Meet Nicole Hoschouer

We recently connected with Nicole Hoschouer and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Confidence and self-esteem have always been challenges for me—and honestly, they still are. But starting this business has pushed me to step outside my comfort zone in ways I never imagined. What boosts my confidence the most is hearing positive feedback from my clients. That’s why I focus so much on delivering exceptional work and creating a seamless, enjoyable client experience. Every time I see a happy client, it reinforces my belief in what I do and my confidence grows. I’ve also learned the importance of giving myself grace as I navigate the ups and downs of running a business. Growth isn’t always linear, but each step forward, no matter how small, makes a difference. Of course, I still have moments of self-doubt, but I’ve realized that real growth happens when you’re willing to put yourself out there and keep learning along the way.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a graphic designer specializing in brand and web design. I create logos, websites, and other brand elements for small businesses—and I can honestly say this is my dream job. The journey here hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it.
Back in college, I didn’t even know what graphic design was, let alone that I would love it. By the time I figured it out, I felt like it was too late to start over. So, I built a career doing various decent but unfulfilling jobs. A few years ago, I finally decided to take a leap, teach myself graphic design, and give freelancing a try. I took a course, practiced for hours on end, and launched my business. To my surprise and delight, there were actually people out there who needed my services!
Since then, it’s been an incredible honor to partner with business owners and help bring their brands to life. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing my work out in the “wild.”
As an introvert, starting and marketing my business has been a challenge. But this career is perfect for me—I get to immerse myself in creativity and work independently, while also stretching myself when it’s time to interact with clients. Meeting passionate business owners has been such a joy. I work with all types of businesses, and I especially love working with other introverted business owners. It’s amazing to play even a small part in helping them share their gifts with the world.

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?

Courage
Starting something new, especially later in life, took a lot of courage. It didn’t mean I wasn’t scared—because I definitely was—but I learned that courage is about moving forward despite fear. Posting my work online for the first time? Terrifying. Signing my first client? Terrifying. But each time I did something that scared me, it got a little easier, and I grew a little more. Those moments of bravery built the foundation for the confidence I have today.

Resilience
The journey hasn’t always been smooth, but resilience has been key. I’ve faced setbacks, tough feedback, and slow seasons, but I’ve learned not to give up or beat myself up. Being open to feedback and reminding myself that even the most accomplished designers started somewhere has helped me grow. There’s always more to learn, and that’s part of what keeps me motivated.

Creative Problem-Solving
Bringing a client’s vision to life isn’t just about artistic talent—it’s about solving problems in creative ways. While some people may have a natural knack for this, it’s also a skill you can build through practice. Translating abstract ideas into a cohesive and impactful brand requires both creativity and flexibility, and I love the challenge it brings.

My advice to anyone trying to develop these skills or starting something new is simple: just keep practicing. In just a few months, you’ll be amazed at how much progress you’ve made. You may never feel like you’ve completely ‘made it,’ and there will always be more to learn—but you’ll reach a point where you’re confident in your ability to figure things out as you go. Growth comes from consistency and trusting the process.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

My number one obstacle right now is balancing the demands of motherhood with running a business. There are times when I feel stretched thin, unable to take on as many projects as I’d like, and I often experience guilt when I’m working instead of spending time with my daughters. To overcome this challenge, I am learning to give myself grace and letting go of the need to do everything perfectly. I remind myself that this is just a phase, and I’m laying the foundation for my future career while also setting a strong example for my daughters of the importance of hard work and perseverance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://inklingdesignco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkling.design.co/