We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicole Williams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nicole, thanks for sitting with us today to chat about topics that are relevant to so many. One of those topics is communication skills, because we live in an age where our ability to communicate effectively can be like a superpower. Can you share how you developed your ability to communicate well?
I would genuinely have to say that my communication skills were developed at a very early school age and implemented at home for us thanks to my parents. We were allowed as children to express ourselves and be open about feelings regardless of the situation or issue. That instilled confidence and power in me early on in life. Not being afraid to speak up for myself and stand on my beliefs has allowed me to have confidence to communicate with others.
English and Reading were also always my favorite subjects in school as well, so I have been literally reading anything I could get my hands on since I was very young. I would have to say this has played a major role in the extensive vocabulary I now possess which allows me to communicate on different levels with a wide variety of people from diverse backgrounds. Taking Speech and public speaking classes were also a big contribution to effective communication for me as well. I have always been very big on communication in business. It is one of the main factors when conducting business on either side whether you are the business owner or the consumer it is always important to practice positive and effective communication.
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?
Pink Ladybug Designs is a custom clothing brand started in 2002 in Dallas Tx. The Brand was created from my original business Classy Crochet Creations. I was initially making custom hand made crochet items , which proved to be quite tedious, and from that the Pink Ladybug brand was developed. The original plan was a women’s upscale boutique. However, once I began volunteering and doing internship at the Dallas World Trade Center, while obtaining my degree at Wade College, my entire outlook changed. I decided that rather than owning a boutique, ordering vendors merchandise, I wanted more of a custom one of a kind experience for my clients. The goal was to make clients feel one of a kind and stand out whenever they wear custom items by Pink Ladybug Designs. Each item is designed originally for that specific individual and each design is one of a kind created by myself. Along with custom made clothing Pink Ladybug Designs also features a few signature lines as well. The “Rare Breed” line, started in 2019, as well as the “Busy Blazer” line and the new “Love Me Or Hate Me” line that was just started this year. Also as of this year 2023, Pink Ladybug Designs has held on to great clientele and we continue to grow daily. The brand was also expanded this year with the start of a sort of piggyback business that was created to bring financial awareness to the entrepreneurs that may be struggling with business finances and credit etc. Pink Ladybug Financial Services is now up running as of January 2023 and we are ready to assist in providing educational help to those who may need it. All and all this entire journey has been nothing short of a pure blessing from God. I can honestly say that I have had the pleasure of being able to follow my dreams. while being of service to others. My greatest gift to myself and my clients, is being able to build self esteem and power, also individuality through fashion.
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 I find were most impactful in my business journey would have to be my extraordinary creativity, great people and communication skills, and extremely tough skin when it comes to understanding and locating your audience and target market! (EVERYONE IS NOT YOUR CLIENT)! These qualities have all played a major factor in keeping my business afloat and grounded. The best advice I can offer to the upcoming entrepreneur, especially designers and artists, would be to remain true to yourself and your God given gifts and crafts. They will take you further than you can ever imagine. Remain Humble at all times. I’ve learned that as long as you are genuinely passionate and truly love what you do, your clients will find you, and will respect and love what you have to offer. Also remember to KEEP PUSHING !!!
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
My biggest area of growth and improvement in the past 12 months has been my new approach to time management and coping better with the ins and outs and updated business polices to better accommodate my time and my businesses. In the past year I have implemented a SHIP ONLY POLICY which frees up extra time for me and I have also started better financial practices within my business, learning better practices that work for both myself and my clients in the long run. Along with adding an additional business to the 2023 roster to assist other entrepreneurs with these same issues. Also I have learned about automated social media services as well as the virtual assistant option to help with better time management . A good friend of mine and business inspiration Nicollette Canady with Serenity & Success Automation Services , has provided great resources she can be reached via her website: yourserenitysuccess.com for any assistance.
Contact Info:
- Website: pinkladybugdesigns.com
- Instagram: pinkladybug_designs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinkladybugdesignsandstyles
