What to expect in this newsletter: One email every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Real-World tips that will help you grow as a small business owner. I will share PR, Marketing and Social Media tricks that I’ve used for my own clients to support your business goals.
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Let’s have a summer of leisure
Published 2 months ago • 4 min read
May 2025
A note from Nisha: Ages ago, I asked my longtime front Nikia Phoenix to collab with me. And today we’re finally making it happen. Finally! Nikia and I have known each other from our high school days in Aiken, but we really solidified our friendship when we were both at USC (Go Gamecocks!). She is a champion of women and self-care, and I’m so excited for her to launch us into summer; cause I know y’all are limping to the end of school just like I am.
Nisha & Nikia - Circa 2002
Hello sunshine. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Nikia Phoenix, and I’m a dear friend of Nisha. When she reached out a while ago to suggest creating some things together to encourage our combined communities, I knew it was a no-brainer. Throughout my life I have made it my mission to uplift women, creatives, and remind us all that there is a you who is deserving of love and compassion. Let me say that again: you are deserving of love and compassion. Period. I hope that sinks in as you keep reading.
This is the message that I’m hoping to share with you today: embracing a summer of leisure.
You’re the fixer, the doer, the one who takes care of business - and I mean everybody’s business. You’re used to waking up with alarms, rushing through your morning, eating on the run, and having a packed agenda. Well let’s switch things up. Instead of following a strict schedule this summer, why not make room for a little fun and a whole lot of joy.
Some years ago, I was deep in major life and professional transitions. Do I close my business and start a new one? Should I move back to LA? Am I having an early midlife crisis? Honestly, I felt like I was drowning in overwhelm. My life coach essentially asked me “when do you incorporate play into your schedule?”
In that moment, I not only felt stuck, but I knew I’d been in a rut. The thing is, I’d been telling her that I wanted more fun and adventure in my life. Much of my day was structured; I was even working on the weekends, and had no plans of slowing down for the summer. What I was really craving was space for leisure.
Leisure (noun) — freedom provided by the cessation of activities; especially: a time free from work or duties
This is how Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines leisure. Other sources go on to mention that leisure is about relaxation, a time for rest, and enjoying hobbies. You are spending quality time with yourself and perhaps friends, even family. Leisure means you are present in those moments and your mind is not focused on life’s other demands. You are making a conscious decision to embrace what brings you joy and ease. This, my friend, is what happiness is all about.
When you get to decide what you do, how you spend your time, and who you spend your time with — you are practicing joy. And when you are truly present in those moments and taking it all in, you are practicing mindfulness. I say practice because you are in the act. You are learning as you go. If you feel yourself slipping back into making lists and planning that thing that’s months away, shift back in the now. Choose your peace and your leisure again.
There’s always going to be time for your work, your family, and your daily tasks. I’m encouraging you this summer especially to make time for you. Make time for play. Living is what sparks inspiration and we can’t do that stuck behind a desk or trying to be task masters. So I encourage you to LIVE.
If you’re wondering how to embrace a summer of leisure, think about something you used to do when you had more free time and do it. Or maybe there’s an activity you’ve been curious about trying but didn’t know where to start. Just start. I’m a birdwatcher, so I’ll sit on the porch with a cup of iced tea, my journal, and binoculars and look out for all the pretty birds in the yard. You could even pick up a good book or try joining a book club - that way you have others who can share in the joy of what you’re reading.
In fact, I’m going to be doing another round of my book club this summer, and I’d love for you to join me. In book club we like to tackle juicy, thriller and simply irresistible reads.
Y'all, yes! I love this reminder. We DO need to make sure we're taking time for ourselves. And since y'all know I'm all about keeping it real, here are the three things I'm going to try to do this summer (and Nikki, I love you, girl, but I ain't doing no dang birdwatching) 😂.
Travel
One of my absolute favorite things to do is travel (without my kids...and, honestly, sometimes without my husband, let’s be real). As of right now I have four trips planned for the rest of the year and I will not be taking work with me.
Cocktails
Y'all know I love a good cocktail, that's no secret. However, I want to schedule more simple meetups with friends and clients alike — with a glass of bubbly, obviously. Soooo, reply back to this email to schedule a time to get together and your drink is on me! Seriously. Let's do it!
Books
I typically alternate between a business book and a book for fun, but I've fallen a bit off the bandwagon of reading because of life, kids, the usual May mayhem. But after reading Nikia’s message above, I’m thinking it may be time to pick up a couple more books for leisure. Who's got a good suggestion? I love a good murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the end.
Who needs a summer of leisure?
Nikia’s message was just what I needed to hear going into summer — and I’m sure I’m not the only one. So, what business owner friend do you know who needs a bit of encouragement to have a bit of summer leisure this year?? We’ve all got someone, and I want y’all to send this email to them. I mean, we all need a little pick me up this time of year, so let’s share the love.
I’m Nisha and this newsletter is a little bit about me and a whole lot about the support of small businesses and small business owners.
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