Nydia Simone - Founder of Blactina Media
Passion and purpose radiate from all that Nydia Simone (she/her/hers) does. It is impossible to walk away from a conversation with her without feeling inspired to create something to change the world. And well, creating something to change the world is exactly what she is doing with Blactina Media, her media company founded to amplify Afrolatinx and Caribbean stories with an emphasis on women through media and entertainment.
Meet Nydia
Nydia Simone is a Panamanian-American filmmaker and founder with a passion for Afrolatinx and Caribbean stories. Nydia has been working in TV and Film for eight years and has produced films and television programs. She has worked for ABC, Disney Animation Studios, NBC and more. She's also secured distribution for her digital series In This Life via an online streaming service as well as getting her TV show Conexíon on BronxNeT TV which has a viewership of 1 million. Her company, Blactina Media has been featured in the New York Times, Oprah’s Online Magazine, People En Espanol, Vice, BronxNet TV and more.
Blactina Media
Blactina engages our audience through a Black Latinx point of view across multiple platforms. Our mission to amplify Afrolatinx and Caribbean stories with an emphasis on women through media and entertainment. We produce content for film, digital and television as well as hosting events.
Favorite motto or quote that keeps you inspired?
Strike while the iron is hot.
Book(s) that inspire you/your company?
Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy DeGruy
Other content, music, anything that is inspiring you right now?
Music:
Wash by Leikeli47
Saturn by Set, Nao
In your personal life, what is one daily practice or habit you have to keep you centered and grounded?
Venerating my ancestors and keeping in constant communication with them.
How do you hope that your company can create a better world?
I hope to create better representation for Afrolatinx and Caribbean people as well as create jobs in Latin America for Black populations that allow for people to have miscellaneous income.
This would create a better world because I believe you are happier and healthier when your immediate needs for survival are met in full.
Who or what was the biggest motivator for you when you started your business?
I wanted more opportunities to grow in my field and I was getting those opportunities outside of work.
What has been the biggest highlight running your own company?
Owning my time.
Favorite business/leadership podcast?
Favorite other business/leadership resources?
What are your top three goals for your company this year? AND! How can the LWL Community support you in accomplishing them?
Secure $800k in funding.
Build a support team for content production.
Start production of The Samana Project.
The LWL community can help by donating and helping Blactina create partnerships with equipment companies (GoPro, Red, Alexa) to offset production costs and/or sponsor content.
Your favorite other women led businesses we should know about?
Mariee of Moon X Cosmetics: She just made 2 million in 21 mins selling skin scare products and she is 21 and self trained.
Brittany Chavez of Shop Latinx: The first marketplace for Latinx indie brands only.