I’m a coach, strategist & six-figure solopreneur, helping folks build their career around what matters most.

About Me

The official line: I’m a Board-Certified business coach, trained by the NeuroLeadership Institute, UPenn’s School of Design & LifeLabs Learning. Over the past decade, I’ve helped 1,000+ professionals design careers that embrace flexibility and financial viability. My work focuses on the intersection of leadership, work-life balance, and building businesses that feel as good as they look.

The bottom line: a career that truly fits your life doesn’t just happen by chance - it takes thoughtful building and bravery.  I try to lead my Studio with these same values every day.

I live in Chicago with my husband, Adam. When I'm not coaching or facilitating incredible clients, I'm likely at the park chasing around my only boss, a floof of a sheepdog, Andie.

ICF-ACC Coach & Founder of Spring Street Studio

I’m Nina Rayburn

...you have to build it. It starts by investing in the things you can never get back: your time and energy.

I believe a fulfilling life doesn’t happen by accident.

As an ICF-Certified coach, I follow a proven practice that's grounded in brain science and backed by an ethics board.

My approach is accredited by both science & ethics.

I’ve trained thousands of hiring managers and launched some of today's well-known brands. I’ll show you how to position yourself for opportunities, whether you’re building your own path or stepping into a new one.

I have experience from
brand to board room.

A flexible career still has to pay the bills. We’ll balance vision and values with real-life responsibilities like budget & income.

Responsible and creative are NOT mutually exclusive.

Your future isn’t cookie-cutter; nor is my role. I'll help you define the kind of career you want to lead, and give you the tools to make it happen.

Our partnership is personalized, by design.

It’s wild out there. Why make it more complicated? I keep it pragmatic & personal.

My Principles

We start where you are, not where you ‘should’ be. If your work isn't serving your life, it’s time to rewrite the rules.

You’ve got one life. Build a career that lets you live it.

Your time spent with our managers has made all the difference to the team. The tools you shared were easy to use and had an immediate impact on how we work together. Your energy, knowledge, and care came through in everything you did this last quarter. 

“Honestly, you made me proud to work here again.”

Director of people, ad agency

Our team's sessions with you fly by, and every takeaway feels practical and actionable. Thank you for creating space for honest conversations, engaged everyone in the room, and making us feel heard. Your ability to make hard things feel approachable is truly a gift.

“You simplified the complex and brought clarity to leading big change.”

SVP of HR, Tech Start-up

Your work on our messaging has made such a tangible impact. You helped us find clarity in our campaign direction and made us excited to move forward. Thank you!!

“Our enrollment is up...this wouldn’t have been possible without you.”

vp of marketing, Non-profit

A lab-style coaching series designed to strengthen
your own leadership skills. Through science-backed
strategies and pragmatic exercises, you'll untangle
team challenges (and get ahead of future ones)
in just a few hours a month.

Start Smart:

TEAM PROGRAM
for new managers

A step-by-step guide to a self-employed career.
This 1:1 coaching program combines proven
templates, actionable tools, and personalized
support - because solopreneurship
doesn't have to mean alone.

Own Your Work:

PRIVATE COACHING
for solopreneurs

Studio Services