We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicole Szymczak a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nicole, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I’m not sure I can confidently say I have! All I know is that I’m supposed to be around people and supporting them. I was a cosmetologist for 13 years where I got to walk along side so many in their journey of life, Now, owning my own business, I support 40+ small businesses from in and around my community.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
After being a cosmetologist for 13 years, I was starting to feel burnt out both physically and emotionally. I had always had this idea to create a space where the community could shop small businesses all week, not just on Saturdays at the farmers market, I ran with It and Local Makers Collective was born, I quit my cosmetology job in October and opened Local Makers Collective the first week of November, I’m a boutique that houses 30+ small businesses in a cohesive shopping experience. We have everything from clothing and accessories, bath and body, home decor/goods, and so much more. What sets me apart from other businesses is the heavy lean into community we have here. I have a community space in my shop where I host different pop ups, classes, workshops, and community book swaps. Aside from my brick and mortar, I also host 3 large events here in town throughout the year. 2 outdoor Night Markets and one indoor holiday shopping event. These events consist of 65+ small businesses to shop from, a full local food court (coffee and boba trucks included), live local music, and (my favorite part) a non profit. I feel like its so important to be able to give back to the community that supports us and keeps us going as small businesses. Each event I host I choose a non profit to support and gather donations for during the event. Ive sponsored a couple local food pantrys where we were able to donate truck loads of food. We’ve done a fill the truck for two organizations that offer free shopping to foster and low income families during the holidays. And this upcoming event I will be sponsoring a local animal rescue called NALA as well as the lucky bulldog rescue. If I have any type of platform in the world, It needs to be used for good and to support our 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?
The three qualities that have been most impactful to my journey have been staying true to myself and my mission, hard work (like crazy hard work), and persistence. The one things I’ve learned about small business owning is that people can be cut throat, and just down right mean. But focusing on staying true to myself and my “why” has made such a big difference in how my business has grown in the last three years. If I could give any advice to someone thats early in their entrepreneurship is to know who you are, what your purpose is, and don’t stray. Things will be hard, there is no getting around that, but leaning on those around you and your community is the best thing you can do.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The number one obstacle I’m facing as a business is this darn economy. Inflation is real. And people are cutting back on “wants” and focusing on “needs”. Our small business community needs the support now more than ever. Thankfully, for now, my business is still standing. I’ve had to focus on how to make what I have work for me. Ive had to figure out how to broaden my reach and be creative with how I market myself and the businesses here. Our world is evolving more to an online presence than in person, so we have started adding LIVE videos, sales, and online shopping to our offerings to help accomadate the changes to our economy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.localmakerscollective.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/local_makers_collective
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/localmakerscollective
Image Credits
Papesh Creative
Courtney Ann Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
