pressing issues facing moms, families, and caregivers today?
Finances, employment, work-life balance, and support.
How do you think issues like poverty, violence, racism, oppression, and inequality intersect with motherhood and with being a woman?
As a Black mother of Black male teens these are issues that will be encountered by myself or my children for the rest of our lives. Having to deal with those issues on a day-to-day basis while still being empathetic, compassionate, and productive is exhausting.
How do you feel being a mother is different now than it was in the past? What do you hope will change in the future?
Technological advancements have improved our ability to do research, homeschool, and connect over long distances; but the Sunday dinners and family reunions have gone away. We have to do a better job of connecting with our extended families—and making sure our children know our history.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
Keep going. Don’t stop now.
What is something you would like to share with the next generation?
Dream big. Read everything that interests you, and some things that don’t. Value your elders and learn everything you can from them about their upbringing, traditions, and recipes.
Who inspired you as a child or young person, and how do you work to inspire the next generation now?
I was completely enamored with Janet Jackson. I still love her so much. I hope to inspire the next generation by allowing them to know that’s OK to change your career path, to stay curious, and to grow when the world is pushing you to meet their expectations.
What do you think is the most important thing for women to keep in mind in terms of caring for themselves?
It’s OK to nap. A refreshing nap can provide the clarity to outline a new book or business plan.
What are your views on “work-life balance” for women? How should women handle the obligations of both professional and family life, and what messages does it send to the next generation?
I think the current expectations are a joke. Many moms are working a full-time job and a side hustle while facilitating home school, family healthcare, culinary requirements, finances, and often times eldercare on their own. It’s incredibly lonely and stressful, and I hope that we can get to a place where we can normalize asking for support without being judged.
What advice would you like to share with girls and women looking to achieve their dreams and lift up one another?
Do not be afraid to ask for help or mentorship. Join that networking community, show up for yourself and others.
We appreciate all the work done by women like Nachelle and so many others: sharing stories, learning together, offering support, and showing up. Register for the Amplifying Her Voice “In Moms We Trust” Summit now to hear join her and hundreds of other women from around the world.
