When you’re putting together your content strategy you could fall into moments where you feel stuck. Maybe you feel like there’s no way you can stand out in a saturated market or maybe you feel unsure of how to put yourself out there. Here’s a truth bomb for you: nobody can be you.  That’s why it’s important to figure out your why and start sharing your story as you create content for your audience. In this episode, I’ll be sharing tips that I use for my own content creation. You’ll get insight on what tools are available to make content creation simple and how you can stop the scroll and get people to engage with your content! What’s in this episode: Why an actual person helps to stop the scrolling on social media How to use a Pinterest board for creating a theme Some of my favorite content creation and social media tools How I use themed days to help with content creation Why you should use live videos in your content strategy How you can use Instagram stories if you aren’t ready for live video yet Links:Colorkuler Canva Planoly Creator Studio Tailwind Smart Bio Linktree I am so glad you decided to tune in today. Continue to follow along my journey as a wife, a mama, and a girl boss by connecting with me on my website, Instagram or Facebook. You can also check out my personal Instagram to get a behind the scenes look at my life. If you want to hear more about my journey in the fashion industry, I’d encourage you to subscribe so we can continue to get to know each other. 

Grow with Style + Grace

024: Tips for Creating Your Own Content

Back when I was living in New York attending college I had to journal my experience as a part of my internship. I never knew that this would be something I would still be doing years later as a wife, mama and business owner. Journaling is something that I’ve leaned on in life to make a lot of difficult decisions. Get ready to hear my best tips for journaling, prompts you can use to inspire your journaling and a reflection of some of the breakthrough moments I’ve experienced during my own journaling.  What’s in this episode: How I got into journaling during college Why I use journaling to help myself make hard decisions How there’s no right or wrong way to journal How you can use quotes to help prompt your journaling A journaling exercise I like to do: best-case vs. worst-case scenario Breakthrough moments I’ve reflected on from my journaling routine I am so glad you decided to tune in today. Continue to follow along my journey as a wife, a mama, and a girl boss by connecting with me on my website, Instagram or Facebook. You can also check out my personal Instagram to get a behind the scenes look at my life. If you want to hear more about my journey in the fashion industry, I’d encourage you to subscribe so we can continue to get to know each other.

023: Why I Recommend Journaling

As we’ve all been navigating the pandemic over these last few months so much has changed. When everything started happening in March I was very fearful about the future of the boutique. That’s when I really decided to lean in and go back to exactly what worked: the basics! I wanted to really take a step back to reflect on what people have always responded to. In this episode, I’ll be sharing the five tips that have helped me through this time that will be helpful for anyone who is running a business amidst everything happening in the world. What’s in this episode: The fears I was facing in March about the future of the boutique Why I decided to go back to the basics The 5 business tips that helped me through the pandemic so far Why I don’t believe in “hustle mode” anymore I am so glad you decided to tune in today. Continue to follow along my journey as a wife, a mama, and a girl boss by connecting with me on my website, Instagram or Facebook. You can also check out my personal Instagram to get a behind the scenes look at my life. If you want to hear more about my journey in the fashion industry, I’d encourage you to subscribe so we can continue to get to know each other.

022: 5 Business Tips That Have Helped Me Through the Pandemic

What a whirlwind these past few months have been. I know a lot of my podcast listeners haven’t heard from me awhile so in today’s episode I shared some updates of what’s been happening with myself, my family and the boutique during the course of this pandemic. Just like many of you, I’ve been through so many changes these last few months and that’s exactly what I dove into today on the podcast. You’ll hear about the close encounter my family had with COVID-19 and the hardest part for me personally. I also discuss how business has been while being closed down and my reflections on my 10th year of business.  What’s in this episode: My thoughts on everything that’s been happening over the last few months The reflections I’ve had during the 10 year anniversary of my business My families close experience with COVID-19 Why I’ve decided to go back to the basics throughout this experience The hardest part about this pandemic The new membership program that I launched  I am so glad you decided to tune in today. Continue to follow along my journey as a wife, a mama, and a girl boss by connecting with me on my website, Instagram or Facebook. You can also check out my personal Instagram to get a behind the scenes look at my life. If you want to hear more about my journey in the fashion industry, I’d encourage you to subscribe so we can continue to get to know each other.

021: I’m Back! Boutique Updates and Reflections on My 10 Year Anniversary

There’s never going to be a perfect time to start a business or to make changes in your current business. You just have to go for it and do it! Today I am talking about business mistakes that I see people making that hinder them from growth. I dive into why I love helping other businesses and I also touch on the topics of comparing your business to others, adapting to change and more.    What’s in this episode: Why Nicole loves to help other businesses Being mindful of what you’re looking for help with Why you can’t compare your business or your journey to others Unfollowing who you compare yourself to and focusing on yourself Being able to adapt to things if they aren’t working out Learning who your customer is and getting to know them personally Why you need to know your numbers in your business   I am so glad you decided to tune in today. Continue to follow along my journey as a wife, a mama, and a girl boss by connecting with me on my website, Instagram or Facebook. You can also check out my personal Instagram to get a behind the scenes look at my life. If you want to hear more about my journey in the fashion industry, I’d encourage you to subscribe so we can continue to get to know each other. 

020: 3 Business Mistakes

It seems as if everyone is always chasing this idea of “balance”. If you ask me, I’d say that balance isn’t real. Balance is one of those things that so many people are striving to reach but can never quite get there. In this episode, I am chatting about why I think balance is BS and what you might actually be looking for if you’ve been seeking balance. I talk about being able to adapt to changes and how social media creates a false perception of balance. I also talk about giving up the idea of balance and my advice for making it through the day and giving 100% to everything that you do instead of attempting to have balance.    What’s in this episode: What Nicole thinks of when she hears the word “balance” Why she doesn’t think balance is real Setting yourself up for disappointment with high expectations of balance How comparison (and social media highlight reels) will make you feel pressured to find balance What you may be looking for that’s not actually “balance” such as productivity  How everybody’s idea of balance is different How getting through the day and giving 100% is enough  Being able to adapt to change and accept that not everything is going to get done   Links:018: Give 100% Every Day   I am so glad you decided to tune in today. Continue to follow along my journey as a wife, a mama, and a girl boss by connecting with me on my website, Instagram or Facebook. You can also check out my personal Instagram to get a behind the scenes look at my life. If you want to hear more about my journey in the fashion industry, I’d encourage you to subscribe so we can continue to get to know each other. 

019: Balance is BS

Are you ready to start giving 100% each and every day? Today I share what it means to me to give 100% and why it’s not even about “balance” but recognizing where you can put your best foot forward in your personal life and in your career or business. I break down the tools I use to help myself give 100% by prioritizing my top three things-to-do and putting all of my effort into those tasks and activities when I’ve allotted time to do them. I also talk about the importance of giving yourself grace even when the day doesn’t go as planned and you have to complete your top three things at a later time.    What’s in this episode: Nicole’s thoughts on the New Year What it means to give 100% every day Why she’s okay with not being a “great mom” every single day How it’s not about balance but recognizing where you can put your best foot forward Prioritizing your top three things and giving that 100% of your time and effort  What she does if she doesn’t accomplish her top three tasks for the day   Links: Trello   I am so glad you decided to tune in today. Continue to follow along my journey as a wife, a mama, and a girl boss by connecting with me on my website, Instagram or Facebook. You can also check out my personal Instagram to get a behind the scenes look at my life. If you want to hear more about my journey in the fashion industry, I’d encourage you to subscribe so we can continue to get to know each other. 

018: Give 100% Every Day

This week’s episode hits very close to home as I open up about my thoughts and feelings on the 1-year anniversary of losing my grandmother. In this episode, I talk about my goals to live a more simple life and why lately I’ve been taking the time to decipher what matters most to me and where my priorities are. I also chat about a few renovations I am doing at the boutique including using pieces from my grandparent’s home in the boutique.  What’s in this episode: Her reflection on the 1-year anniversary of losing her grandmother Taking the time to decide what matters most to her and where her priorities lie Living a more simple life and only adding things to your plate that you can take on What Nicole wishes she would have done with her grandparents Why she’s done with excuses   Putting quality time into her relationship with her husband Her experience of selling her grandparents home  The changes and renovations they are doing at the boutique How Nicole’s gotten to know her customer over 2019 and what she’s excited for in 2020   Links: IGTV: Mini Reno + A Day in the Life of Nicole J   I am so glad you decided to tune in today. Continue to follow along my journey as a wife, a mama, and a girl boss by connecting with me on my website, Instagram or Facebook. You can also check out my personal Instagram to get a behind the scenes look at my life. If you want to hear more about my journey in the fashion industry, I’d encourage you to subscribe so we can continue to get to know each other. 

017: Mini Reno at Nicole J Boutique

Today’s episode will be a huge help for you whether you’re a business owner, looking to start a business or even if you want to help with the marketing at the company you work for. In this episode, I’ll share a few of the strategies that have worked for me and my business that you could apply to your own ventures. Marketing is all about trial and error so you’ll definitely want to try out a few of these tips to see how they apply in your own marketing strategy. I go over what we do at the boutique, why you need to be consistent with your marketing and how finding what makes you unique from competitors will help you to differentiate yourself and build your brand.   What’s in this episode: Marketing strategies that Nicole’s used in her business Using trial and error in your marketing strategy How social media has helped Nicole’s business Doing what you can to connect with your customers Why Nicole likes to use videos as part of her marketing How she uses Instagram stories to build a connection Why you need to be consistent with marketing What programs she uses to make marketing easier Building your brand by finding what makes you different from competitors How much of an impact word of mouth has on your business Being honest and vulnerable with your audience Not putting too much onto your plate and deciding which platforms to focus on   Links: Planoly   I am so glad you decided to tune in today. Continue to follow along my journey as a wife, a mama, and a girl boss by connecting with me on my website, Instagram or Facebook. You can also check out my personal Instagram to get a behind the scenes look at my life. If you want to hear more about my journey in the fashion industry, I’d encourage you to subscribe so we can continue to get to know each other. 

016: Finding Your Voice

The holiday season is always such a busy time for me at home and at the boutique. That’s why this year I really wanted to take some time to be present, reflect on my thoughts and just be proud of all that I’ve accomplished in 2019. Today I chat about how we have the power to choose our outcomes and how we feel about our days. I dove into 3 big things that I accomplished in 2019 and how I used a vision board to get ready for my 2020 goals.    What’s in this episode: Feeling back into the rhythm after the holiday season Shifting your mindset and choosing to have a positive outlook on the day Why Nicole chose to be “selfish” over the winter break 3 big things that she accomplished in 2019 How Nicole felt about turning 30 and the birthday trip she took with her husband, Matt Taking the time to do a reflection sheet and how much joy it brought her Getting out of your own way and prioritizing what you need to get done Taking action every single day toward your goals Using a vision board to help visualize the goals that you want to reach Scheduling priorities into your calendar so you can get them done   Links: You're Not Lost: An Inspired Action Plan for Finding Your Own Way by Maxie McCoy Questions for Reflection Worksheet   I am so glad you decided to tune in today. Continue to follow along my journey as a wife, a mama, and a girl boss by connecting with me on my website, Instagram or Facebook. You can also check out my personal Instagram to get a behind the scenes look at my life. If you want to hear more about my journey in the fashion industry, I’d encourage you to subscribe so we can continue to get to know each other. 

015: Happy New Year! Goodbye to My 20s, Hello 2020

Dealing with mom guilt? You’re not alone! This is something that as moms, we ALL deal with. It’s never going to go away but the best thing you can do is to feel the guilt and learn to move on from it. Today I talk about my own experience with mom guilt, why you need to put less pressure on yourself and how taking care of your own needs is important so you can be a more present mom to your kids.    What’s in this episode: Nicole’s experience with mom guilt  Why mom guilt is totally normal Why you’re probably putting too much pressure on yourself  Taking care of what you need to so you can be a more present mom How Nicole’s experienced working mom guilt and regular mom guilt Being your best self by taking care of your own needs Learning to check out when you’re at home and be present with your family Feeling the guilt and moving on from it I am so glad you decided to tune in today. Continue to follow along my journey as a wife, a mama, and a girl boss by connecting with me on my website, Instagram or Facebook. You can also check out my personal Instagram to get a behind the scenes look at my life. If you want to hear more about my journey in the fashion industry, I’d encourage you to subscribe so we can continue to get to know each other.

014: Mom Guilt

If you have a business, then you’ll definitely want to hear today’s episode. Today I dove into how my team and I market my boutique. I dove into everything you may need to know about creating and implementing a marketing strategy for your business including what tools have helped me and what social media platforms my team and I use. I share the importance of keeping it simple and focusing on what works best for your business and how to use trial and error when developing your marketing plan.     What’s in this episode: Keeping it simple and focusing on what works for you How Nicole uses selfies and live videos to connect with her audience Why you need to have a brand guide Using presets to keep branding consistent Planning content using Planoly and her strategy for Instagram  Creating her own graphics through Canva Using Trello to plan out her marketing strategy Implementing text marketing and the difference between that and email marketing How they use blogs as a part of their marketing strategy The importance of using a call to action and connecting with customers Using trial and error to build out your marketing plan  How she differentiates her marketing on her personal and business Instagrams   Links: Lightroom Planoly Canva Trello Nicole J Boutique on Pinterest MailChimp   I am so glad you decided to tune in today. Continue to follow along my journey as a wife, a mama, and a girl boss by connecting with me on my website, Instagram or Facebook. You can also check out my personal Instagram to get a behind the scenes look at my life. If you want to hear more about my journey in the fashion industry, I’d encourage you to subscribe so we can continue to get to know each other. 

013: Marketing

One of the most life-changing moments that helped to propel the success of my boutique came when I realized this: nobody can be you and that is your superpower. That’s why today I am going to share with you how I built my brand. Building a brand is about creating real, genuine connections with your audience whether you’ve met them or not. It’s about cultivating relationships and showing up for your customers. It’s not just blindly selling to people but making that connection to where they want to support you and buy from your business. Today I shared how becoming relatable will help you build your brand, why you need to open up to customers and the importance of showing up and being consistent.    What’s in this episode: A huge turning point in Nicole’s business How customer connections will make you stand out from the competition Becoming relatable to her customers by sharing her story The importance of opening up your heart and ears and building relationships Creating a presence online and in-store Showing up and being consistent without caring what others think Building a team to help you interact online Paying attention to what your audience wants to see on social media Catering your messaging to your ideal customer Being able to adapt to changes and evolve over time   I am so glad you decided to tune in today. Continue to follow along my journey as a wife, a mama, and a girl boss by connecting with me on my website, Instagram or Facebook. You can also check out my personal Instagram to get a behind the scenes look at my life. If you want to hear more about my journey in the fashion industry, I’d encourage you to subscribe so we can continue to get to know each other. 

012: Building a Brand

We all have those days where we’re just in a funk. Not every day is going to be perfect and seamless but you have to push through it and find the confidence within yourself. On this episode I am sharing how I pull myself out of a funk when I am feeling unconfident and how your personal style will make you a more confident person. I share why I have “glam days” and why these are essential for self-confidence. I also chat about surrendering on the days where you’re feeling unconfident and why you need to stop comparing yourself to other people.  What’s in this episode: How Nicole pulls herself out of a funk when she’s feeling unconfident Why you’re enough as you are right now  Reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason How your personal style helps you with being confident Learning to accept yourself fully as you are Finding the good in every situation Surrendering on the days that you feel less confident Why Nicole commits to a few “glam days” a week Why you need to stop comparing yourself to other people   I am so glad you decided to tune in today. Continue to follow along my journey as a wife, a mama, and a girl boss by connecting with me on my website, Instagram or Facebook. You can also check out my personal Instagram to get a behind the scenes look at my life. If you want to hear more about my journey in the fashion industry, I’d encourage you to subscribe so we can continue to get to know each other. 

011: Finding Confidence

As we’re inching closer to the holiday season, I wanted to share three simple tips that I use to help relieve stress and enjoy this time of year. This can be such a hectic time of year with growing to-do lists but it’s so important to just slow down and enjoy the little moments. Today I opened up about celebrating new holiday traditions in honor of loved ones we’ve lost, why you should set intentions for your days and how I am feeling about my 30th birthday coming up.  What’s in this episode: The Black Friday tradition that Nicole does every year Why shopping small is so important Reflecting on her life before her 30th birthday Slowing down and enjoying the little moments during the holiday season Keeping the memories alive for lost loved ones over the holidays Taking the pressure off of yourself and taking time for yourself Three simple tips to relieve stress and enjoy the rest of the year Staying off of social media so you aren’t pressured to compare yourself to others Practicing a brain dump and how therapeutic this can be for you Finding time for yourself no matter how busy you get Why you should focus on setting an intention for the day Nicole’s intention of being kind to herself   I am so glad you decided to tune in today. Continue to follow along my journey as a wife, a mama, and a girl boss by connecting with me on my website, Instagram or Facebook. You can also check out my personal Instagram to get a behind the scenes look at my life. If you want to hear more about my journey in the fashion industry, I’d encourage you to subscribe so we can continue to get to know each other. 

010: Give Yourself Grace

Hear the story of Nicole J, owner of Nicole J Boutique... Mama, Wife + Girl Boss... while her journey hasn't been an easy one, she truly believes that everything happens for a reason! Follow along every week as Nicole shares her story and gives her best life advice along the way!

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Grow with Style + Grace

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