Meet Nicole Woods

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicole Woods a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

In the shadow of my great grandmother’s legacy, I learned the beauty of multitasking and the importance of punctuality. She was a woman of God with a commanding presence, her silver hair always meticulously pinned up and in a hat, and her eyes glimmered with intensity. Growing up, I spent countless weekends in her cozy home, where the air was filled with the aroma of baked goods and the rhythmic clinking of pots and pans.

One clear autumn afternoon, I arrived at her house, eager to share my latest school project. As soon as I walked through the door, the chaos of her world enveloped me. In the kitchen, she was preparing Sunday dinner while simultaneously folding laundry and keeping an eye on the pot boiling on the stove. I was in awe. While I struggled to focus on one homework assignment at a time, she effortlessly balanced a myriad of tasks.

“Come help me,” she said with a warm smile, immediately pulling me into the whirlwind of activity. She handed me a whisk and gestured toward a mixing bowl. “You can whisk this while I chop the vegetables.”

There was something invigorating about the way she managed her time and tasks. It sparked a curiosity in me. As we worked side by side, I watched how she fluidly transitioned from one activity to another, hardly breaking her stride. “You know, Nikkie she said, glancing at me between tasks, “the secret isn’t just about getting things done; it’s about knowing how to prioritize.”

I nodded, keenly interested. That day, I didn’t just help her in the kitchen; I absorbed her philosophy. My great grandmother explained how she always wrote lists. “A list makes the mountains feel like molehills,” she quipped, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Later, as the juicy aroma of roast chicken filled the house, she took a moment to teach me about punctuality and respect for time. “Being on time isn’t just about schedules; it’s a promise to yourself and others,” she said, measuring spices with care.

With a foundation laid during those weeks spent with her, the lessons naturally translated into my academic and personal life. The following school year brought an avalanche of projects, extracurriculars, and social commitments. At first, I felt overwhelmed, but I quickly recalled my great grandmother’s wisdom. Armed with a notebook, I made lists, broke tasks into manageable pieces, and prioritized—they became my guiding stars.

Monthly, I would dedicate a Sunday to treat myself to a mini ‘punch list’ day, similar to the ones I’d spent with her. I would wake early, put on some music, brew a cup of coffee, and simply dive into managing my time just as she had taught me. Over the course of that year, I discovered not only the strength of multitasking but also the beauty of knowing when to focus on a single task.

When school projects piled up, I learned to chunk my time effectively, dedicating intervals to each assignment while keeping the rhythm of my tasks flowing, much like the dance I had observed in her kitchen. I surprised myself with my improving grades and a deep sense of satisfaction that mirrored the contentment I saw on my great-grandmother’s face.

Through sleepless nights and overwhelming days, I felt my great-grandmother’s presence in every breath. She had passed on, but her essence lived on in the knack I developed for balancing life’s responsibilities. As I moved forward—into college and beyond—I carried that skill with me. I would often pause, taking a moment to remember the tender life lessons shared in her kitchen, and I knew that every time I was punctual, every time I prioritized smartly, I honored her memory.

Years later, as I find myself in situations requiring finesse and organization—whether at home or at work—I realize that the roots of my work ethic run deep. They are tied immeasurably to a small house filled with love, laughter, and the persistent hum of a woman who taught me that the secret to managing life’s chaos lies in one simple truth: multitasking is an art, and timeliness is the brush with which you paint your masterpieces.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My passion for my community and dedication to addressing critical needs has shaped not only my professional endeavors but also my personal growth.

The Journey to “Can We Ryde Inc.” and “Mae’s Paige Garden”

Before my retirement in May 2022, I was fortunate enough to focus on **Bounce With-Me Bounce House Rental LLC**, which allowed me to establish myself as a vendor with both the City of Indianapolis as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and a Women Business Enterprise (WBE). However, my commitment to serving the community went beyond entertainment, and I couldn’t ignore the pressing transportation barriers that many families faced.

Witnessing firsthand the struggles of parents trying to manage multiple children’s school schedules, traffic, and time constraints ignited a fire in me to make a change. This led me to create **Our Kiddez Tranzportation LLC**, which was designed to serve middle and upper-class families, but I quickly realized that there were still significant gaps affecting low-income and disadvantaged families. That realization gave birth to my “baby,” **Can We Ryde Inc.**, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing transportation, educational, and community enrichment needs in Central Indiana.

A Lifeline for the Community

“Can We Ryde Inc.” is not just about providing rides; it’s about offering a lifeline to those facing barriers related to food, transportation, and overall community well-being. We focus on working with low-income and disabled families, ensuring they have access to safe, affordable, round-trip transportation. By breaking down these barriers, we’re opening doors to opportunities in education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities.

**Mae’s Paige Garden** complements our transportation efforts with innovative educational and agricultural programs. These programs aim to empower our youth while enhancing the physical and mental well-being of the community. From hands-on gardening workshops to seasonal employment opportunities for young people, our goal is to foster self-sufficiency and promote a healthier lifestyle.

Recent Initiatives and Opportunities

Recently, we launched the **Fueling Can We Ryde Program**, which focuses on providing nutritious meals and access to fresh, locally grown produce to families in need via our farmers’ market initiatives. We have also organized community gardening days, which create opportunities for families, schools, and organizations to engage in sustainable agricultural practices and build stronger connections within the community.

Building a Vision Together

I want to emphasize that my vision is larger than just myself or my initiatives. I’m looking to pioneer a space in our community—one that not only has land for growth but also features a building where families can learn about sustainable gardening practices and have access to a connected market stand. It’s crucial to me that families understand where their food comes from and how to grow it themselves.

It’s personal for me; having family members who rely on WIC, EBT, and SNAP programs frequently seeking resources, I’ve committed to making a difference. I travel to them, understanding intimately the barriers they face.

Living Through Experience

My passion for growing fresh produce connects deeply with my mental health; being outdoors helps me not just physically but emotionally. I realize now that serving my community has transformed me as well. I have ADHD, and I empathize with those who navigate barriers while staying resilient. My journey hasn’t been seamless, but I hold fast to my faith, knowing that God has equipped me with the strength to help those in need.

I cannot express enough gratitude to my team, who selflessly supported our mission without asking for anything in return. Together, we create a collective impact, demonstrating that “there is no ‘I’ in ‘Us.’”

A Call to Action

I invite our community members to support these initiatives through partnerships, sponsorship, or event participation. Collaborating with us is essential to making a lasting impact on the lives of youth and families in Central Indiana.

For anyone looking to deepen their involvement, know that your support can help us continue our mission of nurturing community health and mobility. Together, we can foster resilience and empowerment within our neighborhoods, taking meaningful steps toward a brighter future for all.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey and the vital work we are doing. Let’s drive change together!

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?

Reflecting on my diverse journey as both a business owner and advocate for low-income families, I’ve identified three key qualities that have been pivotal in shaping my path: resilience, empathy, and community engagement. Each of these traits has significantly impacted my ability to navigate challenges and foster meaningful connections in my work.

1. Resilience

Impact: Running a farming and entertainment business, especially while addressing the needs of low-income families, has not always been easy. There have been plenty of obstacles, from logistical issues to financial struggles. Resilience has empowered me to bounce back from setbacks and to persist in pursuing my vision despite adversity.

Advice: For those starting their entrepreneurial journey, cultivate resilience by:
– Embracing Failure: Understand that failures are part of the process. Rather than viewing them as dead ends, see them as opportunities for growth and learning.
– Setting Clear Goals: Break your objectives into smaller, achievable steps. Celebrating small victories can help maintain motivation and morale.
– Building a Support System: Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and a supportive network that encourages you during tough times.

2. Empathy

Impact: Working closely with low-income families has given me a profound appreciation for the various challenges they face. Empathy has allowed me to understand their needs more deeply, enabling me to develop initiatives that truly serve them, such as Can We Ryde Inc. and Mae’s Paige Garden.

Advice: To enhance your sense of empathy:
– Engage with Your Audience: Spend time listening to those you aim to serve. Conduct surveys or interviews to understand their challenges and aspirations.
– Be Open-Minded: Approach situations without preconceived notions. Every person’s experience is unique, and being open to learning from others is crucial.
– Volunteer: Get involved in your community. The hands-on experience will enrich your understanding and deepen your emotional connection to the people you serve.

3. Community Engagement

Impact: Building relationships with local organizations, schools, and community members has been crucial in expanding the reach and impact of my initiatives. Engaging with the community fosters collaboration and support, which amplifies our collective resources and efforts.

Advice: To effectively engage with your community:
– Network Actively: Attend local events, workshops, and networking opportunities. Develop relationships with other business owners and community leaders who share your vision.
– Be Visible and Accessible: Promote your work through workshops, social media, and community events. Create channels for community feedback and interactions.
– Collaborate: Look for ways to partner with other organizations that align with your mission. Collaborative efforts often lead to greater impact and resource sharing.

Final Thoughts

Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with highs and lows, but embracing resilience, empathy, and community engagement can significantly enhance your ability to navigate it successfully. Remember that it’s a continuous learning experience—stay curious, open to change, and willing to adapt.

Your journey may have challenges, and you may not always feel like you have it all figured out, but every step you take toward your goal contributes to a larger purpose. Surround yourself with a supportive network, listen to your community, and stay persistent in your mission. Ultimately, the effort you put into your venture will create a meaningful impact in the lives of those you seek to help. And as I have learned, it truly takes a village to nurture and uplift our community.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Let’s Build Sustainable Communities Together! **

I am actively seeking partners who are passionate about creating sustainable solutions and knowledge-sharing initiatives. If you resonate with any of the following categories, I’d love to hear from you:

1. **Farmers**: Individuals or organizations with expertise in sustainable agriculture, organic farming, or innovative food production methods.

2. **Nonprofit Professionals**: Those experienced in working with nonprofits, particularly in areas related to education, community development, or environmental sustainability.

3. **Finance Experts & Angel Investors**: Individuals looking to support impactful projects that align with community growth and sustainability.

4. **Educators & School Administrators**: People interested in incorporating self-sufficiency and sustainability practices into school curricula and community programs.

5. **Transportation Specialists**: Professionals who can provide insight into sustainable transportation solutions and logistics that can enhance community reach.

6. **Sponsors & Donors**: Organizations or individuals willing to support projects that promote education, agriculture, and sustainable practices.

7. **Community Volunteers**: Anyone with enthusiasm for getting involved in community projects, outreach programs, or educational initiatives.

8. **Landowners**: Individuals or groups who own land and are interested in developing it for community-based projects or educational purposes.

If you identify with any of these roles and are interested in collaborating, please feel free to reach out! Together, we can empower individuals and organizations to achieve self-sufficiency and build thriving, resilient communities.

**Connect with Me:**
Phone: 317-938-8285
Email: canweryde@gmail.com

I look forward to connecting with you and exploring the potential for collaboration!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

The Images were taken at the farm and garden program with WIC market stand days to provide $30 funds to participants so they could purchase fresh produce at the market stand.

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