Meet Nadya Durham | Founder & CEO Ichronic Marketing | Social Media & Marketing Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nadya Durham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nadya, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I started my love for marketing way back when while running around my mom’s work office in Houston, causing chaos. As a kid, I never knew what was going on, but I would be so fascinated by how she handled herself in business. She turned her headaches and frustration (caused by my office chaos) into these beautiful masterpieces of advertisement. At a certain point, she started giving me busy work. I became so fond of it she then started asking for my opinion on things. I would get so creative with where and what to slap a logo on; socks, chapsticks, sunglasses, slap a sticker on someone’s forehead (if they let me, lol)!

My passion continued into high school, and I took nothing but marketing classes. Honestly, I didn’t learn a thing, such blow-off classes (LAME). However, it resulted in me needing to do something to make up for lost knowledge. I then started asking my mom if there was anything I could help her with at work. I ended up with a mini internship with her, and it was a blast. Helping her brainstorm themes for her next convention, coming up with ways to outshine the competitor’s swag game, and being a great listener for venting sessions. The more I got to help, the more I fell in love with the industry. I loved how every day was a new day. But mainly, I loved how powerful and diverse marketing was! And that’s when I knew that I HAD to make a career out of it.

While earning my Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing at Stephen F. Austin State University (AX’EM!), I met my favorite professor, Dr. Kahla. Who encouraged me to compete in national advertising competitions and participate in exclusive marketing opportunities. She saw the creativity I had, the hunger I couldn’t satisfy, and she mentored me my entire college career. Molding and evolving my marketing mind to build it into the powerhouse it is today.

Once I received my degree, the whole world shut down, so finding work was not easy as a recent graduate. During the lockdown, marketing became more of a necessity than people realized. I started to think of a way to be a part of that necessity, how can I market myself to be hired. As I was scrolling through social media, I noticed more ads for just about anything and new businesses popping up everywhere with no more than 40 followers and a cry for help. That’s when it hit me. I could start a social media agency! I have years of marketing experience already, and I know how social media algorithms work to benefit myself. Plus, I enjoyed chilling in my pajamas and drinking mimosas while finishing marketing campaigns for family/friends’ businesses. I decided to put the two skills together to create something society was desperately needing. Since then, I have been the founder and CEO of Ichronic Marketing (while working in my pajamas and drinking mimosas), and it’s been one heck of a journey.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Ichronic Marketing is a social media agency that helps people monetize social media for their business with the use of brand growth and exposure, as well as social media management, marketing, and consulting. Yes, there are hundreds of people doing something similar, but I don’t think they add the personal touch to each client to make them feel that they are the only one they are working with.

As a business owner, I am the goofiest, hard-working individual you will meet. I play hard, while I work hard to make the job fun while also breaking the awkwardness “professional business” tends to hold. That’s what makes Ichronic Marketing unique from other agencies and how I got to where I am today. The name itself, Ichronic, means to have a great idea while under the influence. I love marketing and, I love wine with a good conversation. Ironic enough, I came up with the idea while under the wine-fluence. What better way to describe the way my company runs? My company represents more than a business transaction. I like to get to know my clients as if we did go out for drinks and spit great ideas for the past five years. I want to understand who they are and their passion or story for the brand I am asked to market. I want my clients to be comfortable, know that even though you are a client, you are a friend too. Small businesses must support small businesses, in the office and outside of it.

I am most excited about Ichronic being a year old in January 2022. I started Ichronic Marketing during quarantine, and it’s been one heck of a journey! Almost giving up, clients turning into now close friends, becoming more noticed for my different work style, and growing at an astonishing speed. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, I had many challenges with myself and clients, but the one thing I learned from it all was who cares. It’s YOUR business. You decide who YOU work/put up with. YOU determine how you want your business to run. I have had many potential clients not work with me because I’m “childish,” and what I say to them is ‘so?’ I still get the job done, and I do it in a way that makes ME happy. That’s what matters.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
All of my friends are either foodies, artsy, adventurous, or all of the above. Our favorite place to eat is at La Calle, and we will eat there maybe every other day of the week. We are suckers for a good margarita and delicious street taco. The vibe there is relaxing until we whip out the Uno cards.

We also enjoy visiting art museums. However, we prefer the local art popup shops at either The Silos at Sawyer Yards or wherever we can find an art event in the area happening now. If we really can’t find any nearby events, we check out the Graffiti Park to see if anything new is up or head over to Seismique.

Houston is known for its food scene, and I can’t say I have any specific places I would recommend because 1. they are all so dang good and 2. there are so many I still need to try! It depends on what we are in the mood for, and we usually Yelp it to make sure they have good mimosas and a good-sized table for a round of Uno. A few places I would recommend for great food, vibes, and drinks: Just mac, Southside Flying Pizza, Little Woodrow’s – Midtown (furry friends welcomed!), Drip Coffeeshop, JW’s Soulfood, and Good Eats!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I would like to give a shoutout to my mother. Being a hustler herself, she has always supported my hustle and the potential of my marketing business. She is the reason I got to where I am now and is the one person who gives non-stop support. To this day, she reminds me how proud she is, and it stimulates me every time. I couldn’t have asked for a better set of footsteps to follow.

Secondly, I want to shout out to my father. He has always pushed me in sports and life to not give up, even if I lose. He not only taught me that hard work pays off, but you can have fun while doing it. He reminds me what my “why” is for this journey and that he will also be living with me once I do make it *shakes head, lol*.

Lastly, my two best friends Arielle Beltran and Vernando Hegwood. I haven’t had friends support me as they do. Pushing me past my limit so I can better myself, rolling me out of bed when I start to give up, and reminding me of the goals we have together for the future. I thank you both.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ichronicmarketing/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadya-durham-99a972150/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ichronic-Marketing-103020815492646

Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMREkRwsX/

Image Credits
Marland Johnson Jr. | Red Wyne Photography