Entrepreneur Spotlight: Nakia D. Whittaker of The Innovantage Collaborative Brands
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Entrepreneur Spotlight: Nakia D. Whittaker of The Innovantage Collaborative Brands

  • Writer: Casey Ariel Thobias
    Casey Ariel Thobias
  • 10 minutes ago
  • 3 min read
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Nakia D. Whittaker | Founder, The Innovantage Collaborative Brands


At the heart of The Innovantage Collaborative Brands is a powerful truth: entrepreneurship goes beyond building a great idea once. The journey often entails shaping entire ecosystems that can adapt, endure, and meet a spectrum of needs.


Founder Nakia D. Whittaker has woven together a dynamic suite of services through her consolidated brands:

  1. KISS Virtual Services – administrative, efficiency, and project management consultancy

  2. VA World Brands – an empowerment circle community and conference platform for virtual assistants

  3. Her personal brand – where she speaks, mentors, and fosters collaborative opportunities for entrepreneurs


Each arm of the business is rooted in her commitment to helping leaders streamline operations, focus on their true genius, and expand their capacity without losing sight of their mission.



The Conversations We’re Not Having Enough


While many in the professional services and entrepreneurship space are discussing growth, Nakia believes there are crucial topics lurking in the shadows — risk mitigation, mental clarity, and the upskilling required in the wake of AI.


“We can’t keep treating evolution like an optional skill,” she says. “When technology changes, our business models, mindsets, and boundaries must adapt with it.”

This is a word, Nakia! In the face of industry disruption, sitting on the sidelines can mean the difference between surviving and closing your doors. Her nudge to peers is clear: it’s time to gain proficiency in the tools that will shape our industries.



The Cash Flow Wake-Up Call


Even with early success, Nakia faced the hard reality that outside stressors can destabilize a thriving business if boundaries and systems aren’t in place.


It’s no secret that “CEO” can sometimes feel like “chief everything officer” when cash is strapped and resources are limited. But burning the candle from both ends can have consequences that far outweigh the money saved.


Nakia’s takeaways?

  • Protect your peace and mental clarity as much as your profit.

  • Build in accountability and transparency.

  • Delegate early — especially to a trusted financial specialist.


We can never receive this reminder enough — especially in today’s economy, where so many are being tested financially.



What Customers Really Want


In the early days, Nakia assumed clients wanted to hand over tasks completely. But she was surprised to learn that many still wanted to “be in the weeds” — even while having the option to delegate.


This insight gives Nakia a competitive edge. She provides peace of mind and added capacity by taking important tasks off her clients’ plates, while ensuring they stay informed and engaged.


There’s no ego in this message — just pure service. That’s how real problems get solved.



Legacy in Motion


As a single parent, Nakia’s early focus was on generating income. But as her daughter grew, her vision expanded to include impact and legacy.


Even though her daughter isn’t interested in running the business day-to-day, Nakia has designed structures and instructions so her family can benefit for generations — or enter into profit-sharing agreements that honor her work and secure her daughter’s future.


Standard operating procedures (SOPs) and equity structures are already in place, making the pathway to succession a smooth handoff. That’s legacy in action.



The Hard-Won Lessons


Nakia offers a few gems every entrepreneur should hear:

  • Always build a contingency fund.

  • Treat business revenue as a tool for reinvestment and retirement planning.

  • Don’t align guilt with business expenses.


Too often, entrepreneurs only think of outside funding for big spending needs. Nakia reminds us that our businesses can — and should — self-fund emergencies, retirement, and reinvestments when managed well.



Parting Wisdom


“Let’s change the narrative from "pivot" to "evolve,” Nakia shares, quoting Kindra Dionne. “Our passion deserves profit — so keep moving from one point to the next with enthusiasm in your ‘why.’”

Nakia’s message is clear: expect change, embrace it, and grow because of it. Her perspective is an invitation to do the hard things, disrupt yourself, and keep moving forward.


We believe in you.



Connect with Nakia D. Whittaker:




About This Feature


Stay connected to more stories like Nakia's by exploring our Entrepreneur Spotlight Series — where we're celebrating the real financial journeys of business owners in our community, one story at a time.


🤎 This feature is part of Blaze Group’s Black Business Month 'Tell Your (Money) Story' initiative. Additionally, in partnership with our friends at Black Woman Owned, we #DoubleTheExposure by sharing women's stories throughout the month.




Have a story of your own? Let’s share it this Black Business Month!



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