From Silent Struggles to Shining Success: A Heartfelt Conversation with Nic, Founder of Ready Set Grow Solutions (Interview by Cass Laureano of Anime Stains LLC)
Photo Credit: Sam Renee, A More Creative Agency
Cass Laureano: Hey Nic! It's so awesome to be doing this interview with you. For everyone reading, I'm Cass Laureano, a tattoo artist and owner of Anime Stains right here in Brooklyn. And yeah, I've had the privilege of being part of the Ready Set Grow family, going through the Legal & Business Accelerator. Nic, to start, for those who might not know you yet, can you share a bit about who you are, your background, and what really gets you going?
Nic: Hey Cass! Before we get into this, I want to say that I could not be more proud of what you have accomplished so far with Anime Stains. You are truly inspiring and I am happy to support you in any way that I can. And yes, I’m coming to the studio for another tat. Okay, so let’s get to it. For those who might not know me, I'm Nicole S. Cameron, but most folks call me Nic. I navigate numerous roles, including proud mom to my two incredible daughters, Hayleigh and Kaycee, a practicing attorney, and the founder of both Ready Set Grow Solutions and Deep Impact, Inc. I grew up in East New York, Brooklyn, and spent most of my life there. There’s a lot I can say about East New York, but I wouldn’t be who I am if it weren’t for my experiences. Growing up in the ‘hood instilled in me a certain tenacity and a deep understanding of life's complexities. I learned how to survive and be resilient. Okay, so let’s fast forward a bit, because I need to explain where I’ve been so you can understand where I’m headed, as it pertains to Ready Set Grow Solutions. Many people do not know this, but after earning my Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2011 and being admitted to the New York Bar in 2012, I faced significant challenges finding a job in the competitive New York legal market. I was often up against graduates from top-tier institutions. Honestly, I didn't feel like I measured up against that competition. Beyond that, my own beliefs held me back. It often felt like I was entering spaces where I didn't belong. I didn't perceive myself as polished as my legal peers; I didn't feel I sounded or looked like them. Coming from East New York, a neighborhood marked by poverty and high crime, my life experiences often felt less "rich and cultured" compared to my counterparts. All of this contributed to a deep-seated feeling of not fitting in, even though we shared at least one thing common - we all passed the New York Bar Exam, one of the toughest in the nation. And looking back, even my academic record wasn't as strong as it could have been. During law school, I went from having the “civil procedure fever,” and Dean’s list one semester, to barely passing a Family Law final exam. I was going through it, Cass. Sexual abuse, domestic violence, and pregnancy was too much to bear during my third year. Yet, I suffered silently. Understandably, these experiences impacted my academic performance. The way I saw it, my story didn’t matter and I wasn’t good enough. Navigating these very feelings of inadequacy and experiencing poor mental health helped plant the seed for Ready Set Grow. Today, what truly ignites my passion is witnessing the incredible transformation that happens when women break free from those internal barriers and step into their power, as I had done.
Cass Laureano: Wow, that was powerful Nic. Thank you for sharing! I’d like to hear more of your story. So you mentioned your own journey and seeing the struggles of other women. What was the pivotal moment or series of experiences, that real "aha!" moment if you had one, that truly sparked the vision for Ready Set Grow Solutions?
Nic: Hmm…so, it wasn't like there was this one big "aha!" moment, but more like a few things all hitting at once. So while processing the highs and lows of job hunting, I was trying to figure out how to make ends meet and provide for my daughter. I remember using my unemployment check to help grow my desserts business and law practice. Eventually, depression hit and I was very withdrawn. During this time, I learned a close relative died by suicide. It was a total shock to everyone and such a huge loss. No one knew what she was battling at the time. I was devastated and wished there was a way I could have helped her reduce the overwhelm. This was the pivotal point for me. At this time, the conversations around mental health and suicide rates were getting louder, and I knew I wanted to be part of the change. First, I had to force myself out of my own depression. I was looking for meaning and purpose. Although I was receptive to all the professional advice, I could not feel better until I identified, understood, and addressed the root cause for myself. I dug really deep, trying to understand parts of myself I hadn't really looked at before. I came out more self-aware and created something that resonated with my spirit. In 2017, the I Love My SIS Project was born. SIS stands for Sufferer In Silence. It started as an awareness campaign on social media to shed light on Black mental health and suicide. It then evolved into an in-person support group, panel discussions, and events. I was encouraged by this evolution, so later that fall, I began studying clinical psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University and launched Ready Set Grow Solutions. It all came from that need to heal myself and then use what I learned to help others do the same.
Cass Laureano: This is deep. Mental health is so taboo within the community. Just sharing your story will inspire someone else to do the same. Okay, so let’s get into the name "Ready Set Grow Solutions." What's the significance behind this name and how does it reflect the core philosophy of your work?
Nic: Thank you. Okay, so "Ready Set Grow Solutions" feels so right to me because it really captures that feeling of being on the edge of something big, like you're about to take off. Think about it – you get ready by acknowledging where you are in the moment, maybe feeling a little stuck in that "silent suffering." Then, when you realize you’re not where you want to be, the next thing to do is to prepare. You set yourself up with the tools and a new way of thinking. And then you grow. This is where the magic happens. It’s the ongoing journey of becoming who you're truly meant to be. Now sometimes, you may know the “what” but don’t know the “how”, so that is where the solutions are helpful. We offer tools to promote accountability, positive health outcomes, and growth. Ready Set Grow Solutions is about empowering women to stop just thinking about change and actually making it happen.
Cass Laureano: You talk a lot about "silent suffering." For those who are just learning about Ready Set Grow, how would you explain what that really means?
Nic: Imagine carrying around this really heavy backpack that no one else can see. It's all those negative thoughts you keep replaying in your head, those feelings of not being good enough that you just swallow down. It's the dreams you don't pursue, the voice you don't use, because you're afraid or you just don't believe in yourself. It's that constant internal battle that can leave you feeling drained, anxious, and just… stuck. For me, a big part of my own silent suffering was that feeling of being lost, not knowing what I truly wanted or how to get there. And I know so many women experience this – that quiet frustration of feeling like you're not living up to your potential, that you have so much more inside, but something invisible is holding you back. It's about all the ways we dim our own light, not just by what we don't say, but by all the amazing things we don't do.
Cass Laureano: So, what's the big goal with Ready Set Grow Solutions? What impact are you hoping to make?
Nic: My big, heartfelt goal with Ready Set Grow, Cass, is to ignite a real movement of empowered women, especially within the Black community. We are forces of nature, but we often put everyone else first until we're running on empty. I want Ready Set Grow to be that hand that reaches out and says, "It's your turn now." It's about helping women rediscover their own strength, learn to prioritize their well-being, and build that unshakeable confidence to go after their dreams. Ready Set Grow Solutions offers workshops rooted in the END SILENT SUFFERING method, and the Legal & Business Accelerator. As far as my impact, I envision my work creating a ripple effect of empowered women uplifting one another, leading boldly, living authentically, and pouring into others from a place of true abundance.
Cass Laureano: I remember hearing you say that the "END SILENT SUFFERING" method was created from I Love My SIS’ motto. Can you share a little bit about the creative process behind this and how this is key to personal growth and development at Ready Set Grow?
Nic: I’m still amazed by my creative genius at times, girl! Okay, so, the tagline for I Love My SIS has always been #endsilentsuffering. The actual END SILENT SUFFERING method was fleshed out on my way to speak at an I Love My SIS meetup. I struggled with a topic and turned to prayer and meditation. Next thing I knew, my spirit led me to take notes in my phone. Each letter became a concept in the framework for personal growth and development. I was truly impressed with myself, and God, of course. I wanted to provide this framework as a tangible resource to the I Love My SIS community, so while in grad school for clinical psychology, it became the basis for my research. In a nutshell, the method consists of 18 interconnected concepts specifically designed to help women gain deep self-awareness, challenge those limiting beliefs, learn to express themselves authentically, and ultimately cultivate a strong sense of self-worth and resilience. It's about tackling the root causes of what keeps us stuck in that silent suffering and setting goals to prioritize well-being. My Integrative Project was submitted at the Clinical Psychology Departmental Showcase and won two awards. I also self-published the method as a self-guided journal.
Cass Laureano: I remember how helpful the method was to me when I was depressed about school, earning money, and figuring out life. What part of seeing women grow and succeed are you most passionate about? What makes all the hard work worth it for you?
Nic: This is a good question. Hmm…what truly fuels me is witnessing that moment when someone finally sees her own potential and starts to act on it. Your journey with Anime Stains is a perfect example! Amidst the struggles, you found joy in your talent and passions, then turned it into a thriving business, which was ultimately the catalyst for overcoming depression. You overcame self-limiting beliefs and bet on yourself. Look at you now. You’re happier and even more confident. Seeing you evolve from creating art on phone cases to owning your own tattoo studio – that's the kind of transformation that makes all the hard work incredibly rewarding. This is also why the Legal & Business Accelerator exists. To empower women with similar stories, to pour into themselves by finally starting or growing their business. I don’t think people realize how much unmet potential, fear, and uncertainty contributes to their silent suffering and mental health.
Cass Laureano: What's the one big takeaway you hope every woman who connects with Ready Set Grow Solutions will have?
Nic: If there's one thing I want every woman who connects with Ready Set Grow to truly take to heart, it's this: you are not broken, and you are absolutely, unequivocally worthy of a life filled with joy, purpose, and success – however you define it. Whether you're untangling those internal knots with the END SILENT SUFFERING method or building your dreams brick by brick in the Legal & Business Accelerator, please know that you don't have to carry that burden alone. Come as you are, we don’t judge! We see you, we believe in you, and your potential is so much bigger than you can even imagine right now. And to my beautiful daughters, Hayleigh and Kaycee, I want you to know that I built this work with the hope that if you ever face darkness or uncertainty in your own lives, the principles here, the framework I've created, can be a light for you too. Remember that inner flame you each possess? This is about keeping it lit, about finding your own strength to shine brightly, just as your mommy has strived to do. Be kind to yourselves on this journey; growth takes time, but you absolutely have the strength within you to create the life you deserve.
Cass Laureano: Wow, this is incredible. I am inspired all over again, hearing your journey and the powerful vision behind Ready Set Grow. Thank you for sharing your story and speaking with us about Ready Set Grow. I’m looking forward to part 2, but in the meantime, please tell everyone where they can learn more!
Nic: Thank you, Cass! It means the world to hear that, and more importantly, I'm so happy to have been a part of your own growth journey with Anime Stains. Yes, maybe we can do part 2 when I come in for my next tattoo. For everyone who wants to learn more about Ready Set Grow Solutions, you can visit my website at www.readysetgrowsolutions.com. You can also find us on Instagram under @readysetgrowsolutions, @endsilentsufferingwithnic, and @ilovemysisproject. And if you want to stay in the loop about upcoming events and offerings, be sure to sign up for our mailing list through the website!