Today, we’d like to introduce you to Nikia Smith.
Hi Nikia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hey! I am Dr. Nikia Smith. I am the founder of Forged N Fire. I work full-time as an anesthesiologist. Since finishing training, I have changed jobs a few times, trying to find the “dream job”. I could never get everything I wanted from one job, so I continued to search. Finally the covid pandemic made me realize how burned out I was feeling and that I was truly lacking fulfillment. A fulfillment that I didn’t believe I would find at work.
I planned and hosted a wellness retreat for female physicians of color and truly found joy in providing a safe space for vulnerable moments. As high-achieving women, we often lose ourselves in our titles (boss, mom, wife, colleague), and we need to tap into the things that bring us peace and joy. Once we establish that, we can transform into the best version of ourselves. My life’s mission is to help women, especially women of color, gain clarity of their deepest desires and biggest dreams, build the courage needed to strive for them, and create the community needed to support them on the journey.
I plan to continue this journey of building community and connection amongst high-achieving women of color through curated experiences that allow us to be our most authentic selves. I hope to inspire other women of color to stop merely surviving and to thrive. We can live the life we want, the life we deserve, the life we worked so hard for. I believe that women will change the world, but we can’t do it if we don’t take care of ourselves first.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
The path has def not been easy. The biggest challenges have been becoming more comfortable with putting myself out there and moving through the negative thoughts of Imposter Syndrome. There is always fear. Thoughts like what will people with think? What if I fail? What if I look stupid? Is asking for help weak?
The biggest roadblock has been my mindset, but to overcome I take action daily. I am changing my life and hopefully others one small step at a time. As courage grows, overcoming my mindset becomes quicker and easier.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Forged N Fire?
Our mission is to inspire women of color to step into their truest selves. We encourage and empower women to shine authenticity. We believe the support of a community of like-minded women is crucial to thriving. There is nothing better than seeing a living example and leading by example to spark action.
We are an online community that promotes frequent engagement, reinforcing that you are not alone. We promote deep self-care that results from setting boundaries and self-discovery.
We use a framework centered on clarity, courage, and community to guide your actions. We provide monthly group coaching sessions, challenges, workbooks, and resources that facilitate your journey from surviving to thriving.
We are most proud of the connections our members have made and the impact the retreats have had on their well-being. Deep connection in a supportive community is proven to extend life expectancy. We want you to not only extend your life expectancy but improve the quality of your life by living for your desires and dreams without shame or guilt.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a type-A nerd. I loved to read and learn. I always wanted to be a doctor. I am fiercely independent but always wanted to help others, and that’s how I ended up becoming an anesthesiologist. I enjoyed sports, especially volleyball and softball. My favorite places to be were the pool and the beach.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sheisfireforged.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheisfireforged/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheisfireforged
Image Credits
Bri Images Photography
