The Power of Boundaries – Honoring Your Values with Joy

Happy March and Women's History Month!

One of my favorite things about being in community with so many aunties is that their wisdom doesn't just meet you where you are—it reaches ahead, preparing you for what's next before you even know you need it. And one thing my church aunties always say is:

"Nicole, when you teach, you are always called to be the first partaker."

Translation? Whatever we're out here encouraging others to do, we gotta do first. So, as the founder and CEO, I want to share how I'm moving through this season—not just as a leader, but as a woman choosing to shift from surviving to thriving.

The other day, I was talking to a friend (who also happens to be a therapist), and we got into a deep conversation about fear. She reminded me how, in moments of uncertainty, fear will straight-up take over your whole system—make you feel stuck, overwhelmed, and desperate to grab onto something just to feel in control.

But here's the thing: control is an illusion. And often, when the fear passes and we see clearly, we sometimes realize we made choices from a place of panic instead of wisdom.

She then said something that encouraged me deeply: When you feel safe, you can pause. You can rest. You can make wiser decisions and actually see new possibilities instead of just reacting.

And THAT, she said, is the power of community.

Whew. I felt that.

Because that's exactly why I built Hey Auntie!. But you ever have a moment when something just clicks in a new way? I started thinking about how, as Black women, we've been conditioned to overextend, overcompensate, and hold it all together—even when it costs us everything. My default? Do more. Give more. Prove more. Out of fear.

Fear of what? Survival.

But here's the truth I'm holding onto even more tightly: We are not just meant to survive—we are called to thrive (even when the world tries to tell us otherwise).

And honestly? Your presence in this community reminds me to step into this truth boldly. To choose spaciousness over scarcity. Wisdom over urgency. Trust over fear.

This Is Not a Step Back—It's a Strategic Shift.

The work we do still matters—now more than ever. But I truly believe that in order to serve well, I have to lead from a place of thriving, not just surviving.

That means moving differently. Slowing down. Being more intentional. No more hustle mode. No more running on fumes. Just alignment.

So as we lean into this new season, we're staying flexible, moving with wisdom, and inviting you to do the same.

But one thing will never change: Black women are called to thrive. And we will. Together.