Healing and Hope: Nia Renee’s Fight for Women’s Voices
Domestic violence is a pervasive issue, and its impact on communities of color is devastating. Women of color often face additional barriers—such as cultural stigma and lack of resources—that make escaping the cycle of abuse even more challenging. The effects ripple beyond the individual, hurting families, and entire communities.
At Boss Babe Networking, we know that empowering women to reclaim their voice can be truly life-changing. When women are given the space to speak their truth, they not only heal themselves but also inspire others to share their stories. This is the power of storytelling.
In this edition of HerStory, we feature Nia Renee, founder of How To Love A Battered Woman, LLC.
Photo Credit: Alex J. Martin (@Iamalexjmartin)
Introduction: Hello, I'm Nia Renee, Founder of How To Love A Battered Woman, LLC., and my mission is to help guide anyone needing some assistance through their healing journey from narcissistic abuse. As someone who has experienced toxic relationships firsthand, I’ve dedicated my professional life to empowering others to recognize manipulation, establish boundaries, and create a safe, healthy life for themselves. I also have over a decade of experience as a model, with one of my proudest moments being walking in New York Fashion Week (for the Runway of Dreams Foundation) as part of a movement advocating for inclusivity for individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities. What brings me the most joy is witnessing people rebuild their lives and take control of their future, free from the chains of abuse.
A time I overcame an obstacle: One of the most significant obstacles I faced was growing up in a household where toxic behavior was normalized. It took time to understand that the relationship I had with my mother influenced many of the unhealthy dynamics in my adult life. The biggest lesson I learned was that healing begins with self-awareness and addressing core wounds. This journey has allowed me to break the cycles of abuse and establish healthy boundaries, especially in my marriage, where I’ve found peace and love.
Photo Credit: Alex J. Martin (@Iamalexjmartin)
The biggest challenge people face right now: The biggest challenge many individuals face today is the stigma surrounding trauma and abuse, along with the fear of not being believed. People are often conditioned to stay silent, and societal pressures can make it difficult to come forward and seek help. We need to continue challenging these harmful narratives to create safe environments for everyone to share their stories and access support without judgment.
What I wanted to be when I grew up: When I was younger, I just wanted to be happy. I wanted to have a normal childhood like I saw all of my friends having. So growing up my goal was to be happy and give my inner child the things she was starved from. That is heartbreaking to admit, but true.
Advice for those in abusive relationships: To anyone in an abusive relationship, I want you to know that the abuse you’re experiencing is not your fault, and you deserve safety and freedom. Your self-worth and love for yourself are not the reasons you ended up in this situation. Abusers are expert manipulators, and the responsibility lies with them. It’s crucial to take steps toward emotional and physical safety, even small ones. Seek support, whether it’s from a trusted friend, a counselor, or an organization, and know that healing is possible.
Where to connect: You can connect with me through my website, www.howtoloveabatteredwoman.com, where I offer coaching services and resources. I’m also active on Tiktok, Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube (@howtoloveabatteredwoman), where I share motivational content and tools for healing from narcissistic abuse.
Please credit the professional photos of me in black to Alex J. Martin (@Iamalexjmartin)
