We recently connected with Niki Nichols and have shared our conversation below.
Niki, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
Generosity hasn’t always meant abundance to me, and I am grateful to have learned this over the years. Generosity is noticing a need that others may not be calling out and filling that need without question. Generosity is giving without any thought of reciprocation. I would love to thank my parents for teaching me how to be generous even in times when I am struggling. These are the times it seems to mean the most!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
When my mother discovered she was pregnant with me, she decided to leave her long-term grocery career with Kroger to be at home to raise me. 9 months after I was born, she began a catering business with her sister. She cashed out her 401k from Kroger to turn a large area in her walk-out basement into a fully functional, licensed commercial kitchen. 35 years and many upgrades later, this kitchen is still doing what my mother intended. Boki’s Kitchen is experienced in providing efficient nourishment for events from 50 to 1500 people year round. We are here to serve our community no matter the occasion. My husband, Bob and I are proud to carry on the family tradition of feeding others. Boki’s Kitchen was created in 2022 as we became the next generation of this catering business. We are honored to carry on the legacy my mom has left our community.
With the knowledge and excitement of catering, my love of helping others continues to come through in my side-project, Soul Atlas: Being Imperfectly Human. I’ve been pouring into this over the last year., and being able to serve several walks of life through a variety of services is very fulfilling for me.
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?
1. Food Knowledge – Growing up on a farm, I was able to learn firsthand what goes into the food products available to us. Not only am I committed to how food is grown, but I am equally as committed to how food is handled and prepared. If you are passionate about these things also, my recommendation is to buy a small hydroponics system and try growing your own herbs, microgreens, or lettuce to become more sustainable. Another really fun thing to do is ferment foods. Learning the way foods such as sourdough, sauerkraut, and kombucha are made is a very rewarding process.
2. Connections – I would be nothing without the wonderful people I am surrounded by. Their personal recommendations and business helps me be able to continue living this dream of mine. My advice would be to understand your connections and be sure to foster great relationships with them. Make sure they understand they are loved, valued, and appreciated. Reciprocation is a very valuable tool.
3. Self-Worth – Developing my own sense of self-worth has been critical in becoming an entrepreneur. Like most enneagram threes I know, I have to define success or I will constantly be chasing a. moving target- allowing minimal time for family, friendship, and rest. Knowing my worth has been integral in running a successful business. For anyone looking to be their own boss, get comfortable with defining success very specifically, so you understand the goals you’re chasing.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
This last year, I have become more aware and in-tune with my emotions and my emotional health. Through this focus, I have been able to gain more emotional intelligence. This has not only helped myself, but those around me as well. I am happy with the knowledge I’ve gained in this area of my life because it has helped me really step into the person and business owner I have been put here to be!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bokiskitchen.com
- Instagram: bokiskitch
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bokiskitch
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niki-nichols-44a3a2a9/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/bokiskitchen?utm_source=linktree_admin_share
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
