Today we’d like to introduce you to Nelicia Brown.
Nelicia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My journey like most others has not been an easy one. I graduated high school in 2010, and during that time, I knew I had to take responsibility for my life and what happened to me from that point on. I did not grow up with wealthy parents or a well-off family, so I began working at the age of 15. Working and providing for myself at such a young age was a major factor in motivating me to work as hard as possible to accomplish all of the goals that I had set for myself.
I enrolled in the University of Central Arkansas in the Fall of 2010 and completed my Bachelor’s degree in 2014. During that time, I worked two jobs, struggled to pay my way through college, but I can say that it was one of the best and most rewarding decisions of my life. After graduating, I took some time off and honestly was not very sure at all what I wanted to do. I worked part-time as a dance instructor, as well as a bartender at night, but ultimately, I knew there was something more out there for me.
In Jan of 2016, I received a position in Dallas, Texas as an advisor working for the State of Texas. This was my first “big” position and it really motivated me to continue my education. In the Fall of 2016, I decided to return to school where I would complete my Masters in Health Sciences in December of 2018. (To complement this accomplishment, just a week before my graduation, I went viral for a dance video! Currently, over four million views and counting! – and honestly, it felt like a well-deserved celebration after working so hard for so many years!)
After completing my Master’s, once again, I still was unsure about [exactly] what it was that I wanted to do next with my life. I knew that I wanted to help others, but that was about it. After searching for a few months, I was offered a position with an independently owned and operated Wealth Management company here in Dallas, Texas, where I would oversee their operations and business processes. Whoever would have thought that a little girl with bright eyes and big dreams would run a multi-million dollar company? I was finally dreaming out loud.
I began working there in June of 2019, and by October, I was promoted and awarded the title of Director. Today, I am currently still working with this company. It’s humbling to me knowing how much I have struggled vs. the image that people have of me today. They’ve seen me obtain degrees, go viral, and share major accomplishments, but they do not realize all of the long nights, tears, and hard work that have gone into many of my successes. I hope my self-made journey inspires someone to know that it does not matter what your circumstances are – If you really want something, go get it!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
From the time I graduated college until recently, I have always worked two jobs to maintain, and over time, that alone just becomes a rough, tired road. I also lost four family members during the process of obtaining my Master’s degree and those for sure were some of the toughest times of my life. The hardest & the most unexpected was my Grandfather. He was one of my biggest supporters & I believe that was and still is one of the toughest things that I have ever had to get through. However, I can say that even with all of that, I am thankful for the lessons I’ve learned along the way, as they have contributed to the hard-working, strong, loving woman that I am today.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
At this time, I am the Director for a company that specializes in Wealth Management, but my main focus and goal for the future is to start my own business. This business will be dedicated to a simpler, less costly method of financial planning that will be available to everyone – no matter how much money you have. From this, I want to be able to help people of all ages understand money and how to properly budget.
Over the past few months, I have been developing a business plan that is designed to help regular, everyday people have access to a “Wealth Management” level of financial planning, without the gimmicks or financial strain that typically comes with financial advisement. I want to be able to help people manage the money they already have, make smarter decisions with their spending, create plans for more income, as well as advice on budgeting and other related areas. My goal is for this business to be up and running within the next six months.
There will be a website available, where clients will have the ability to schedule a meeting and have a one-on-one discussion (in-person or virtual) about their finances, in addition to any other available services selected.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I can’t really say that I would. I’ve learned many valuable lessons along the way, but I can say that one very important thing is to always practice self-love and to know when to stand up for yourself. – As far as school, I would probably go back and get some type of license or certification to go along with my degrees. It has been my experience that while you may have an education, sometimes that is simply not enough.
Pricing:
- *One-on-One Meetings for Financial Review & Budgeting will start at $75
Contact Info:
- Email: NeliciaBrown@outlook.com
Image Credit:
Alex Compton Photography
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