Meet Nycole Evans

We were lucky to catch up with Nycole Evans recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nycole, 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.

It’s incredible how life often shapes our path in ways we never expect, and how our challenges can sometimes lead us right to where we’re meant to be.

Around 12 years ago, I was navigating life as a single mother of three, facing challenges that no one could have predicted. Two of my children were on the autism spectrum, and my youngest, who already had health concerns, was diagnosed with reoccurring MRSA. The next two years were a blur of hospital visits, sleepless nights, and a constant struggle to keep everything afloat. At the same time, I was working for a web marketing firm, helping large companies design and develop their websites.

Then came a turning point. My employer, understanding my situation, allowed me to work from home. But no matter how flexible they were, my daughter’s health issues kept pulling me in different directions, and my ability to meet deadlines while taking care of my daughter was suffering. That was the moment I decided to take control of my own destiny. I couldn’t keep trying to fit into someone else’s box when life had become so unpredictable.
I started my own business.

The idea wasn’t to leave web design behind, but to find a way to make a living that allowed me the flexibility I desperately needed. I turned to photography, something I’d always enjoyed, but didn’t yet know how to master. My focus was on photo editing, and I joined a Photoshop editing group to improve my skills. What began as a personal pursuit to become better at editing turned into something more profound. I began creating entire scenes from scratch, manipulating photos, designing backgrounds, and seamlessly inserting people into them. It felt like art—art that had the power to transform and tell stories in ways I hadn’t expected.

I was hooked. I began doing free edits for others, offering my work to build a portfolio and to connect with people. Slowly, that small group I had joined turned into a community. I wasn’t just improving my skills—I was building something real. Something I could be proud of.

From there, my business grew. Slowly but surely, I started editing for people from all walks of life: sports teams, photographers, businesses—you name it. The more I edited, the more I realized how much joy it brought me. There was this deep satisfaction in being able to help others with their vision, making their photos and designs come to life in ways they hadn’t imagined.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that this venture wasn’t just about earning a living—it was the foundation of a new purpose. I wasn’t just working for myself anymore; I was helping people all around the world, tapping into a limitless industry. There was no type of project I couldn’t take on, no industry I wasn’t involved in. Every edit I did was a new challenge, a new opportunity to learn and grow.

Over the years, I developed a habit of pushing myself to learn new techniques, to expand my reach, and to help even more people. I didn’t just stop at photo editing—I became a storyteller, a creator, and a connector. I fostered a sense of community within the groups I built and felt the power of sharing knowledge. And in doing that, I not only built a business but a life that allowed me to balance work, creativity, and family in a way I never thought possible.

That’s how I found my purpose—not by looking for it, but by following a passion that lit up as I went along. I learned that sometimes, the hardest challenges lead us to the most unexpected but fulfilling paths, and I wouldn’t change a single thing about this journey. It’s been a constant reminder that our purpose is often something we create, not something we find. And through that creation, we discover not just who we are, but what we’re truly capable of.

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?

I’m so excited to share what’s next for my business, Magical Edits, and the creative journey I’m on! Over the years, my photo editing work has expanded far beyond just transforming images; it’s now about helping others tap into their creativity and build their own skills. I’m thrilled to announce that I’m launching a series of Learn to Photoshop and Graphic Design workshops! These classes will be for anyone—from beginners looking to get started, to those wanting to refine their skills and tackle more advanced techniques. The goal is to empower others to create their own beautiful images, edit photos with confidence, and explore the art of design.
Alongside the workshops, I’m also focusing more on the photography side of my business, and I have some exciting offerings coming up. One of the highlights is my Wicked themed photo sessions. There will be unique backdrops and props designed specifically for this theme, crafted by other professionals in the photography industry. It’s all about bringing out creativity and helping people capture the magic of the moment in a fun and artistic way.
In addition to Wicked, I’ll be offering Sports Photo Sessions where athletes can get dynamic, high-energy shots that showcase their passion. These sessions will be perfect for anyone wanting to preserve the intensity and action of their sport. And as we head into spring, I’m also preparing for my Easter Photo Sessions, where families can enjoy themed sessions with fun props and vibrant backdrops.
But the most exciting part of all of this is that I plan to host themed photo sessions throughout the year, each with its own unique concept and vibe. Whether it’s a fairytale-inspired shoot, a vintage glamour look, or an adventure-themed shoot, I want each session to spark the imagination and offer clients a creative experience they won’t forget. I’ll be collaborating with other talented professionals in the industry to make sure each backdrop, prop, and detail is unique and custom-designed for every theme.
The underlying goal of everything I’m doing right now is to create experiences that allow people to tap into their own creativity, while also providing a space where they can learn, explore, and most importantly, have fun. It’s all about bringing imagination to life—whether through photo editing, a custom photo session, or a workshop that inspires others to unlock their own potential.
So, if you’re looking to step into a world of creativity, whether through a photo session, a class, or just exploring new ways to express yourself, I’m here to help bring your vision to life. I can’t wait to see where this next chapter of creative adventures takes us! Come join me at Magical Edits by Nycole or my photography group Magical Edits Photography.

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?

Resilience: This has been essential, especially in the face of personal challenges like managing my family’s health and balancing work. There were so many moments when things felt overwhelming, but I learned to keep going, even when the road was tough. My advice here would be to focus on the small wins. When things feel tough, look for the moments where you’re moving forward—even if it’s just a tiny step. Celebrate those, and know that each one brings you closer to where you need to be.

Creativity: From learning how to manipulate photos and build designs, to creating entire scenes from scratch, creativity has been at the heart of my business. The exciting thing about creativity is that it’s a skill you can nurture over time. For those just starting out, I’d say don’t be afraid to experiment. Try new things, even if they don’t work the first time. Creativity often grows from those early “failures.” You’ll develop your own style and voice by exploring different techniques, taking risks, and finding inspiration in unexpected places.

Continuous Learning: Technology and design trends change quickly, and the ability to keep learning has kept me relevant in a fast-paced industry. I never stopped seeking out new techniques, whether it was through online courses, communities, or just experimenting on my own. This mindset of continuous improvement is something I’ve carried through every part of my work. My advice here would be to embrace learning as a lifelong journey. Even if you’re just starting, find a place to start—whether it’s books, tutorials, or classes—and keep building your knowledge every day. Small, consistent efforts in learning will pay off in big ways down the road.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice would be: Don’t rush. Develop these qualities—resilience, creativity, and a passion for learning—and let them guide you at your own pace. There will be setbacks, and there will be moments of doubt, but if you can stick with it, trust the process, and keep evolving, you’ll find yourself growing in ways you never imagined. Focus on the process, not just the end goal, and give yourself permission to evolve as you go. Your journey will be uniquely yours, and that’s something to embrace!

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

Time management is one of the biggest challenges I’m facing right now, especially in a business where each photo edit requires a deep level of focus and attention to detail. It’s not uncommon for an edit that I thought would take an hour to stretch into a full day, especially when I’m striving for perfection in every project. And when that happens, it means other projects have to be pushed back, which can throw off the whole schedule. To resolve this issue, I try to tackle the projects that I can tell won’t take as long and that way I can give more attention to those that do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://magicaledits.com
• Instagram: magicaleditsbynycole
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/bynycole
• Other: Facebook group: Magical Edits by Nycole