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

Hi Ninika, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I view risk as a necessary evil. Evaluating the risk and rewards of an opportunity is necessary to achieve the best outcome or to weed out an impractical endeavor. Understanding risk leads to adequately preparing and guarding yourself from any downsides. With this mindset I’ve always lived risk adverse. But let me clarify. I do take risks but the risk I do take are calculated. When I investigate an opportunity I understand the obstacles ahead of me and what could possibly fail and then work on mitigating the risk with various action plans. For example, I am a real estate investor. When I purchase a property to fix it up and quickly sale, I understand that the housing market could change and reduce or eliminate my profits. So as a back up plan I discuss with my realtor the option to rent the property to tenants or have it within my portfolio as an Airbnb. I even discuss if I have to sell it and take a loss, can I afford that loss and how will I recover from it financially? In short, I have learn to evaluate risks to build a strong business case to proceed with an opportunity or forego it and in the event I pursue the endeavor always have a back plan

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Professionally, my career has been trial and error. I earned a degree in chemical engineer and went to work in the oil and gas industry and quickly discovered a career in engineering was not for me. Within my company I was able to find my niche within the area of asset acquisitions and divestments. It definitely wasn’t easy. I was always second-guessed or underestimated in a male-dominated industry. I overcame these obstacles by always being authentic and genuine and performing at a top tier level. After a period of time, my coworkers started to see me as an asset. Through this I have learned that it is always best to be who you are. There is always a place for you. You just have to find the right niche. I want people to know that you are valued. Through my story I want people to understand that you have something to bring to the table and that you should be proud and confident in what you have to offer.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Working out and eating are top on my list so the first place we are going is to a Cyclebar in the area followed by brunch at The Breakfast Klub or Trill Burger for the food. After we eat, we head over to any festival that’s going on in the city. Houston always has a festival and take in the culture.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Family & Friends … my family and friends truly believe in me and invest in any opportunity I choose to go after.

Website: https://www.cyclebar.com/location/katy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyclingwithninika?igsh=MWhiNzk1eG40ZXVqeQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/

Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/cyclebar-katy-3

Other: https://www.instagram.com/amauche_mom?igsh=MXhibG9tbmNtbTg2OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.