We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicole DeCicco a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nicole, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Looking back, figuring out what I really wanted to do with my life felt a lot like trying to solve a big jigsaw puzzle. Each piece represented something I was passionate about or experienced in, but they didn’t seem to fit together right away. I’ve always had a knack for creativity and an eye for the finer details. This combination led me to pursue Theatre Lighting Design in college. But, the more I got involved with drafting—the meticulous and specialized task of detailing designs—the more I realized my focus was shifting. So, I took up a drafting role at an events production company, getting my first glimpse into the bustling world of working directly with clients and seeing a project through from inception to finale.
Working on a variety of projects at different companies helped me better understand the nuances of client relationships. But when the Covid lockdown happened, it sparked my creativity in a way I never expected. I started an Etsy shop called Freestyle Travel Shop, selling National Park themed stickers. This venture not only sparked my creative side, but it also served as my initial step into the world of entrepreneurship—controlling my income, setting my own hours, not having a boss, etc. The success of the shop was so inspiring, I decided to step away from my drafting job, opening up a whole new world of custom design work and creative projects.
Around the same time, I started getting my feet wet in web design, creating websites for my own business and for Jonathan, my fiancé. He’s brilliant at digital marketing and strategy, and when we put his skills together with my design abilities, it just clicked. We decided to combine forces and start our own small agency, Beacon Creative. Now when I look back, I can see how each seemingly small event, each decision, led me to where I am now.
What I love most about what I do is designing eye-catching websites and marketing materials, and then watching as the businesses they’re for thrive. It’s incredibly rewarding and it’s helped me realize my true calling. Now I can honestly say there’s nothing else I would rather be doing. I love helping businesses grow through my design work. That’s my puzzle all put together.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Beacon Creative, our small yet dynamic agency, is a colorful fusion of our varying skills—marketing, strategy, advertising, graphic design, web design, and e-commerce. Jonathan, my partner, is a true wizard in the marketing world. He’s incredibly skilled at crafting personalized solutions that boost our clients’ reach. He has an uncanny ability to visualize the ‘big picture’, guiding our clients even when they’re unsure of their direction.
As for me, I happily dive into the realm of creativity, immersing myself in everything from designing themed stationery for fundraisers and dreaming up innovative product packaging, to creating eye-catching exhibition signage and breathing new life into clients’ websites. As an artist at heart, every project presents a fresh challenge, an opportunity to express and stretch my creativity. Particularly when we collaborate with small businesses and non-profits, the budgetary constraints push us to think outside the box, ensuring we deliver top-notch results without breaking the bank.
We’re constantly striving to stay ahead of the curve. Recently, we’ve expanded our services to include AI prompting and automation, harnessing the power of machine learning to help our clients reach their marketing goals more effectively. This innovative addition helps streamline operations and sharpen marketing strategies, ensuring our clients keep pace in this fast-changing digital world.
Just like we proudly state on our website, “At Beacon Creative, we believe that every business and organization has a unique story to tell…” Our commitment to pushing the creative envelope and embracing innovation sets our award-winning team apart, making the most of the latest tools and techniques. Beacon Creative has become a trusted partner for businesses looking to share their unique story and truly resonate with their audience. Trust us to shine a bright light on your brand’s narrative in the bustling marketplace.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
When I take a moment to look back on my journey, there are three key elements that really stand out—flexibility, a dedication to quality, and the power of a strong network.
First, let’s talk about flexibility. Things often don’t pan out the way we envision, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing—it’s just life. Being adaptable isn’t a skill you can pick up from a textbook; it’s something you develop as you navigate through the shifts of real-world situations. It’s crucial to understand what didn’t work, come to terms with it, and then figure out how to tweak the plan for a better outcome. And remember, that plan might need to change again down the line. For those just starting out, my advice is simple: Be resilient, keep an open mind, and view unexpected changes not as setbacks, but as opportunities to innovate and grow.
Next, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of doing a job well the first time around. Throughout my career, I’ve seen how quick fixes often lead to even more work fixing the fixes! Taking the time to do a thorough job from the start might feel like a bigger initial investment, but trust me, it’s worth it in the long run—you’ll save yourself from repeating the same task down the line. So, to those new to the field, I’d say: Value quality and thoroughness. Don’t rush. Take the time to get it right from the beginning.
Last but definitely not least, don’t underestimate the power of a strong network. When you’re new to the scene, the value of professional and personal connections can’t be overstated. In the early days of our business, referrals were our lifeline. It’s hard to predict who might open doors for you or become an important collaborator in the future. So, always take care of your relationships and keep your eyes open for new connections. You never know when or where your next big break might come from.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
I’m a firm believer in the power of specializing in your craft, rather than stretching yourself thin trying to become a jack-of-all-trades. There’s something special about honing your strengths and becoming an expert in your chosen field. When you’re part of a diverse team, these specialized skills can mesh together like puzzle pieces, filling in the gaps and creating a bigger, more complete picture. It fosters a space where everyone can learn from one another, creating an atmosphere where everyone has a basic understanding of various fields—just enough to communicate, collaborate, and understand each other effectively.
Take the relationship between my partner Jonathan and me, for example. Jonathan’s expertise lies in areas like PPC and SEM marketing, setting up Google and Facebook ads, and a handful of other specialized skills. While I’m not an expert in these areas, our daily interactions have given me enough understanding to work effectively alongside him. On the flip side, Jonathan isn’t deeply versed in my world of design and coding, but through our collaboration, he’s come to understand and appreciate their importance. It’s this blend of our different skills, combined with a shared understanding, that has fortified our business. Together, we can brainstorm and come up with well-rounded solutions for our clients, pulling from our respective areas of expertise.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beaconcreative.studio/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beacon-creative-studio/
