Today we’d like to introduce you to Nickeisha ”Nikki” Roberts.
Hi Nickeisha ”Nikki”, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Since I was 12 years old, I’ve been fascinated by the idea of creative freedom, the ability to imagine something from scratch and bring it to life visually. When I first learned about graphic design and realized how it could touch almost anything from magazines to merchandise, branding to album art, I knew it was the path for me. I stayed focused, went to art school, and never looked back. I’ve always been a self-starter; if I don’t know something, I’ll dig in until I find the answer. After earning my Bachelor of Arts degree, I began my journey as a graphic artist at The DAS Group (now Marketing.com), then worked with several Miami radio stations and corporate brands as a designer and web developer. Each role sharpened my skills and taught me new ways to merge creativity with business. My next big step was joining J&R Adventures, the management company for Joe Bonamassa, where I grew from designer to Creative Art Director. After years of helping build someone else’s vision, I realized it was time to build my own. In 2016, with two young sons as my motivation, I launched Highgrade Concepts, a marketing and design agency that allowed me to work on my own terms, pursue my passion, and be fully present as a mom while creating meaningful, purpose-driven work every day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth. There were good days, and there were some really hard ones times when things didn’t go as planned, when clients fell through, or when balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship felt almost impossible. I never let those challenges discourage me, I always went back to my “why” the purpose behind why I started. That kept me grounded. Starting any business is tough, but running one successfully year after year, as a single mother and a Black woman in business, comes with an entirely different set of challenges. Society often tries to box you in or place limits on what you can do, but I’ve never allowed that to define me. I’ve always had a clear sense of who I am and what I want and I’ve been willing to put in the work to get there. Every obstacle taught me something and every small win, no matter how minor it seemed, was a reason to keep going. I’ve learned to appreciate both the victories and the failures because each one helped shape the woman and business owner I am today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Highgrade Concepts and Boss Media Management Group?
Highgrade Concepts Inc. is a full-service design and development agency built on the belief that great design isn’t just about how something looks, it’s about how it communicates. Since our launch on February 1, 2016, we’ve specialized in brand identity, visual communication, and strategic positioning, helping businesses translate their ideas into meaningful, high-impact visuals. What sets us apart is our attention to detail and our ability to blend creativity with strategy every project we touch is designed not only to look stunning but also to speak directly to the target audience in a way that connects and converts. Our clients range from corporations and nonprofits to educational institutions and entertainment brands, all seeking a partner who can elevate their message through design that’s clean, intentional, and timeless. Brand-wise, we’re most proud of our ability to help others look, sound, and feel like the premium brands they aspire to be.
Boss Media Management Group is a PR and management firm focused on the business of the music business. Our mission is simple, to empower young creatives with the knowledge, structure, and confidence they need to build sustainable careers and lasting legacies. We’re known for our hands-on mentorship approach, combining real-world guidance with educational programs that cover financial literacy, business etiquette, contracts, brand positioning, and career development. “Boss up” isn’t just a slogan for us it’s a mindset. We equip artists, producers, and creatives to take ownership of their craft and navigate the industry with clarity and professionalism. What sets us apart is our deep understanding of both artistry and business we don’t just manage talent; we build brands, teach empowerment, and help creatives move with purpose and power.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t just about money or recognition it’s about freedom, fulfillment, and impact. It’s waking up every day doing what I love, creating work that inspires others, and knowing that what I build serves a purpose bigger than myself. Success is being able to provide for my family while still being present for my kids. It’s having the freedom to choose projects that align with my values and the courage to walk away from those that don’t. It’s seeing my clients grow, watching their visions come to life, and knowing I played a part in that. Most importantly, success is about growth personally, creatively, and spiritually. Every lesson, every setback, every small win adds up to the kind of success that’s measured not by trophies, but by impact and peace of mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.highgradeconcepts.com
- Other: https://www.bossmediagroups.com
Image Credits
– Highgrade Concepts
