Meet Nicole Flanagin | Working Mama + Accessory Designer

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

Hi Nicole, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Oh boy, this is one of those life goals that can sometimes feel as if it’s impossible to achieve. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years — give yourself grace. Finding that balance is different for every person. Whether you work outside the home or your full-time gig is to raise happy babies in a healthy home; you have to find what works for you at that point in your life. For me, the need to balance is always being fine-tuned. What I mean by that is that some months I do more things socially and some months I soak up the time being a homebody. Some weeks I am having a creative out-pouring and I need to dream and design. Some weeks, I don’t. And while it’s easier said than done, I take advantage of every opportunity to simplify my life. I fully love doing grocery pick-up. I have no shame in running the dishwasher multiple times. I let our little robot vacuum help sweep the house. I put away my son’s laundry while we play in his room. Because at the end of the day, I cannot do it all. I will always want to do more and be a better version of myself — that goal will never go away. But I don’t want to miss all the precious moments that life gives me in the messiness of living a very normal (sometimes un-balanced) life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In my full-time gig, I work in the world of telecommunications project management. It’s so different from my small business but that’s what I love. I am able to activate and challenge the left-side of my brain. But I have always been a creative person at heart. Fashion, makeup artistry, drawing, interior design, jewelry — at every stage of my life I have found myself drawn to creative expression. I am always looking for inspiration in the world around me because it’s just who I am as a person. The most challenging element of running a small business is to not burn out; as a creator and a wife, mother, daughter, friend, etc. I try to allow myself the flexibility to create when I am feeling it — because it’s extremely easy to get caught up in a cycle of churning out new work constantly. I want my work to stay fresh and true to who I am and where I’m finding inspiration.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As someone who is native to north Texas, I am confident I could drag my bestie to lots of fun spots all over the metroplex. I grew up in Denton so I’d have to show them around the Denton square; it’s full of fun shops, great bars and restaurants. I’d definitely spend a day with them in Deep Ellum and Oak Cliff — two neighborhoods in Dallas that are special to me because I lived there. We’d head to Fort Worth for a day of juxtaposed culture — cowtown and museum row. Mule Alley is one of my new favorite spots in FW. And if they’re into wine, I’d have to take them to downtown Grapevine.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family, my friends and my community. Without their constant and unwavering support, I wouldn’t have the energy, focus or motivation to find my creative voice and let it shine. I am beyond grateful for all the love, feedback and encouragement they give me on a daily basis.

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