By Natasha Ivery

This is the first of a two-part series about Na’Asiaha Simon and her journey to launching her public relations firm in the heart of Dayton. Part one focuses on her launch and what Na’Asiaha Simon & Associates represents as a firm.

Bishop K. Edwin Bryant of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church of Dayton had just finished prayer. Na’Asiaha Simon then looked into the crowd of 100 people gathered in her spacious, new office in Dayton’s Oregon District and raised her glass to toast the launch of her own public relations firm, Na'Asiaha Simon & Associates (NSA).

“I had a journey to get here,” she told the crowd through tears. “I always said I wanted my own firm and office by the time I’m 30, and here we are on Jan. 5, 2020.”

“Ny,” as she’s affectionately called by friends and family, then gave a shortened version of how she resigned from her previous job and obtained her office all while fighting depression and standing heavily on faith. Her eyes lit up as she described the vision for her public relations and planning firm. NSA helps clients with brand visibility by taking their creativity and turning it into innovation.

“Our slogan is ‘turning moments into movements,’” she said.

On the planning side, the firm handles everything from launch parties to galas, with an emphasis on execution. NSA is a self-described people and personal experience-based company.

“We have graphic designers, web developers, editors, marketers and digital strategists,” said Simon. “My second slogan is, ‘at NSA we associate, we’re the best of the best, so if we can’t do it, we can associate you with someone who can do it.’"

When asked what Simon sees for the future of her brand, she paused. Her face turned serious.

“I want to be a multimillion-dollar firm with five locations and be a one-stop shop for everybody,” said Simon. “NSA will break generational curses and provide for me, my family and clients. If I can do it young while dealing with depression and regular everyday issues, so can you. I aim to inspire a generation of young black women.”

Simon is a powerhouse PR-maven who has a go-getter, no-nonsense attitude to balance her sweetness. She loves breakfast, a good bougie brunch, sunflowers, trap music, and she recognizes the power in people and community, especially black people.

When asked if she had anything to say to the city before she walked in her office conference room to enjoy champagne and continue the launch celebration, she turned with a sly smirk.

“I’m taking over,” she declared.

This was the first of a two-part series about Na’Asiaha Simon. Read part two for a more personal look into Simon’s background in public relations, her personality and the trials she experienced on her journey.