Meet Nicole Sonkur | Content Creator | Career Consultant | Sneaker Lover | People Hugger

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

Hi Nicole, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
When I think about risk taking, I think about doing whatever is necessary to get what you want in life. I’m a woman of faith and believe that God is always with us; however, we have to do our part to reach our destiny and purpose. We can have all the faith in the world, but if we’re not willing to do the hard things, to take the road less traveled, to lose the friends, to push ourselves…it’s all for nothing. Faith without works is DEAD! The thing about taking risks is that it’s not always a clear road surrounded by roses and people cheering us on. It’s feeling lonely, it’s sitting things out, it’s moving to a new city/state, it’s taking opportunities that might align with your vision, but not with your pocketbook! It’s not easy, it’s a tough road, but if you can make it to the other side, you come out stronger, more polished and even more tenacious!

Risk taking has played a major role in my life and career. I’ve been afforded many opportunities, and it has always been the opportunities that required me to stretch myself beyond my perceived capacity that have provided me with the greatest rewards. I moved from Long Beach, CA to Dallas, TX in 2017, with no job and no idea what was next for me. What I did have, was God, my mom and an acceptance letter from Texas Woman’s University (TWU). Today, I hold my M.S. in Counseling and Development, have a role as a Career Consultant that I love, a close-knit group of friends and am working toward growing my business, This Week’s Wears, within the fashion/style arena. I’ve lost a lot on my journey, but what I’ve gained from pushing myself, especially, when I didn’t feel I had it in me, has been a blessing! Life is a wild journey! Keep pushing!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In my current role as a university Career Consultant, I have the privilege of assisting students and alumni in reaching their professional and educational goals. I’ve always had a passion for students and helping them to reach their greatest potential. One of the things that sets me apart from others is my ability to build strong rapport with my clients/students, meeting them where they are and pushing them to work toward greatness. It makes me proud to know that I am truly making a difference in their lives and nothing feels better than receiving a call or email saying that they’ve landed their dream role/internship, were accepted into the program of their choice or that they have discovered their true passion. Additionally, my love for fashion and work as a stylist have allowed me to provide my colleagues with insight regarding our new career boutique, geared toward assisting students to look the part as they interview for new roles.

I got to where I am professionally, by taking my desire to help others, my education and entering work opportunities that put in the position to network with people who were where I wanted to be. How does that saying go? If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room! I had to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. I accepted help from others, even when I wanted to do it on my own. I had to let my guard down, and be open to new ways of doing things. Was it easy? Of course not! Was it worth it? Absolutely!

Along the way, I’ve learned that not everybody is meant to go with you on your journey. Some people, even those closest to you, will not always see the vision and may try to deter you from your goals because, they have their own idea of who you are what you have to offer the world. That’s when you have to show and prove that you won’t fit into the box they want to keep you in!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There’s a ton of things to do in Dallas and my friends would want to see it all! On my short list for activities, we’ll definitely hit MYX Blend Bar to make lipstick/lipgloss, Energy Gardens for a Terrarium Workshop, Dallas Museum of Art, and Revelers Hall for good vibes and live music! When it comes to eats and drinks, we’re going to be all over the city! Kenny’s Burger Joint & Wood Fired Grill, Haywire, Austin Avenue, La Taqueria Los Angeles, Mesero, Mi Cocina, Sushi Sake, Kinzo, Fadi’s Mediterranean, Napoli’s Pizza and Wu Wei Din….just to name a few favs!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my amazing support system, my parents Gary and Cynthia, as well as my grandparents, J.L. and Nevada and, Kalu and Gloria. Since I was a child, they have all been there to support me, provide for me and push me to my greatest potential. They showered me with love, prayers and many opportunities to explore my educational and professional passions. They always believed that I could do anything and their belief in me has been my greatest motivation! My dad and grandparents have all passed on, but I know that they continue to watch over me, protecting and guiding me on the daily!

Although, I no longer have my dad and grandparents in the flesh, I am beyond blessed to still have the support and love of my mom. She has always led by example and is the best person that I know in this world! Thank you, Ma! For being my biggest cheerleader, and best friend! I love you more than words can ever express.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleyrozay/

Image Credits
Nicole A. Sonkur