We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole Hoschouer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole below.

Hi Nicole, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Starting my business was a significant risk, mainly because I was essentially starting over in my mid-30s, which felt daunting. Back when I started college, I didn’t even realize graphic design was a thing; otherwise, I might have pursued it then. By the time I discovered my interest in it, I felt it was too late to start over with something new. However, after 15 years working various other jobs, I recognized that embarking on a journey centered around something I truly loved could be worth the risk.

I came to understand that I still had so much life ahead of me, and I deserved to engage in work that was fulfilling. I envisioned the happiness I would feel a few years down the line if I took the leap now and embraced something new. Though I’m still early in my journey, the risk I took has already proven to be worthwhile—both financially and emotionally.

Just over a year into this venture, I’ve more than recouped my investment in courses and business setup. I have also gained significant confidence in my abilities and a sense of pride in my work (even though I still wrestle with imposter syndrome daily). This journey has also allowed me to rediscover a part of myself that I lost after having kids. I’m thrilled to finally call myself a graphic designer and genuinely enjoy the work I do.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi, I’m Nicole—a freelance graphic designer, proud mom, and introvert extraordinaire. I specialize in designing logos, branding, and websites for small businesses, with a particular passion for collaborating with fellow introverted entrepreneurs. I believe that when introverts unite (albeit separately, in our own cozy spaces), incredible things happen.

Even if you’re passionate about your business and excel at what you do, connecting with your ideal customers online can be challenging, especially for those of us who are more reserved. When you combine that with outdated, inconsistent, or DIY branding, it’s easy to feel uncertain about ever confidently engaging with your target audience. That’s where I come in—I love using my creativity to help entrepreneurs showcase their amazing businesses and feel empowered in their visual identities.

Many people start by trying to DIY their logo and website, which can work for a time. However, capturing the essence of your brand and maintaining a consistent style can become difficult. Eventually, most business owners find that they need to elevate their brand with something more professional and tailored to their vision.

Together, we dive deep into your brand’s values, mission, and unique qualities, examining your competitors and ideal audience. These insights shape your brand strategy and inform the design choices I make. I’ll create a comprehensive suite of logos—tailored in various shapes and sizes for every purpose—along with a custom color palette and brand fonts. We can also include unique brand icons, playful brand patterns, and a website that brings your entire brand to life.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I once worked on a project where I presented several logo options to a client, but none resonated with them. While I knew this was an inevitable part of the design process, I felt crushed. I believed I had crafted exactly what the client requested, only to find they wanted something entirely different that we hadn’t discussed. This left me doubting my abilities and career choice.

As I reflected on the situation, I began to identify where I might have gone wrong. I typically have my clients complete a questionnaire to help me understand their brand before starting any design work. However, this particular client struggled with some questions and provided some vague answers. I tried to dig deeper but didn’t get far, so I decided to move forward with what I had.

Looking back, I realized I shouldn’t have proceeded without clarifying those critical details, even if it meant spending extra time in the pre-design phase. I also recognized the need to add more specificity to one of my questions.

After another round of logo designs, I finally created an option that the client loved, which turned out to be far more meaningful than my original concepts. This experience not only strengthened my internal processes but also gave me the confidence to handle rejection and transform a challenging client experience into a positive outcome. Ultimately, it made me a better designer and business owner.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Every time I see my work out in the world—whether it’s a client showcasing it on Instagram or a logo I designed turned into a sign—I feel an overwhelming sense of joy, pride, and fulfillment. It’s as if my creativity has come full circle, finding its place in a tangible way and making an impact in the world far beyond my screen. Knowing my work sparks emotions, solves problems, and helps others feel confident in their businesses gives me a deeply personal and meaningful sense of accomplishment.

It’s incredibly fulfilling to have my young daughters see me doing design work and running my own business. I love that they’re growing up watching their mom pursue her passion and build something from the ground up. Knowing that I’m setting an example of creativity, independence, and perseverance is one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. I want them to see that it’s possible to follow your dreams, work hard, and create something meaningful, no matter what stage of life you’re in. Seeing their curiosity about what I do, and having them cheer me on, makes all the challenges and long hours feel even more worth it.

I took a big risk starting something new at this stage of my life, investing countless hours into learning and honing my craft. It’s incredibly rewarding to see all that hard work pay off, and I feel truly grateful to have achieved even a small measure of success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.inklingdesignco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkling.design.co/