Meet Nikita Gadson | Principal Counsel & Vocal Artist

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

Hi Nikita, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business was prompted by my desire to have more control over my career and my future. I had spent my entire professional career as an employee. Serving in that status leaves you vulnerable to the interests and needs of the employer, which often times results in employees being treated as expendable. Rather than using my energy, skills, and knowledge to continually over-prove to one employer that I was worthy of remaining employed, being promoted, receiving a bonus, or dodging a reduction in force, I chose to accept my value and share it more broadly with a host of clients that are in a better position to appreciate what I have to offer.

I also wanted the ability to be present in all of the dimensions of my life. I am a lawyer. I am a vocal artist. I am a mother. I am a sister. I am a daughter. I am a friend. It is important to me to be able to show up in all of these spaces without guilt or anxiety around not being behind a desk at a certain time of the day. I believe that I was created to do and be more than what a traditional 9-5 job has to offer. Now do I miss the “regular” paycheck, company sponsored benefits and employer-matched retirement contributions? YES! But those things pale in comparison to the peace I find in living in my purpose and passion.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the the founder and principal counsel & consultant of Ascension Solutions. I started Ascension Solutions with the goal of supporting organizations and individuals towards optimal compliance with the law and the attainment of their organizational, strategic and personal goals.

What sets my practice apart from the traditional law firm is our approach. We lead with collaboration and combine personal attention with legal and compliance strategy to offer practical solutions that support organizational or individual goals and objectives. It as important to us that our clients benefit from our service long after a project or matter has been completed, so we are careful to use plain English to explain legal issues, and tangible resources that can be referred to for years to come.

One of the arms of my practice is to provide competent and affordable legal support to small and mid-sized businesses and entrepreneurs. There are enough issues and obstacles to work through in the development and management of your own business. Having legal issues shouldn’t be one of them. We want to provide practical solutions that allow small businesses thrive and grow, this the name “Ascension Solutions.”

My practice is still young (a little under 5 years), so I am still learning what my best practices are, and patiently building a strong book of business. A few key lessons that I have learned thus far are: (1) the importance of asking for the business, (2) being patient and (3) being persistent.

Finally, part of our brandI believe that every

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.
So, I am actually from Chicago. If I were to recommend my favorite spots in the city for a good time, they would include Vu Rooftop for breathtaking views of our beautiful skyline, Etta in River North for delicious food and drinks, Beatnik on the River for brunch, and Tribe Supper Club for live music and great food and drinks.

If I were visiting Atlanta, which I do often since my mother and sister live there, I would recommend Eight Sushi Atlanta. The food and drinks are AMAZING!!! You should also indulge in a wine tour with Pop the Cork Wine Tours. Also, check out Zeke’s Kitchen and Bar. Finally, check out Whisky Mistress for live music and great drinks.

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?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my sisters, Sheena Renee and Rachel Gadson. While I am the oldest sister, these incredible women actually have been my example of what it means to believe in your gifts and in yourself and be your own boss. I have seen them both establish and thrive in their businesses…in motherhood…in LIFE!

Sheena is the owner of Sheena Renee Salon and Rachel is the founder of ILA Creative Studio.

Website: www.consultwithasc.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascension-solutions/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPSh0DTpUZMekGnt_00IpWg