Meet Nyechi Oleka: Principal Publicist & Creative Business Coach

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

Hi Nyechi, how do you think about risk?
When I decided I wanted to go into public relations with no formal education in this industry, I gave myself a panic attack. Legit. I don’t have a background in public relations. My degrees are in Psychology and Conflict Management. But, I refused to let a lack of formal education stop anything. So I did some breathing exercises to calm my nerves, made a decision to learn on my own through research, networking, certification programs and actually DOING the work required to enhance my PR skills. My thought process was “If I fail, I fail… but I know I bodied the effort”. And look at me now, a creative Ideator out here “public relation-ing” and sh*t. I took a risk and committed myself to using not only what I learned about public relations, but incorporating my background in psych and conflict management to make my own unique success. Risk is necessary to my growth and what keeps me authentic. It has a partnership with my goals. If I didn’t take risks, I wouldn’t have Wisdom Like Honey PR or know what I do now about public relations, creative business coaching, and overall what I call “encouraging mindsets of confidence”.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
As I said, I have no formal education in public relations. So, it was challenging for me and sometimes still is a challenge to be in this industry. To keep it a hundo, doubt is a certified creeper. I’ve had bouts with doubt that I wouldn’t be successful because I’m not as knowledgeable about public relations as others. Not to mention, exploring then entering a new arena later in life can be scary. Coming into something where there are seasoned professionals who know the game, and know how to win; in addition to, new professionals with new tactics they’ve learned who are bright, fresh, and eager to get started… It can be overwhelming. However, I tell myself, “If you weren’t meant to be here, you wouldn’t be here.” along with a quick prayer upward and it powers me through. This is why I’m keen on pushing forward. I am the CEO and Principal Publicist of Wisdom Like Honey PR. This is a professional and proudly reliable public relations led agency, dedicated to providing clear, authentic and consistent value to public relations goals, for favorable results. I specialize in mental wellness, lifestyle and non-profit organizations. What makes me different than other PR professionals? Sharing and building reputations is my passion. People focusing and growing in their purpose, are goals. I’m very dedicated to helping people realize the potential in themselves. As a steadfast believer of mental wellness being the universal key to success in every life, I advocate for encouraging and supporting others authentically. Keeping updated on mental health and wellness practices, remaining genuine with a fresh outlook on innovative and creative happenings allows me to do so. I’m also co-host on the Sis 2 Sis Podcast where we speak support and uplift over every woman, everywhere. These two ventures alone have laid foundations for other projects I am building in 2021-2022 and beyond. What I want to convey is this: Never be afraid to start something for yourself that brings purpose to your life, even if it means you have to develop yourself in ways you’re not accustomed to. Learn from your wins and your losses, because they are both experiences that shape your life and legacy.

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.
Honey, my best friend knows The A better than me, so she’d be the one taking me everywhere! No but seriously, if I could give an interesting and exciting visit to ATL, there are definitely some required items to check off the list. First things first, mimosas and brunch. That’s not up for debate, because it’s an ATL necessity. Finding a great breakfast spot, with a patio to sit outside and enjoy the weather screams comfort and leisure. Since I am not a red meat or poultry gal anymore, Gocha’s Breakfast Bar Southern-style pescatarian and vegan-friendly dishes would be my go to pick for our initial brunch spot. Being able to sit, catch up and have great laughs over good food is wholesome fun we relish.

We’re big on sneaker tings and anything sneaker culture, so we would hit up some of the prime sneaker boutiques located in Atlanta to possibly be blessed with some exclusive finds. While Wish and Walter’s are a couple of the go to’s, discovering sneaker spots that are known unknowns are a real treat—something like a treasure hunt.

Lastly, Ponce City Market to check out the shops and food with rooftop views.

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?
There have been and are so many individuals instrumental to my success, if I call them all by name I’ll be calling forever! But please note, they all deserve their gardens of roses. My family has always been by my side with every decision I have made in this life, even when they couldn’t see where it was leading. Having that support from them, paired with a Christian upbringing has always kept me rooted, humble and passionate about helping others. My parents were always those people who helped others in every way they could, and I’m thankful that rubbed off on myself and my siblings. It’s really molded who I am today and the work that I do.

My hitta to the left, Brittany Campbell who is the Founder of Strengthening Transformations Inc. is the epitome of “plan executed”. Her drive and determination inspired me to be a stickler for the follow up and follow through. When I first started out in the public relations capacity, she made sure to always plug me to people she’d meet, passing them my business card in addition to hers. That small act in itself, shows huge support for my success.
When I decided public relations was the move, I didn’t know where to start. I came across a group on Facebook, Women In PR and IMMEDIATELY found the knowledge, support and mentorship I needed. Anje Collins, the co-founder of this group with over 25 years PR experience, has been amazing. I took her Solo Sessions Bootcamp and learned so much to get me on track. The one on one phone calls? Anje checked me. Several times. But that was what I needed to get my mind wrapped around this new industry I’m in and what is required to be successful. In addition to speaking with Anje, I also got to know Communications Professional Tia Hart. Tia is the ONE. She has given me great advice, been an extra pair of eyes on things I’ve written, and introduced me to several opportunities. I’m forever grateful to her for her help and guidance.

Like I said, there are so many individuals that have watered, and cultivated my growth in this. They know who they are, and know how much their efforts and support are appreciated.

Website: www.wisdomlikehoneypr.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/wisdomlikehoneypr

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/nyechioleka

Twitter: http://twitter.com/wisdomlikehoney

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

Image Credits
Muse Marketing & Design