KISH: Tell us about you..
Well, if you were to meet me today, you would say I am bold and full of ambition, but no one would ever believe that I was a quiet and nerdy kid growing up. I have always been filled with drive, tenacity, and pliability of an entrepreneur. I am a woman of many hats. Of course, I am a mom first, boss chick and serial-preneur immediately after. Meditation and being a loving mother is what fuels me throughout the day. I have a genuine passion for what I do. After being fired from my job as a banker, I was forced to start my own business, which is how Brandifi was born. Brandifi is my design firm of an elite and diverse team of individuals specializing in brand creativity for small and large businesses. We provide business coaching, motivation, and new employment opportunities for minority women. I have a mind that is constantly on the go and my depth and creative ability is at an all time high.
KISH: What is your dream and how will accomplishing your dream benefit you and others?
Nicole: For Brandifi, my dream has always been to further expand, within a year’s time to having worked with some of your top retailers and corporations, such as Target, Sephora, ULTA, Macy’s, Urban Outfitters, and so many more. Brandifi is already highly sought after and recognized as the “Top Design Firm” however, our services are not limited by any means. I am looking to shift our focus on assisting our clients with partnering with top-tier retailers and commercial companies. What I have found is that oftentimes, our clients have very valuable products and ideas that have a strong potential to increase revenue and drive minority traffic to retail businesses. Brandifi is looking to be the liaison between such clients and these retailers.
KISH: Who or what inspired you to pursue this dream?
Nicole: My inspiration comes from helping others elevate. When I started my business, being creative was not only a way to dive in deep to express the brand my client was trying to bring into the world, it also allowed me to share and give advice when it came to starting a business. Starting a business as we all know can be a struggle and I love helping where I can. I feel inspired by being able to help so many businesses become household names and brands.
KISH: What challenges have you encountered while pursuing your dream?
Nicole: When I first started Brandifi, I started it with only a few hundred dollars. My goal was to grow Brandifi without having to rely on any investors. I would say starting on a small budget was one of my many struggles I faced while growing my business.
KISH: Who or what inspired you to keep pushing regardless of the challenges you’ve encountered?
Nicole: My mother! She always allowed me to express my creativity and dreams no matter how crazy they seemed to others. She still does this with me as an adult. She is my number one fan, cheering me on the whole way.
KISH: Please provide final thoughts/advice for others by finishing this sentence… dream.
Nicole: My final thoughts or advice would be to keep moving forward. No matter what your dream is, you may succeed or fail the first try but never STOP. There will definitely be ups and downs in your business. Some days it will seem like more down than ups. No matter how it seems, continue to strive for your greatness. Focus on your why! Why are you doing this? Why does this mean so much to you? Whatever that may be!
