Turning a Passion into a Powerful Brand
Nya Jones, at just 25, has turned her lifelong passion for journaling into a flourishing wellness brand. Her company, Inside Then Out, emerged from her deep-seated curiosity and commitment to personal growth. The brand gained fame with the Better Every Day Journal, which captivated audiences during the pandemic. Today, Inside Then Out continues to inspire people to live more intentionally and thoughtfully.
Jones’s journey from a tech job to wellness entrepreneur is both inspiring and empowering. Her story is a testament to how personal interests can evolve into impactful ventures. “Journaling has always been a part of my life,” Jones shares. “When the pandemic hit, it became a tool for deeper self-reflection, and that’s when Inside Then Out was born.”
From Corporate Life to Entrepreneurial Success
Before launching her brand, Jones had a promising career in tech. She graduated from Johns Hopkins University and started her professional journey at Meta. However, the pandemic forced her to pause her plans of moving to New York and return to her parents’ home in Florida. This unexpected turn allowed Jones to reassess her path and explore her true passions.
“I was doing all the ‘right’ things but felt something was missing,” Jones reflects. The lockdown gave her the space to delve into journaling and its transformative power. “It made me rethink my career and led to the creation of Inside Then Out,” she explains.
The “Aha!” Moment That Sparked a Movement
The pandemic was a period of revelation for Jones. During this time, she found solace in journaling, which inspired her to develop a product that could help others. “I noticed a gap in the market for introspective and growth-oriented journals,” Jones says. “I decided to fill that gap with something that could truly help people.”
Her intuition paid off. Inside Then Out’s journals, including the popular Better Every Day Journal, became a hit. They offered a unique approach to wellness, focusing on personal growth and self-discovery. “I felt an urgency to bring this to life,” Jones recalls. “It was a calling I couldn’t ignore.”
Wellness Beyond the Surface
Inside Then Out stands out in the wellness industry for its holistic approach. Rather than adhering to a single trend, Jones’s brand embraces a broad spectrum of wellness practices. “Our journals cover everything from love and habits to healing,” she explains. “We aim to provide a balanced experience that resonates with everyone.”
Jones’s approach challenges conventional wellness products that often focus on either gratitude or therapy. “We’re in the middle,” she says. “Our products blend various aspects of wellness to create a unique experience for each user.”
Navigating Challenges as a Young Black Entrepreneur
As a young Black entrepreneur, Jones faces unique challenges. Despite her success, she often feels isolated due to a lack of peers with similar experiences. “Being the first in my circle to launch a business can be lonely,” she admits. “I’m still figuring things out and wish I had a stronger support system.”
Jones’s resilience and determination shine through her story. She navigates these challenges with grace, finding strength in her journey and the impact of her work. “I’m learning every day,” she says. “Even when it’s tough, I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
The Reality of Following Your Passion
Jones acknowledges that pursuing a passion doesn’t always mean an easy ride. “There are days when it feels like work,” she notes. “But it’s the right kind of work. I’m constantly challenged and growing.”
Her transition from a tech role to entrepreneurship was not without its difficulties. “Creating something from scratch involves a lot of learning and problem-solving,” she explains. “But the excitement and fulfillment I feel make it all worthwhile.”
