She’s Bold, Brilliant, and Black: Meet Nana Prempeh

My name is Nana, and I'm a lawyer who lives between London and Spain. My career is based in London, where I work, but the move to Spain was driven by having a French-Spanish partner, and we both agreed that the quality of our lives would be (and is!) so much better in Spain. We live in the mountains, with sea views, with our cat Petra. More of the story of how we met has been profiled on CNN Traveller (the link is in my Instagram bio).

In my spare time, I have a blog on Instagram @nanaaaprempeh. Initially, the move to Spain is what prompted me to develop it, but I realised I could offer so much more. Having faced a 16-year journey to qualify as a lawyer, my account tells a story of triumph over struggle, and with an audience of a similar demographic to myself, my mission is to educate, empower and inspire my followers to go forth and create the lives of their dreams.

What experiences in your life have helped you to become the bold woman you are today?

This has mostly come from my career path. I didn't get the 'right' grades at university to become a lawyer, and after that, I spent the first few years of my twenties doubting myself. But I continued to gain legal work experience as an intern in the US and back home in London. It was only after a year or so, back in London working as a paralegal, that I realised that I have what it takes. This led to a 16-year journey of trying to qualify as a lawyer, where in England, you need to work in a law firm for two years. I received many, many 'no's' (for my applications) along the way. I even considered an alternative career, but after being declined a promotion two years in a row, that pushed me to try again and qualify as a lawyer. I finally achieved this at age 39. There was no Plan B by this point. It had to work.

Who were your role models growing up, and how did they influence your path?

Undoubtedly, my father. He has been a tremendous role model and exemplifies tenacity, resilience and determination. He is also extremely emotionally intelligent, great with people, wise, and highly respected. He is also supportive and encouraging of both my education and career. Even at the age of 9, when I was applying for high schools, he would stay up late with me, and we'd practice examination papers, as I ended up having to sit many exams, so I could choose from a range of highly regarded high schools.

My parents have always been highly ambitious to me and my siblings, so we had no choice but to shoot for the stars.

As a Black woman, have you faced any unique challenges that have impacted your journey? How have you navigated moments of adversity?

Of course, as Black women, we do have it harder in the world on many levels, but frankly, it isn't something I choose to dwell on. As mentioned above, during my career journey, I watched as others' careers fell into place and wondered if the same would happen to me, naturally. The most important thing in these situations is not to doubt yourself because you'll never achieve if you listen to others' doubts. Stay true to yourself, believe in yourself and with enough hard work, some mentoring support, access to resources, and a solid network, you can really make things work for you. Arguably, this isn't just career advice, but life advice.

How do you want your life and work to impact your community and the world?

Wow, what a big question! Hehe!

I really generally don't think about myself in this way. Of course, it's good to think about the future and in some way, leave a legacy, but that can be done in many ways - no one size fits all.

It's always important to have some kind of focus, be it within work, outside that, or both. It's important to focus on the things that bring you joy and on some level, a sense of fulfillment. If you're doing something you enjoy, you will throw yourself into it, apply yourself more, and in some way, it will inevitably leave a positive impact on others. At the moment, writing and creating content is a big part of this focus, where I discuss navigating life's challenges, career development and how to look and feel your best. Even if I touch or help one person, that will be something.

What advice would you give other Black women about owning their brilliance in spaces that attempt to dim their light?

Stay true to yourself, and more importantly, seek support - it could be a mentor or several, an affinity network, or more senior colleagues you respect and admire. Even family and friends have kept me on track during the toughest times.

I also wouldn't focus on the 'I'm a Black woman and life is tough' narrative too much. Yes, prejudice exists, but you need to move past that and focus on yourself as a person and, most importantly, your strengths and what you can offer to push yourself forward.

We don't have time to feel sorry for ourselves because there is so much greatness within us.

How can our readers connect with you?

Instagram: @nanaaaprempeh