Meet Nia Symone | Creator of Purpose To Be Heard, Host, & Storyteller

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

Hi Nia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As a former D-1 athlete, there were a lot of things I experienced throughout my career, from performance anxiety, depression, burnout, injuries, and just navigating through life while juggling being a full-time athlete. Athletes face a lot of pressure from coaches, family, teammates, etc. on daily, and there is not much room for mistakes or quitting. When I finally stopped playing in 2018, I sat back and realized there were so many things that I was dealing with and took away from sports that I couldn’t talk to anyone about unless they were another athlete. Once you graduate and move on you’re in the real world. You’re officially out of that bubble sheltering you for so long. I no longer had the community of athletes I was once surrounded by on the daily basis. There was not a single platform I could tune into and hear or learn about the things I was dealing with. So in 2020, I decided to create not only a media house and production space for sports storytelling but I also wanted to create a community and safe space for all athletes. Purpose To Be Heard ™ is a resource that my younger self wish I had when I was navigating through athletics.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Production is my art. It’s my escape to be me and be as creative as I want to be with no limits. I’ve always been pretty creative growing up. Writing and reading were my escape to create my own world. What sets me apart from others is that I have this hustle, determination, and a big heart that no one can ever take away, no matter how hard things may get. Sometimes I was my only advocate, and I had to bet on myself when I was overlooked. My dreams, my passions, and my determination to contribute to changing the world one day at a time. It has not been an easy road, and I still have challenges I’m overcoming every day, but I won’t give up. Purpose To Be Heard ™ is going to change so many athletes’ lives. I want to be a part of the change through authentic storytelling and providing a resource and safe space for athletes around the globe. There are many underrepresented stories and untold stories of many amazing athletes. We also have to spark the mind of the next generation of athletes and provide resources and insight on how to navigate through the sports space successfully while also preparing them for when sports is over.

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.
If you love music and books as much as I do, check out Moods Music in Little Five Points. If you love cinnamon rolls, please go to Cinnaholic. I am obsessed!

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?
My entire community. It took a village and support to get me where I am today. To every last coach or mentor I’ve had in my life, teachers, and professors, my mom, friends, the list goes on. I’m thankful.

Website: www.niasymone.net / www.ptbh.net

Instagram: @NiaOnAir / @PurposeToBeHeard

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nia-symone-5b4042169

Twitter: @NiaOnAir / @Purpose2BeHeard

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpO1YJOJo67IFwUxgOOlrrA

Image Credits
Dai La Soul Creations and Ari Skin