Today we’d like to introduce you to Nakiyah Hayling
Hi Nakiyah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
13 years ago I embarked on the journey of making a career transition into the entertainment industry. I began as a journalist and decided to pursue graduate studies at The New School for Public Engagement to broaden my skills. During that time I interned for a record label and decided that working at a label would be my next career pursuit. While wrapping graduate studies I moved to Nashville and began working in the promotions department at a local record label. For 11 years I worked at a large independent label, and consulted with independent artists in the music sector. During my time as a record label executive I was able to spearhead history making campaigns in my genre, and grow the brands of many artists. In 2020, during the shutdown, I decided to create an e-commerce that provides a space for me to distribute literary works, my apparel line, and consulting services. I created Pivotal Media Brands in Franklin, TN. I continued to work as a label executive and have been gradually building my umbrella company, Pivotal Media Brands, for the past 5 years. In July of 2024 I ventured into full time entrepreneurship. My business ventures now include: a streetwear line, literary publishing company, developing a private label beauty brand, and a marketing consulting services company. I recently entered a contest called Entrepreneur Of Impact in order to secure business finding and build more awareness about Pivotal Media Brands. My plan is to grow these entities and help others along the way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No it has not been smooth at all! As the sole operations person at Pivotal Media Brands, I am doing it all. This can be a daunting task, but necessary in the early stages of building a brand. Transitioning from being in corporate structures most of my adult career to an entrepreneurship model has been a big adjustment. Though I was always self-directed and mostly in leadership roles, managing all aspects of business is new territory. I am learning so much about myself. It is pushing me to be my best self. I am grateful for the challenges.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Pivotal Media Brands?
Pivotal Media Brands is a multi-media brand producing consulting company that provides fun functional products and services that aim to inspire people from all walks of life. Pivotal Media Brands was created by Nakiyah Hayling to serve as an umbrella for a myriad of services and products that she wanted to pt out into the world. A lifelong writer, strategist, and creative –Nakiyah has always desired to find ways to use her voice unapologetically and unashamedly. Pivotal Media Brands is the umbrella agency for: literary brand Culture Shifters!, marketing consulting company Pivotal Media Consulting, and a streetwear lifestyle brand Culture Shifters! Apparel.
Pivotal Media Consulting is a premier consulting company dedicated to providing top-notch solutions for businesses of all sizes. PMC offers tailored strategies to help streamline operations, enhance productivity, and maximize profitability. With a focus on innovative problem-solving, Pivotal Media Consulting, is committed to delivering measurable results for our clients, whilst building long-lasting relationships. PMC aims to help individuals and business owners thrive in today’s competitive market.
Culture Shifters! Apparel is streetwear and lifestyle products brand. Our signature line I’m A Vibe” is an expression of pride, confidence, inner strength, sass, bravado, self-love, and empowerment. Our hope is that those who wear the items with the “I’m A Vibe!” design feel confident, bold, excited, and empowered. The products available under the Culture Shifters! Apparel line is for anyone that desires to make a bold statement in a stylish way. We hope that when others see you that it puts a smile on their face and inspires them to view themselves in the best positive light. The goal is to promote and encourage good vibes, inner peace, and spiritual strength.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I am an avid reader and consumer of various forms of media. I believe its important to feed your mind with content that with elevate you to the next level. I also believe that it’s important to experience fun and entertainment. There has to be balance. I’m apart of a book club at my church and we are reading 24 books a year. Audible is my friend! One of the most powerful reads I’ve entered is called “What Happened To You” by Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey. That book changed my life. It changed the way I framed my experiences and the possible experiences of others. I still love opening up a fresh magazine. I’m subscribed to several. Forbes, Vanity Fair, Food & Wine, Essence, and more. Taste made is one of my favorite channels. the exploration of food and culture has expanded my mind in ways that I could only hope for. One of the most pivotal moments in my life as it concerned motivation and drive was when I read a book titled, “Write It Down, Make It Happen” by Henriette Anne Klauser. I was pretty young when I read it, but it transformed how I processed my dreams, understanding the importance of chronicling vision, and harnessing my power to meet my goals in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pivotalmediabrands.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotalmediabrands/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PivotalMedia
- Other: https://www.pivotalmediaconsulting.com
