Meet Nicole Culbreth

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole Culbreth. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole below.

Nicole, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

The primary source of my resilience stems from becoming a mother at the age of 16, a truly pivotal moment in my life. It was then that I realized it was my responsibility to create a pathway toward generational wealth for my family. As a mother, you take on many roles—protector, provider, counselor, advocate, and so much more. Raising a family requires you to balance these responsibilities with strength and determination.

My children, along with the challenges I’ve faced throughout life, have inspired me to build a lasting legacy and work toward creating generational wealth, not just for myself but for my family. That early experience shaped my ability to persevere and remain motivated regardless of the obstacles. Today, my children and grandchildren continue to be my greatest inspiration. They drive me to achieve more, serve as a role model, and create opportunities that foster growth and stability for generations to come.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am Nicole Culbreth, a passionate entrepreneur, innovator, and community advocate with over 20 years of experience in mental health and human services. I graduated from Lincoln University with a Master’s in Human Services, and today, I serve as the Executive Director of Neighborhood Community Services, my mental and behavioral health counseling agency. This work is my field of expertise, and it allows me to serve my community in ways that truly change lives. Supporting underserved and underappreciated populations gives me a deep sense of purpose and motivates me to continue striving for better.

As the CEO of multiple businesses, I’ve built a legacy of leadership and innovation. KAN Management, my consulting firm, specializes in assisting businesses with insurance credentialing, program implementation, and systems management. Interestingly, this company started as a side hustle to fund QuikLid Products, my product company.

QuikLid Products is one of my proudest innovations—a reusable, sustainable lid for disposable aluminum steam pans. QuikLid is clear, withstands heat up to 230 degrees, maintains the temperature of food—whether hot or cold—and opens two ways for easy serving. It was born out of a simple frustration and has grown into a solution designed to enhance the experience of entertaining and event hosting.

Professionally, I want to continue learning and growing as an entrepreneur to ensure the successful execution of my businesses. It’s easy to become an entrepreneur, but staying one requires focus, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. My businesses keep me busy and always on my toes, but I’ve learned that the key to creating sustainable businesses lies in communication, integrity, and unwavering commitment.

I am also a proud mother and grandmother, drawing my strength and inspiration from my family. My experiences as a mother have shaped my ability to lead and persevere, and my family continues to drive my passion for creating generational wealth and uplifting my community. Whether it’s through guiding entrepreneurs, innovating with QuikLid, or supporting my clients through Neighborhood Community Services, I remain dedicated to making an impact.

My mantra is simple: “Love, Give, and Nurture talents—even in the darkest of times.”

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Resilience: Life has thrown its share of challenges my way, but resilience has been the foundation that keeps me moving forward. Becoming a mother at 16 taught me how to persevere, no matter the odds. Building businesses, overcoming obstacles, and staying committed to my goals all required me to stay strong in the face of adversity.

2. Adaptability: Entrepreneurship is unpredictable, and the ability to pivot when things don’t go as planned has been crucial. Whether it was creating KAN Management as a side hustle to fund QuikLid Products or finding new ways to serve my community through Neighborhood Community Services, staying flexible has allowed me to seize unexpected opportunities.

3. Vision: Having a clear vision of what I want to achieve has guided every step of my journey. Whether it’s creating generational wealth for my family, building businesses that serve my community, or inventing a product like QuikLid, knowing my ultimate goals has kept me focused.

My advice to others on these three key qualities, develop resilience, start by embracing challenges as opportunities to grow. Lean into your “why”, the deeper purpose behind your effort and let that drive you through tough times. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you, and never be afraid to learn from failure. Building adaptability, always remain open to learning and evolving. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone, explore new ideas, and keep up with industry trends. Remember, staying stuck in old ways of thinking can hold you back from reaching your full potential. Sharpen your vision, take time to reflect on your goals and align them with your passions. Write them down, break them into actionable steps, and revisit them often. Don’t just dream—plan and execute with intention.

For anyone starting their journey, believe in yourself, stay committed to your purpose, and be ready to learn, adapt, and grow every step of the way. Success isn’t a straight path, but with the right mindset and tools, you’ll find your way.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, I am always open to partnering and collaborating with like-minded individuals or organizations who share a passion for growth, innovation, and making an impact in the community. Collaboration has been a cornerstone of my journey, and I believe that great things happen when passionate and purpose-driven people come together.

I am particularly interested in connecting with:

Entrepreneurs and Innovators: Those with unique ideas or products who are looking to bring them to life or take their businesses to the next level.
Healthcare Professionals and Agencies: Individuals or organizations in mental and behavioral health services who want to collaborate on programs, expand service offerings, or navigate licensing and credentialing.
Manufacturers and Distributors: Partners who can assist with scaling the production and distribution of QuikLid Products to bring this innovative solution to a wider audience.
Community Leaders and Advocates: People passionate about serving underserved populations and creating sustainable programs that uplift communities.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Rock Star Studios

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