We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nichele Wells. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nichele below.
Nichele, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I draw my resilience from my mother. Her life’s journey has been a testament to her extraordinary strength. Despite facing immense challenges, such as losing her mother at a young age, navigating through divorce while raising two children on her own, experiencing the incarceration of a her son, recovering from a stroke, and currently confronting dementia, she has demonstrated unwavering determination and courage. Throughout her struggles, she has consistently been a pillar of support for me, showing me the power of endurance and the importance of facing adversity head-on. Her ability to persevere and remain resilient in the face of adversity has undoubtedly influenced and shaped my own outlook on life. I’m inspired by her example every day, and it’s through her strength that I’ve learned to find my own resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
By day, I work as a recruiter, and by night, I delve into the world of podcasting. Just recently, I’ve embarked on a new venture as the creative director for my Art Hub, which I’m thrilled about.
My podcast, Hitting The Streets Podcast, is a series of interviews that offers an exclusive glimpse into the world of small businesses and events within the North Texas Area. Recently, I celebrated the podcast’s fourth anniversary, marking an incredible journey filled with remarkable guests and enlightening conversations. It’s been a rewarding experience to bring these stories to light and showcase the vibrancy of the local community.
In addition to my podcast, I ventured into organizing an open mic night almost two years ago, and it’s been flourishing ever since. When I first reached out to Matthew Key, I admittedly had no clue about what I was doing. However, with Matthew’s guidance and collaboration, we’ve successfully transformed this open mic into an event that everyone has enjoyed. We initially started in my studio, but we quickly outgrew the space, prompting us to seek out a larger venue. That’s when I approached Sarah Pierce, the co-owner of The Milieu Wine Bar, and to my astonishment, she agreed to host our open mic night. It was a moment I couldn’t believe had happened!
Furthermore, recognizing a lack of art culture in our town, I took it upon myself to engage with local artists last year. Through these interactions, a shared desire emerged to establish a creative hub. I reached out to Jean Roelke, who eagerly joined forces to assist with this endeavor. A conversation with Krystal Skinner proved to be inspiring, leading to the creation of my first art pour. Another dear friend, Jennifer Bejtovic, provided the encouragement I needed to submit my photography to an art show. These experiences have enriched my journey, fostering an environment of artistic growth and collaboration.
With that being said, the ARTrageous Art Hub was created!! The hub is designed to foster a sense of community and inspire artistic expression. It provides a comfortable and engaging environment for individuals to unleash their creativity. It is a place where individuals can come together, share their passion for art, and explore the endless possibilities of creativity.
Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to unveil a major milestone in my journey. Over the past four years, I’ve poured my heart and soul into building a vibrant community of artistic wonder. At The Milieu Wine Bar, you can immerse yourself in captivating performances by our incredibly talented local musicians during Open Mic Nights. Meanwhile, at the ARTrageous Art Hub, you have the opportunity to set free your artistic expression and explore boundless creative possibilities. Lastly, but certainly not the least, you can stay updated on the latest stories and events from our small businesses through the enlightening episodes of Hitting The Streets Podcast.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, there are three key qualities that have significantly shaped my path:
Initiative and Adaptability: Taking the initiative to explore new ventures, such as starting the open mic night and the art hub, has been crucial. Being open to adapting and learning along the way has allowed me to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. My advice to those starting out is to embrace curiosity and be unafraid of stepping into unfamiliar territory. Trust your ability to adapt and learn as you go.
Networking and Collaboration: Building strong connections with individuals like Matthew Key, Jean Roelke, Krystal Skinner, and Jennifer Bejtovic has been instrumental. Collaborating with experts and peers in your field can offer valuable insights, guidance, and fresh perspectives. To those beginning their journey, I recommend actively seeking out opportunities to connect with others in your industry. Attend events, engage in online communities, and be open to collaborative projects. The power of collective wisdom cannot be underestimated.
Passion and Resilience: The passion I hold for my podcast, open mic night, and the art hub has fueled my determination to overcome challenges and persist in the face of setbacks. Having an unwavering commitment to your vision and finding inspiration in the process is vital. To newcomers, I suggest nurturing your passion and cultivating resilience. Remember that setbacks are part of the journey, and your dedication will drive you through those tough times.
To those embarking on their own journeys, I encourage you to embrace these qualities and skills. Initiative, adaptability, networking, collaboration, passion, and resilience are the threads that can weave a robust tapestry of success. Be bold, connect with others, and stay true to your passion – your journey will surely flourish.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
In my journey, several individuals have played instrumental roles in helping me overcome challenges and develop the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge needed for success. Three standout figures are my husband, Courtney Christman, and Alisha Rosenthal.
My husband’s unwavering support has been invaluable, particularly in managing the financial aspects of my endeavors. Although I am still learning this process, his guidance has provided me with an understanding of how to maintain financial stability within my business pursuits.
Courtney Christman, the driving force behind Courtney Mitchell Photography, has been an incredible mentor. She has played a pivotal role in honing my photography skills, imparting insights into framing captivating shots, and unveiling the process of pricing my work effectively.
Alisha Rosenthal, the visionary behind Spa 31, has been a beacon of wisdom and resilience. Her mastery in navigating challenges and her courage to embrace fear and act despite it have been inspiring. Her guidance has instilled in me the confidence to confront obstacles head-on and grow both personally and professionally.
The support, mentorship, and guidance provided by my husband, Courtney, and Alisha have collectively fortified my journey, enabling me to tackle hurdles with confidence, develop crucial skills, and grow my ventures with determination. Their influence serves as a testament to the power of community and collaboration in achieving success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hittingthestreetspodcast.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hittingthestreets/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rollinwithmc
- Other: Listening Platforms: Spotify Amazon Music Apple Podcast
Image Credits
Toni Ramirez
