We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicole Piper a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Nicole with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic comes from the strong foundation I built growing up. As a kid, I spent a lot of time with my grandfather and father, helping them with handyman tasks around our home and in our Chicago neighborhood. They showed me how to tackle challenges head-on, find solutions, and take pride in the work we did—no matter how small the task. Those moments weren’t just about fixing things; they were about learning the value of effort and seeing how even little actions can make a difference.
I was also a Girl Scout, and earning my Gold Award for service was a pivotal experience for me. It taught me the importance of setting goals, staying committed, and working hard to leave something better than I found it. Along the way, I was lucky to have an amazing Girl Scout leader who inspired me to dream big and lead with heart. She gave so much of herself to help us succeed, and that example stuck with me.
Beyond these early experiences, my work ethic has continued to grow through my role as a full-time caregiver to my son, Gabriel, who has special medical needs. In search of better care and community for Gabriel, my family and I have moved around the United States and finally found it in Arizona. Here, my husband and I were able to build a supportive environment for Gabriel and open our small business, Piper Family Painting. Balancing his needs with running a business has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. It’s taught me patience, adaptability, and the importance of resilience. These experiences—working with my family, serving my community, and caring for my son—have shaped not just how I work but how I live. They’re why I always strive to give my best and leave a positive impact wherever I can.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Nicole Piper, the owner of Piper Family Painting, a family-owned painting business based in Tucson, Arizona. Our journey here was deeply personal – it had everything to do with finding a location that would have the resources and best environment that my son, Gabriel, requires due to his medical needs. Tucson has become the place where we’ve found the support we needed, and starting our business here has allowed us to root ourselves in this amazing community.
At Piper Family Painting, we’re more than just painters—we’re storytellers through color. We specialize in creating spaces that feel personal, vibrant, and welcoming, whether it’s for a family home or a local business. What sets us apart is the personal touch we bring to every project, treating each job with the same care and attention we would give to our own home. It’s a joy to see our work transform not just walls but also the lives of our clients.
What I find most exciting is how we’ve built a brand rooted in family values and community connection. We strive to give back wherever we can, offering discounts to teachers and teaching staff, supporting special needs families, and participating in local events like the HallOVeen Spooktacular. It’s about more than painting—it’s about showing up for the community that has shown up for us.
As for what’s new, we’re thrilled to host a local, free networking group called the Espresso Club. It’s a way to foster local connections and help other small business owners grow and thrive. We’re also looking forward to expanding our services and continuing to support our customers with high-quality work and unmatched customer care.
Ultimately, Piper Family Painting is about creating something lasting—not just through the paint we apply but through the relationships we build and the joy we bring to our clients and community.
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?
Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. Resilience has been essential as I’ve navigated life’s challenges, from leaving my career as a microbiologist to becoming a full-time caregiver for my son. This journey has taught me to face adversity with strength and determination, always keeping my family’s well-being at the forefront. Adaptability has been equally important, especially as my family moved multiple times in search of the right care and community. Each move brought new challenges, but it also taught me how to pivot, embrace change, and make the most of every opportunity. Lastly, a strong work ethic instilled in me from childhood and further developed through running Piper Family Painting has been the foundation of everything I’ve accomplished.
For those just starting their journey, my advice is to embrace these qualities by seeking out opportunities to grow through challenges. Resilience comes from pushing through tough times, so don’t shy away from difficulties—they often lead to the most rewarding growth. To develop adaptability, stay open to change and be willing to step outside your comfort zone; every new experience, even the hard ones, will teach you something valuable. Finally, cultivate a strong work ethic by focusing on consistency and follow-through, no matter how small the task. Take pride in your efforts, and remember that even small steps forward add up to significant progress over time.
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?
The person who has been most helpful in helping me overcome challenges and grow into who I am today is my husband, James. He’s been my best friend and partner for 19 years, and we’ve essentially grown up together over the course of our relationship. James has been my rock through every challenge we’ve faced, whether it was navigating life as caregivers for our son, Gabriel, or building our small business, Piper Family Painting, from the ground up.
He has an unwavering belief in me, even when I struggle to believe in myself, and his constant encouragement has pushed me to develop the resilience and adaptability I need to succeed. James’ support isn’t just emotional—it’s also practical. We work as a team in every aspect of our lives, and I’ve learned so much from his problem-solving skills, his calm demeanor in tough situations, and his dedication to seeing things through. I truly couldn’t imagine this journey without him by my side.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.piperfamilypainting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piperfamilypainting
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/piperfamilypainting
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