We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nique Triplett a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nique, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience stems from the battles life has thrown my way since childhood. As I navigate through the world, I focus on my past experiences and current surroundings. This dual focus allows me to learn from everyone I encounter, storing that knowledge for future endeavors. While many people draw lessons from family and friends, I find value in the insights gained from every interaction. I’ve learned that the questions you ask can greatly influence the knowledge you gain. The more you inquire, the deeper your understanding becomes.
I’m not perfect; there are times when I feel overwhelmed by my challenges. During those moments, I take a step back to reassess my surroundings and my actions. I formulate a plan and then reconnect with myself. I’ve found that accountability becomes much easier when I take the time to engage in self-reflection. However, this process requires honesty, as true growth comes from understanding the steps needed to rise above any adversity, rather than being consumed by it.
I keep my goals at the forefront of my mind and stay career-oriented. From a young age, I told myself I did not want a career that I didn’t love. I often explain to others that a career and a job serve different purposes: a career is something you are passionate about, where your time and energy feel worthwhile, while a job provides stability and networking opportunities. Both are valuable, but the former fulfills a greater purpose. You are naturally inclined to excel where you find joy.
Fashion has always been my chosen field. I realized my passion even before entering middle school and gained the knowledge necessary to carve my niche by the time I reached high school. Despite facing numerous challenges that impacted my mental state, I used my career aspirations as a beacon of light to overcome adversity at a young age. This transformation led those who once doubted me to now congratulate me on my growth and achievements.
Navigating through these tough times not only illuminated my future path but also equipped me with new strategies to deal with life’s complications. I learned how to emerge from my shell, engage, and network with others, making it easier for me to become an integral part of a community.
Each experience has made me stronger, smarter, and has built my self-esteem in the process.
Another source of my resilience comes from my surroundings. However, this insight didn’t come without its share of lessons through hurt and betrayal. I’ve learned that you are a reflection of those you associate with, and not everyone has your best interests at heart. With my big heart, I often saw the good in everyone, but I realized that not everyone operates with good intentions. My inclination to help others in a world that can be selfish cost me time and resources, ultimately affecting me both physically and mentally.
I grew tired of the cycle of negativity, which led me to learn how to love people from a distance. I refrained from judgment and instead recognized that if our paths didn’t align, it was best to part ways. Additionally, as a spiritual individual, I believe in the power of intentions and energy—both of which can either uplift or hinder your goals and aspirations.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hello everyone! My name is Monique Triplett, but I prefer to go by Nique. I currently enjoy the sunny skies of Florida, although my roots are firmly planted in Ohio, where I was born and raised. At the age of 17, I made the pivotal decision to move to Florida—not just to start a family but also to embark on an exciting career journey. Today, I’m a proud mother to a vibrant 3-year-old daughter, who brings joy and purpose to my life. While I occasionally feel homesick, I have no regrets about stepping out of my comfort zone. Those experiences have opened my eyes to my own capabilities and have taught me that growth often lies just beyond the familiar.
In addition to being a dedicated mom, I also run an online boutique called Nique’s Chic Selections (niqueschicselections.com). Our boutique is a passion project designed to bring unique and trendy fashion right to our customers’ doorsteps at prices that won’t break the bank. At Nique’s Chic Selections, we embrace a powerful mission:
“At Nique’s Chic Selections, we aim to provide high-quality, affordable accessories that promote self-care, self-love, and self-expression. We offer a diverse range of options that not only enhance our customers’ outfits but also empower them to embrace their individuality.”
I truly believe in the significance of self-care as a form of self-love. This philosophy drives our curation of accessories that are not only stylish but also contribute to the well-being and confidence of our customers. We want each piece to resonate with the unique personalities of our clientele, helping them express their true selves.
Currently, I am pursuing my Bachelor’s in Fashion Business and Entrepreneurship at LIM College, a program that allows me to balance my studies with my responsibilities as a full-time mom and business owner. I appreciate the flexibility of the online courses, which are just as comprehensive as the on-campus alternatives. Juggling school, my small business, and a full-time job can be a challenge, but it has taught me the importance of work-life balance and effective time management.
In my free time, I love engaging in activities that nourish my spirit and foster connections. Whether attending networking events, brunching with friends, going for serene nature walks, or simply enjoying peaceful drives, I always seek opportunities to recharge. One of my most cherished rituals is dedicating one day each week to special “mommy-daughter dates” with my little one. Additionally, I prioritize a self-care day—usually on Mondays or Sundays—where I reset for the week ahead, ensuring I’m emotionally and physically ready to tackle whatever comes my way.
As I continue to grow my business and educational journey, I’m thrilled for what lies ahead. Nique’s Chic Selections will be launching a new collection soon, and I can’t wait to share more about that! Thank you for allowing me to share my story. I look forward to connecting with you all and hearing about your journeys as well!
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 journey so far, I believe three specific qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge have significantly shaped my path. In fact, I’d like to share one from each category, along with a bonus insight that ties them all together.
First, one of the most important qualities that has impacted my journey has been the presence of encouraging and optimistic people in my life. Having a supportive network has taught me the importance of kindness and gratitude, both towards myself and others. This positive outlook has transformed my perspective, allowing me to view challenges not as obstacles but as stepping stones to new opportunities. This mindset is crucial, especially when scaling my business and navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. When you focus on the positives, it becomes easier to harness that energy for growth.
Second, among the essential skills I’ve developed, I would highlight the ability to be an impactful learner and the confidence to network effectively. Becoming an impactful learner means being open to new ideas and experiences, which has been vital in both my personal and professional growth. Confidence, too, plays a critical role. I once struggled with allowing others to take advantage of my capabilities because I didn’t fully believe in my own leadership potential. However, once I embraced my self-worth and honed my leadership skills, I found that my networking efforts became far more fruitful. The results have been astonishing—strong connections and collaborations that have further advanced my business and personal development.
Lastly, an area of knowledge that has been invaluable to me is my expertise in fashion and business. Pursuing a degree in this field alongside running my own business has reinforced the idea that you don’t need a formal education to gain knowledge; it can start with simple resources like a library card, a clear vision, and a genuine desire to learn. This foundational knowledge not only enhances my business acumen but also allows me to adapt and innovate continuously within the fashion industry.
For those who are early in their journeys, my advice would be to surround yourselves with positive influences that encourage growth. Cultivating a mindset of gratitude will help you see the silver lining in every situation. Additionally, focus on building your confidence and learning to network authentically—both of which can open doors that you never thought possible. Don’t hesitate to seek knowledge wherever you can. With a thirst for learning and a commitment to personal development, you can create a solid foundation for your own journey toward success.
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 am currently facing is mastering the delicate balance between work and life. While I have established a mindset and a basic framework for managing my responsibilities, I must acknowledge that I’m only human. Life often presents unexpected challenges that can disrupt this balance, leaving me feeling overwhelmed as I try to navigate various demands.
At this moment, I am actively working on making significant life changes and sacrifices to create a more flexible routine. Instead of adhering to a rigid schedule, I am learning to be adaptable and understanding that my ability to maintain balance may fluctuate. This has been an essential realization for me; it’s okay to accept that not everything will go as planned.
One of the key insights I’ve gained is the importance of setting realistic expectations for myself. I sometimes fall into the trap of overloading my plate with tasks and responsibilities, thinking that I can handle it all without consequences. However, I’ve learned that when life throws curveballs my way—be it personal issues or unexpected work demands—this self-imposed pressure can lead to disorganization and even burnout.
To combat this, I am focusing on prioritizing tasks and simplifying my routine. I’ve started to break down my responsibilities into manageable chunks and set aside time for self-care and reflection. This allows for necessary breaks, reducing the feelings of being overwhelmed when things get chaotic. I’m also incorporating activities into my week that bring me joy and relaxation, whether it’s spending quality time with my daughter, enjoying nature walks, or dedicating moments to simply breathe and regroup.
In addition, I’m exploring productivity techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique and time blocking, which help me allocate specific time frames to tasks while also leaving room for flexibility. This combined approach is allowing me to stay organized without feeling confined by a strict structure.
Ultimately, I am learning that achieving work-life balance is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Embracing flexibility, setting realistic goals, and making self-care a priority are all essential steps I am taking to navigate this challenge successfully.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.niqueschicselections.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mizzceonique?igsh=MWYxZ295bzZreXlxNQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JKgxNRcPQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niquetriplett
Image Credits
Pictures Taken By @MizzCEONique
MakeUp Done By @FacezByNique
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
