Meet Naadira Brown | Captain, US Army Retired & Kindness Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Naadira Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Naadira, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Before enlisting in the Army (over 20 yrs ago), I worked Summer jobs, other part time jobs and volunteered. My jobs and military service were always important to me; but, for reasons other than a paycheck – SERVICE and IMPACT. No matter the job/title I held, I always gave my all. I worked like my name and reputation were truly on the line instead of that of the company I represented. One day a Soldier said to me: “Ma’am, if you worked nearly as hard for yourself as you do the Army, you’d be a millionaire.” This truly stuck with me. Starting my own business was my way of being (not doing) SERVICE and IMPACT without a cap on compensation.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
This question was a little tough being a new civilian. For the greatest part of my adult life, I have been a Soldier. I didn’t have to think much about what I would wear, how I would look, what to do, etc. because it was all governed by an Army Regulation. Being Naadira the Kindness Coach now, I am walking in a new, yet familiar space. I have always been a cheerleader at heart (really spent many years cheering and coaching), loved physical activity (hence Kind Kardio w/the Kindness Coach), and roller skating (I am in an Emmy Nominated Documentary called United Skates.) I am thankful for my husband (once again) because he helped provide that balance for me where I never lost my identity underneath my Army uniform. Oftentimes people forget the human aspect of those they serve and/or work with and I vow to never do that. Some of the challenges have been de-programming myself from military lingo, acronyms, and the suck it up and drive on mentality. While this may seem insensitive, I understand now the level of resiliency it built within me. While serving in uniform and now in business, I have learned that not everyone thinks like you; nothing happens to you, it happens for you; and, when someone is stressing you, remember “God made them, too”. All of these things I use to overcome challenges whether they are daily, monthly, or in whatever frequency they arise. I use the Master Resiliency Training I learned in the Army in my business and will use them as long as they serve my community and the world. My brand is full of joy, rooted in love and cloaked in Kindness.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
So, my best friend is visiting…hmmm. Being that we love roller skating, we would definitely go to Cascade! We’d visit Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s church because we surely love the Lord and what more of a historical place to worship. We’d go to one of my favorite hair salons – A Step Above the Rest Hair Salon and get ourselves together. We’d then make our way to the Black Hair Experience and get our selfie on with our new hairstyles. Next, we’d eat at Big Daddy’s Dish! I love the food there and I haven’t eaten a bad dish yet! No crumbs were left every time I’ve gone. We’d also visit the Coca Cola and Trap Music Museum so we can get our education on and learn things that we may not have known before while also capturing our visit with more selfies.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Wow! I love this! Like my answer to the question answered previously, SERVICE and IMPACT are things I am big on. I believe when we embody and pour out certain things, we receive them back in abundance. I wouldn’t be who I am today without my parents! My mom (Harriet Armstrong) passed away earlier this year and God knows, what I would give to hear her say “I’m proud of you” just one more time. My father (Oscar Tucker) taught me the power of my words at an early age – I learned to say “when” not “if” I accomplish a thing I set out to achieve. Next is my husband and best friend of over 17 years, Reggie Brown! We haven’t been married that long, but he’s definitely been my best friend, life coach, support and backbone since I’ve known him. I could honestly take up this entire section on him alone and he should even be nominated for an interview, truthfully. Next, would be my family and children (Ava and Ezra.) They keep me kind, patient, considerate and selfless. My Army family has several people that have definitely impacted my life, but there are too many to name. Third, Lucinda Cross (The Big ASK), Dr. Stacie NC Grant (Faithpreneur), LaKisha Mosely (WERK University), Ash Cash Exantus (Abundance Community) and Robin Devonish (Pen, Publish, Profit) are people that have seen me, seen things in me, and ushered me into spaces that have truly impacted my life forever. Finally, would be my church families that I have gained throughout my journey. The preachers, men and women in these spaces (Arran Lakes Baptist Church, Rivers of Living Water) have kept me covered in prayer, encouraged, and feeling loved every step of the way. If I have missed anyone, please forgive me.

Instagram: @naadirathekindnesscoach

Linkedin: Naadira Brown

Twitter: @naadirathekindnesscoach

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NaadiraTheKindnessCoach

Youtube: Naadira Brown

Other: TikTok – @naadithebody

Image Credits
Chris Facey, ABC, Amanda Hay