We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicolette Noree Watson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nicolette Noree, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have always had an “entrepreneurial streak”, as far back as childhood when my dad would show me how to set up concession stands in our driveway during our neighborhood garage sales. I would sell lemonade, hot dogs and cookies and he taught me how to pick pricing and approach everyone to ask for their business. Even as a kid, I loved making the posters, meeting new people and, of course, making the sale. My dad also gave me ample opportunities to earn money doing extra chores, and he got me a special bank that divided the money into spending, saving and giving. It was clearly very important to him I understood the value of work and money. Upon getting my first “job-job” at about 15-16, I remember pretty quickly not loving it. Not because I minded the work, but because I would see other ways to do things and couldn’t stand not being able to implement them. So I guess you could say the combination of stubbornness and knowing from a very early age you could make money yourself played a major role in my journey as a small business owner.
What should our readers know about your business?
I can’t remember who said it (and maybe that’s because many have) but “success is just a series of failures” and my story is no exception. I have been a makeup artist, hairstylist, babysitter, seamstress, bartender, server manager, and more. I have worked in HR, cosmetology education, network marketing, finance, coaching and other industries I’m sure I’m forgetting. Some roles I did quite well in, and some in which I massively bombed. If something came too easily to me it, oddly, turned me off and I would lose interest. I really enjoy a challenge and have never had a hard time walking away from something that wasn’t stimulating to me…which has resulted, as you can see, in a lot of careers. I’ve faced my share of side-eyes, rejection and critics (as we all do at some point) and maybe as a younger person it may have bothered me but I’ve always held tight to the big vision and gut instinct that I have what it takes to succeed independently. For a long time, many of my ventures centered around something I did with my hands, made and then sold: sewing, hairdressing, etc. At some point I came to the conclusion that I was unconsciously hiding behind a product rather than stepping into the spotlight and role AS the product: a professional with a lot of experience and expertise to offer to others. I love social media and, since joining Instagram 7ish years ago, I always saw it as this amazing way to monetize something *everyone* is participating in anyways. I never knew what it would look like, but I followed the nudge and that’s what I continue to do and I am so happy with where trusting my instincts has landed me. Now, my entire goal is to help others “Show Up BIG” in life: in their own businesses, jobs, and relationships. There are so many people full of more natural talent in their pinky than I have in my entire body, but they need help with their strategy as well as their mindset to fully realize their potential; and that’s where I come in. I offer 1-on-1 social media and mindset coaching, keynote speaking, conducting team calls, online classes and more; I want to help as many businesses and people be as successful as possible by giving them the tools they need to step into their greatness.
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?
Texas, and the DFW area, are so full of amazing small businesses and historical spots; the old downtown areas are so beautiful and charming and I could walk around and visit their shops all day. Two of my favorite places are the JFK Memorial and Museum in Dealey Plaza. I mean, what an opportunity to stand on the spot of such a world-changing incident (and you’ll also meet some interesting characters there). Dallas offers several terrific tattoo shops and more funky bars and restaurants than I can possibly list, but Amory DE, Good Friend, Blind Butcher, Bakers Rib and StrangeWays have special places in my heart. You also cannot visit Dallas without strolling around White Rock Lake, Little Forest Hills or “the FOE.”
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband and our two daughters, who are my biggest “why” and the reason I will never quit.
Website: www.nicolettenoree.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolettenoree/?hl=en
Image Credits
Joe Watson Kelly Clark