We recently had the chance to connect with Sharonda “Nya B” Brown and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sharonda “Nya B” , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me right now begins with a work out at 6am. Then, I see my son off to school. I believe in being up and in his business before he walks out the door, at 6:50. It makes his day, so he says. Then I have breakfast with coffee, take a shower, talk to my brother for about an hour, prepare my files for the day, take my time getting dressed, and see my first client at 10am. I’m usually in sessions non stop until 7pm, followed by an appearance on Court TV between 8-8:30pm, if I am scheduled to appear. I may take a break in between sessions to write or submit an acting or modeling audition. Lastly, I’m usually in bed by 9:30pm. I know it’s a lot, but this is a typical day for me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Sharonda Brown. I’m also known as Nya B. I’m a licensed mental health clinician, mental health expert, writer, model and actress. I’ve been in the field of mental health for 24 years and I’ve been running a private practice for 14 years. My specialty in the mental health field is sexual abuse and trauma. I treat acute, chronic and complex trauma for both perpetrators and victims. I also treat major mood and personality disorders. While Sharonda Brown runs the practice, Nya B writes and manages what I call the more intrapersonal side of my brand. Nya B is the girl next door. She’s relatable, fun, she acts, she models, she sings, she’s intelligent and she makes therapy something people want to do. My plan in the near future is to retire Sharonda Brown or keep that side of me in more intimate spaces, while focusing more on Nya B. This is an exciting journey for me because there are so many new things to learn and more people to reach as Nya B.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Someone who saw me clearly before I could see myself was my brother, Darren. He’s no longer on this earth but when he was alive, he used to tell me and others that I was, “the brain.” He said I had a level of intelligence and many gifts that would make me influential one day. I had no clue what he was talking about. He told me this when I was 8 years old. That has always stuck with me. I look at my life now and wonder if this is what he meant.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely! YES!! There was a time when I almost gave up. There were plenty of times, actually. However, the one that stands out the most involves a time that I was sexually assaulted. It was a horrific moment and I went through it alone. I take that back, my SA (Sexual Assault) advocate was with me every step of the way. For treatment and recovery, I did everything I would encourage a client to do. I went to the hospital, I filed a report, I pressed charges, filed a restraining order, and once the state decided not to prosecute because they weren’t 100% certain they’d win, I lost all hope. The restraining order was dropped. I felt unsafe and alone. I initially took all the blame. To me, it was my fault for being his friend, pursuing my dreams; being in the public eye. The man who attacked me wasn’t a stranger. He was someone I knew. His words stuck with me. After the attack, he said, “I bet you aren’t so powerful now.” It was as if this influence he believed I had, upset him and he wanted to break me. I wanted to get out of the spotlight, close up shop and hide. I had physical and emotional injuries that needed to heal, so I couldn’t move around like I wanted to. I felt defeated. Luckily, my parents didn’t raise a quitter. I got through it. While I didn’t have a victory in the criminal sector, I was able to pursue other avenues that were available to me for justice and relief. I feel more powerful now than I’ve ever felt. I’m almost certain it is because I didn’t give up. I learned that I can no longer be around just anyone. How I see myself may not be how others see me, so I must protect myself on a different level. But during that time, I truly wanted to give it all up and hide my face forever. However, I’m not built like that, so here I am.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
That is a great question. The public version of me is close to the real me but no, the public does not get the most intimate version of me. They get what I want them to see. While there are parts of my life that are very public and transparent, I keep A LOT TO MYSELF. While the public may see that I travel, attend a show or do a segment, they won’t get to see me crying right before because I’m thinking of a lost loved one, or choosing to dine alone at restaurant at their least busiest hours, because I really don’t care to have a lot of people around me. I’m more of a loner than what my public appearance presents.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, my role and possessions, I would still have my sanity. My sanity is my most important asset. To get to this point, I had to walk away from a lot, let go of thoughts, beliefs, expectations and even desires. I am grateful to have come to this point in my life where I’m not afraid to walk away from anything or anyone if it will cost me, my sanity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www. Nya-b.com
- Instagram: @author_nya_b
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharonda.brown.52
- Other: Podcast
Doinitwithnyab.podbean.com
Image Credits
Photo Credits: Darryl Boyd
