
THE GRATITUDE REFLECTION I DIDN’T SEE COMING
This Season, my gratitude list hasn’t shown up the way I expected.
It hasn’t been the usual highlights. Not the obvious blessings.
I’m grateful for the infinite possibilities that haven’t revealed themselves yet.
For the wide-open space of what’s coming. For the confidence to make a hard pivot when it would’ve been easier to stay put. And for the early fruits already showing me: you made the right choice.
I’m thankful for the foundation I’ve been building these last few months, brick by brick, lesson by lesson, and the runway it’s creating for 2026. I can feel it. Something bigger is forming. Something that pulls every skill I’ve sharpened over 30 years into one powerful ecosystem.
Three decades of building platforms. Three decades of elevating entrepreneurs and communities. Three decades of fusing culture, commerce, creativity, and strategy.
Now I get to channel all of that into something aligned, intentional, and built in partnership with a team that sees the vision just as clearly.
And yes, I’m thankful for the setbacks too.
Because the bruises taught me what the wins never could. They gave me a sharper lens, a stronger voice, a deeper understanding of how I’m uniquely positioned for the opportunities unfolding right now. Opportunities that came to me because of the value I bring, the receipts I’ve earned, and the way I move.
I’m grateful for every moment, even the messy ones. I’m grateful for the magic brewing for 2026. For the epic impact on the horizon. For the legacy I’m building for my daughter…one bold move at a time.
And if you’re an entrepreneur reading this, here’s the real word:
Our grind can blur the blessing. We forget how rare it is to carve our own lane. To design our own destiny. To take the hits and still choose ourselves.
Not everyone has the nerve for this life. Not everyone has the fortitude to keep going.
But we do. And this season, I’m thankful for that more than anything. Thankful for the courage. Thankful for the calling. Thankful for the certainty that I’m just getting started and that the impact I’m building will reach far beyond my immediate circle.
So, here’s to the Unknown, the Unstoppable, and the Undeniable.
2026 has no idea what’s coming.
That’s the nitty gritty.
Nikoa
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @THENITTYGRITTYWITHNIKOA

Shoppers are adding to cart for the holidays
Peak streaming time continues after Black Friday on Roku, with the weekend after Thanksgiving and the weeks leading up to Christmas seeing record hours of viewing. Roku Ads Manager makes it simple to launch last-minute campaigns targeting viewers who are ready to shop during the holidays. Use first-party audience insights, segment by demographics, and advertise next to the premium ad-supported content your customers are streaming this holiday season.
Read the guide to get your CTV campaign live in time for the holiday rush.
See below for a few other publications you might enjoy.
(If you would like information on marketing your business to The Nitty Gritty With Nikoa audience, contact [email protected])
#ResilientAF #PitfallsAndPivots #NoPlanB#BuiltForThis #EntrepreneurLife #FiftyandFearless #Genx #Nevertoolate #Dreambig #ChaseYourDream #50andFabulous #StartYourBusiness #NoPermissionNeeded

