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

Hi Nicole, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
My upbringing was anything but typical. Growing up in Los Angeles and its surrounding areas, my mother and I frequently moved due to chronic homelessness. Though undiagnosed, my mother showed clear signs of bipolar disorder, which not only kept us unhoused but also left me feeling isolated and burdened with a secret much bigger than myself. I had no one to talk to and no idea whom to trust.

This challenging childhood is why mentoring holds such significance for me. When I graduated from high school, I lacked tangible skills and struggled with low self-esteem. Everything changed when I met my first mentor. Through that guidance, I realized I wasn’t alone. I understand that mentorship is crucial for all young people, but especially for Black girls. Mentorship is why I am where I am today—I firmly believe it saves lives because it saved mine. Thanks to mentorship, I went on to earn my MA in Psychology from Pepperdine University.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
‘m great at building relationships and networks, especially when I’m passionate about something. This dedication sets me apart from others. I’m most proud of The Collective Identity Mentoring (TCI). Watching the girls grow and develop into the women they aspire to be is incredibly fulfilling. I’m excited to see where their lives and careers take them, and I look forward to our 40-year celebration, meeting their future families, and celebrating their successes. TCI is, without a doubt, what I’m most proud of and excited about.

Building TCI was far from easy. I faced a steep learning curve in leadership, program development, and fundraising. There were numerous obstacles, but I overcame them because I refused to quit. I’ve learned that hurdles are temporary, and it’s crucial to manage the emotions that come with them rather than letting them control you. I also believe in finding the lesson in every challenge and never hesitating to ask for help. No woman is an island.

What do I want people to know about my brand and story? I want them to understand that your origins don’t define your destiny. I want people to know that I didn’t quit, even during the most difficult times. Persistence and resilience are at the heart of my journey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, my best friend visits L.A. quite frequently, so I’ll share some of our favorite spots where you can often find us. When the weather is nice, we love spending time at the beach—it’s my happy place. We often explore new restaurants for dining since I’m a foodie, but I have a particular fondness for Pan-Asian cuisine. We also enjoy live music, so you might catch us at one of the city’s many great venues. It really depends on what is going on and what we see on Instagram.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who deserve credit and recognition for where I am today. First, I want to acknowledge a woman named Roxann, who taught me how to draft a professional resume, dream bigger, and see that it was possible for a Black woman to thrive. Her guidance was invaluable.

The second person is Dennis, my former boss, who pushed me harder than anyone else ever had. He didn’t just teach me the art of sales and music licensing; he pushed me as an individual. He encouraged me to pursue education and believed in my potential even when I didn’t. Without Dennis, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to go back to school.

Another significant mentor in my life was Soledad. She taught me a crucial lesson about mentorship: it isn’t always pretty. Sometimes, a mentor cares enough to tell you painful truths. For me, that truth was the need to go to therapy. I hadn’t realized I was living in survival mode, which wasn’t conducive to a healthy, thriving life. Initially, I resisted the idea, but looking back, it was the most valuable relationship because it prompted me to seek therapy and heal from past traumas.

Lastly, a book that changed my life was “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz. With the help of therapy, this book helped me reevaluate my life and understand how I interpret the actions of others and the messages I’ve been told about myself. These influences collectively shaped who I am today, and I am profoundly grateful for each one.

Website: https://www.thecollectiveidentity.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectiveidentity/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msnicolelynn/

Image Credits
The Jennifer Hudson Show
GBK Brand Bar

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