Better or Bitter – Meet CEO Nadia Kamal

Posted by Kate Blosser on

It’s Monday morning and Nadia Kamal is smiling as a group of CCI students file into her business, Onyx Creative Group. Self proclaimed Super-Mom and serial entrepreneur, Nadia spoke to a group of undergraduate women representing the WISE (Women in IT & ICT Sharing Experiences) student group from the College of Communication and Information on a range of topics. From her struggle to find the right studies in college, the corporate-world whirlwind, family, kids, and more.

ONYX

Nadia started her journey to greatness in Miami, studying biochemistry at the University of Miami. Fast forward four years and an almost-degree, Nadia realized it wasn’t for her. “I walked away from my degree,” she shared. Asking forgiveness from her motivator and best friend, Dad, she returned to school at Florida State University, pursuing Accounting. “It was to please my Dad,” she admitted. After graduation, Nadia worked in the corporate world as a controller for a $4 billion dollar company for four years. “I was good at it… but I lost my soul. I was unhappy and hit a wall,” she said. She was 26, married with a young child. Fed up with an unfulfilling career and sleeping in her office, Nadia broke the mold for the second time in her life.

This time? Giftbaskets. “I found a company and bought a franchise.” Such a simple statement that turned into big things. Her franchise brought in 300x the average sales for the company. That’s in a small city, beating out big metropolises – corporate offices asked Nadia to buy the company.

Let’s do a quick recap here: She leaves four years of biochemistry studies behind her, pursues Accounting degree. Wildly successful in the corporate world, leaves it for giftbaskets. Blows up the giftbasket industry and is offered the entire company. She’s married. With a baby. Caught your breath? There’s more.

Nadia sells her franchise in April of 2007. “I was bored,” she laughed. A month later, Studio NineTwenty was born. The project-based graphic design studio turned into a full service marketing agency. A year into the business, her partner quit to pursue other passions. Nadia kept the company and rebranded: Onyx Creative Group was born. Seven and a half years later – Nadia is living the dream at Onyx.

The notepad from this morning has a general flow, with little things like “jumps out of planes” and “taekwondo black belt” in the margins.

14 of Nadia’s strongest advice points: 

  1. I regret trying to be a hero… you must put yourself first if you want to help others.
  2. You can be bitter or better: it’s your choice.
  3. Advice to young women: You have FREEDOM! Drown out the noise. Other’s opinions. Society’s expectations. Set your own experiences.
  4. Don’t fear failure!
  5. Doesn’t feel right? Listen to your gut.
  6. What is important to you? Find it!
  7. The chase will allude you… who you become starts things. Follow your personal vision.
  8. Don’t know where you’re going? You’ll get lost. Stay focused.
  9. Ambition is not direction. Build a life, not a resume.
  10. Work life balance? It doesn’t stop. I am Onyx. Onyx is me. Those who draw lines aren’t doing what they love.
  11. There is no paycheck worth faking what you aren’t.
  12. Don’t start a job with false expectations.
  13. Be unapologetic for who you are, but don’t be a jerk.
  14. You have a moral obligation to be the best person you can be.

She’s had tragedies, soaring highs, and complete 180s in life. Nadia’s unorthodox path is an inspiration for anyone trying to find their way in the world.

“Meeting at ONYX was an eye-opening experience,” shared Kelby Mahoney. “It helped to reassure me that the path I am taking in STEM will help me to succeed, so long as I dare to dream and continue to love Mondays.”

According to Associate Dean Ebe Randeree, “Our local network of female business leaders (like Nadia) have been very supportive of the College’s efforts to attract more women into technology fields; they have given their time to speak at WISE events, host students at their businesses, mentor young women, and share their story with our students.  Nadia has been a part of our efforts since 2007 and has always made time in her busy schedule for FSU.  We definitely appreciate her commitment and passion to the students.”