We had the good fortune of connecting with Bambie The Down South Diva and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bambie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My mom, CEO of Nspire U!, Candace Houston, actually already had the business dating back to 2009. She had the vision and the business name but didn’t truly fulfill the business aspect until 2015 as a Marketing Firm. After graduating from college, I worked for a radio company and trained in every department. I started off as a Promotions Tech with maybe, 6 hours a week and worked my way up to Promotions Director of 5 radio stations and a part time Dj on air. My experience and skills obtained in the media, entertainment and broadcast industry developed over a total of 19 years. When it was time for me to part ways with the company, because of my proficient background, it was an easy transition to join my mom as her business partner and become COO of Nspire U!. With it being a Marketing Firm, it was a breeze for me to take on the marketing, event planning and graphic design side of the business because as a Promotions Director, that was 70% of my job duties. One day, out of the blue, my mom asked , “When are you going to be ready to launch your own radio station?” Initially, I laughed!, Mostly because I was so promotions driven and was only part time on air, how was I to make this work? She reminded me that I had the experience, knowledge and ability to not only launch but successful manage and maintain a full functioning radio station. It was that moment, Nspire U On Air was developed. I knew I always wanted to N-Form, N-Tertain and N-Spire others and also create a platform where we could create opportunities for other individuals who had the same passion, dedication and faith that we had. I will forever be grateful for stepping out on faith as we now have the Marketing Firm, Online Magazine and the first African American Female Owned Internet Radio Station in Mobile, Al. We now have a staff of 21 people and a huge network of clients and business partnerships that are the reason we are able to be as successful as we have become. And to think, we launch the station during the pandemic! This is a true showing to never underestimate your own greatness!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Nspire U! Events, Entertainment and Marketing was created to be a voice for our African American Culture. Through our Nspire U! Online Magazine, our goal is to highlight educate and empower women globally. Through our content which consists of challenges and triumphs, business, finances, relationships, health, wellness and more, we intend to “Nspire” all women to live life to the fullest and be the best they can be inside and out.

Through our Nspire U! Marketing Firm, our goal is to assist and market our clients as if we would market ourselves. With N-Spiration, N-formation and excellence! We strive to develop personalized packages and marketing campaigns specific to the client and their needs. We aim to brand businesses, because consumers learn who you are and what your do through branding through branding. That’s where we help most. Once that’s mastered, we then promote.

Through our Nspire U On Air Internet Radio Station, our goal is to be a voice for the community, local artists, and small businesses. Through this platform we bring these 3 entities together by allowing them to share available information and resources, as well as highlight their products, services, and music to the community. We know how hard it is for small businesses to get their message to the masses. This is an affordable medium for those who can’t afford to advertise with the larger companies. We also have many well-known radio legends on staff and the greatest music of all time as we play every genre of music. We literally have something for everyone!

For us, education, physical, mental, and financial health of our culture is also extremely important to us. We partner with organizations with this same mindset by offering our platforms as a vehicle to drive this information to the community. Because of our passion and sincere love for the communities and helping others, we are able to be where we are with our business, the community and our network.

It has not been easy but as we grow closer to where we are aiming to be, it does get easier. Granted we have things that happen, but that’s what builds you for better. Every situation is a lesson and some are harder lessons to learn than others but very necessary. So we don’t see anything as a challenge, we see it as an obstacle therefore, we handle things and situations as an obstacle course, with our main focus being to make it to the winning, finish line. I will say a huge lesson that has been learned is everyone will not support you, everyone will not remain your friend and people will disappoint, hurt and use you. While it’s unfair and unfortunate, it’s okay! I appreciate learning who isn’t for me, us or the business. That means they aren’t who are meant for you or your business. We’ve been asked about our competition across the Gulf Coast and our response is “we are not here to compete, we are here to do something different!”

Nspire U! wants the world to know, that’s N-spiring others is what we do, N-spiration through all walks of life is what we represent and we know the key to help one develop into their best selves, is when they are N-spired!

​Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Hopefully they visit during Mardi Gras! Mobile, AL is the Home of the Mardi Gras and is a 4 week party! Mardi Gras takes over the streets of downtown Mobile and becomes the area for parties, reunions, festivities, parades, music filling the streets and everyone dancing, fellowshipping and enjoying life. It’s truly an experience. I enjoy walking around to different areas as well as riding in the parades. So I would make sure we did both! Outside of Mardi Gras, We would definitely catch brunch downtown Mobile or downtown Fairhope. There is nothing like kicking off your day, or everyday than with a pineapple mimosa. During the day, we could have a spa day at any of the amazing spas, nail shop trip and stop by our many boutiques and shops for little retail therapy. Because we are so close to Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida, since they are here for a week, we would hit New Orleans for a little Bourbon Street action (pre-covid Bourbon Street action preferred of course), In Mississippi, try our luck at a casino or 3. (LOL). eat some of the freshest seafood on the planet as the seafood at the restaurants of fresh from the Bay waters and catch a show at one of the casinos, Cirque Du Soliel is my favorite. As for Pensacola, if the weather is right, we are heading to the beach! Beach water makes everyone smile and completes any trip! I would make sure they departed with a King Cake as well- you all know what a King Cake is …right?

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
GOD! All praises are due. Granted, there are tons of people that I can say definitely deserve credit and recognition, but without God, none of this would be possible. I appreciate every person I’ve been blessed with through my life journey- no matter what role they played in my life and that includes good and bad. I needed it all to become who I am. I am going to slide this Shoutout to my Mom and Fiancé however. Those two fall right under God! They are true MVP’s!

Website: www.nspireu.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nspire.u/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nspireunetwork/

Youtube: Nspire U Network

Image Credits
Gateway Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.