Today we’d like to introduce you to Nita Hughley
Hi Nita, 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?
I grew up immersed in the performing arts—music, dance, and theatre—dreaming of fame and becoming the next Beyoncé. From a young age, I struggled with mental health issues. I eventually got really into psychology, originally to learn how to “fix” myself, but it evolved into a passion for wanting to help others dealing with similar issues and using creative self-expression to do so. I joined a Queer arts non-profit, No Divide KC, who’s mission aligned with my goals. I quit a draining job to pursue mental health work, becoming a Behavior Health Technician at a children’s mental health facility. Now, I’m studying psychology and life coaching- specializing in personal development. By day, I work as a workforce/professional development specialist at Mid-Continent Public Library, providing one-on-one support, developing programs, and presenting on topics related to professional and personal growth. By night, I’m writing a novel spotlighting Queer women, struggling with my math class, leading a Queer Youth support g
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My lack of confidence and low-self-esteem were HUGE hurtles for me. I had issues with comparing myself to others and questioning my abilities. I actually quit making music and performing at one point because of this. The weight of it all was depilating and froze me with fear. I didn’t know how to show up in the world because I was filled with so much self-doubt. I still deal with these issues to some extent, but it’s gotten a lot better with time and therapy. Now in my 30’s, I don’t care as much about all that. I’m learning to just be me and trust that that’s enough.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My role at Mid-Continent Public Library’s Square One focuses on providing guidance for professional growth. My day includes one-on-one appointments, researching, developing and executing programs. I recently debuted a new program called Mind Mastery at our Self-Care Summit, which was a big success. Originally, my role focused on career services, but we’re shifting toward professional and personal development which aligns perfectly with my passions. I’ve also been asked to do workshops and presentations outside of my job, and I’m excited to create more of those soon. Additionally, I am an Agile Coach through The DeBruce Foundation and was trained recently to facilitate a creative goal-setting workshop, Drawing Your Agilities. Ultimately, my goal is to become a life coach and expressive arts facilitator, combining personal development with creativity—and everything I’m doing now is setting me up for that.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
For me, resilience. I would not be where I am without it. There’s been so many times when I thought about giving up, but there was always a sliver of hope that got me back on my feet.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nitahughley
Image Credits
Gumball Revue, Vaughan Harrison, Chloe Yotter
