Today we’d like to introduce you to Sekani Kobelt.
Hi Sekani, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m someone who has always been hyper-independent and motivated. In my junior year in high school, I decided to get into Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. Mind you, I sabotaged some of my other college Ivy League applications by not taking specific tests, and I never saw the Rutgers campus until I started college.
In high school and college, I was still determining what I wanted and how I would do it. Being that there is always a huge push for STEM majors my teachers kept advising me to be pre-med. I had dreamt of getting into college for the longest. And being there was great, but my first couple of years I quickly needed to shift my focus from enjoying the college experience to being disciplined enough to become a doctor. I don’t know what it is about junior year, but in my junior year of college, I was doing a physical therapy internship, and almost everyday after I left, I would sit on a bench on College Ave and cry. For no reason! People were excited to see me in my scrubs. Ask me how I got the internship. Proud of me. But I was sad!
So by my senior year, I had passed most of my major classes early so if I wanted to do something fun or for myself I did it. At that time, I realized I wanted more than just a great career. I wanted to enjoy my life, have great friends, start being creative again, and spend time traveling when I could. Those things made me happy, and I wanted to find a way to incorporate those back into my life regularly. Not just on holiday vacations. So, I went on a journey to figure out what that looked like and how to create balance living in an American society that is very work driven. After a few years of doing different jobs & businesses, I founded Experience Initiative which led into opening Nexus Creative Hub.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It could have been a smoother road. I needed to go through a lot of bumps to even be able to understand the business and services that I was trying to create. Starting with an idea, some cash, and enthusiasm, I went through my own mental & physical health challenges, diet & nutrition alterations, financial struggles, shifts to the business, and probably others to come. Being steadfast in the vision and making necessary adjustments is all I can do.
We’ve been impressed with Nexus Creative Hub, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart?
On the business side, I’m the co-founder and operations side of Nexus Creative Hub. This means I make the day-to-day behind-the-scenes things happen. Creatively, I’m a writer and an actor. I’ve also done work modeling, and I enjoy playing music. ( I need to get my trumpet so I can start playing again.) My professional background is working for nonprofit and youth organizations, having worked as a sports coach and coordinator prior to having my own business. I’m also licensed as a financial representative with a series 7 & 66. So, as a part of my business, I do business & finance coaching.
The community is the biggest thing that sets Nexus Creative Hub apart. We decided on nexus because it meant connection. Seeing that it is not easy to meet people as adults, especially those who are supportive of creative aspirations and open to new people, we created a space explicitly geared towards that, which was our primary focus. I like to get to know everyone and learn how to be a resource, whether it is pointing someone in the right direction, introducing people to each other, or giving advice. I try not to give unsolicited advice though, but if anyone asks I’m more than willing.
Nexus Creative Hub provides different ways to interact with the space based on your needs. Daily, we function as a creative co-working space, so if you need a quiet space to work or meet with a group, we have options. Then, we throw public events that allow people to get together, learn more about each other, and have a good time. Also, you can book the space for your events, workshops, photoshoots, videos, or meetings. This month, I’m releasing our production membership for those who want to interact with groups to work on products, enhancing business skills, film, media, content, writing, acting, and other subsets, and bringing together the social aspects of our space and actions that allow for career growth. Members have started saying that we are the content house which I’ll accept, I’ll just put that we have a positive and community element to everything that we do.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
That everything takes time. The best part is the journey. Since, once I reach one goal I’ll usually start figuring out how to solve the next one, on the way to a goal I have learned to make time to enjoy the people around me and my experiences. I know that when things turn out differently, it is usually for the best. And the best benchmark of success is if I can improve someone else’s life while I’m achieving.
Pricing:
- Production Club Membership – $25
- Production Club + Co-working – $75
- Late Night Co-Working – $100
- Add-ons business consulting, vendor space, workshop, photoshoot, podcast, or event space
Contact Info:
- Website: nexuscreativehub.com
- Instagram: Nexuscreativehub
