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

Alright, Nikisha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.

How I Scaled My Business by Implementing Systems and Building a Team

When I started my business, it was just me, my ideas, and endless to-do lists. Every email, every design mockup (3 per client), every client call—I handled it all. At first, I told myself, “This is how it has to be.” I believed that to grow, I had to control everything, but in reality, it was a scarcity of believing I didn’t have enough money to hire anyone. But over time, that belief became a trap.

The turning point came one late night. I was sitting in my office, exhausted, surrounded by stacks of unfinished work. A client deadline loomed, my inbox was overflowing, and my family hadn’t seen me in days. I had built something I loved, but instead of feeling successful, I felt like I was drowning.

That night, I asked myself a hard question: “If my business couldn’t run without me working nonstop, did I really own a business? Or did I just own a very demanding job?”

I knew something had to change and it started with a book called “The E-Myth” by Michael E. Gerber.

Strategy #1: Letting Go of “Only I Can Do This” false narrative

One of my hardest (but best) decisions was bringing in a team. At first, I hesitated because this meant raising prices. In charging $1000 for invitations, I couldn’t fathom the idea of going higher for selling paper goods.

Other than pricing, I wondered who else could do things the way I did and where I was going to find time to train anyone with no system in place. What if clients only wanted to work with me? But I had to trust that building a business isn’t about doing everything yourself—it’s about designing a system that allows great work to happen, even when you step away.

The first role I hired for was client concierge manager, Vanessa. I had to first create a brand and tone guide that I used to help onboard her in learning the tone of the brand. I worked with Vanessa to show her my email style, how I spoke to clients, the questions to ask, and how to respond with the same level of care I did. The first time she answered an email before I could, I panicked. But when I saw that the client was happy (and I didn’t have to do it), I realized—I should have done this sooner!

Lesson: If you don’t trust people to help, your business will never grow beyond what you can personally handle.

Strategy #2: Creating Systems So I Wasn’t the Bottleneck

As I built my team, I saw another problem: everything still ran through me. People needed my approval. My inbox was still overflowing. So I asked myself, How can I remove myself from the daily chaos?

I started by documenting everything using a Google Document and then branched out to the Loom app and it’s AI capabilities.

– How were clients onboarded?
– What steps did we follow for each project?
– How did we keep track of deadlines?

I turned those answers into checklists, templates, and workflows and built a CRM system using Táve (https://tave.app/join/seamless-systems) to automate the lead process, onboarding, client follow-ups, invoices, reminders, and so much more. I created an onboarding guide so new hires could jump in without needing me every step of the way.

The best part? Suddenly, my team could move things forward without me being involved in every little detail. Instead of spending my time answering the same questions, I was free to focus on growth.

Lesson: If your business depends on you doing everything, you’ll never scale. Systems are the secret to getting your time back.

Obstacle: Facing My Fear of Losing Control

Scaling wasn’t all smooth sailing. One of my biggest mistakes? Thinking I had to hire “perfect” people who knew exactly what to do from day one.

Early on, I hired someone, gave them a big task, and expected them to “just figure it out.” When they struggled, I blamed them. But the truth? I hadn’t given them clear systems or expectations.

After that, I changed my approach:

– I hired based on values, not just skills—I looked for people who cared about quality, communication, and teamwork.
– I invested in training—I recorded video walkthroughs, wrote SOPs, and made sure new hires had everything they needed to succeed.
– I let go of perfection—I accepted that people would make mistakes (just like I did), and that’s part of learning.

Once I embraced that, my team started thriving. Clients were happier. The work got done. And for the first time, I didn’t feel like I had to do it all myself.

Lesson: If you don’t build a strong team, you’ll always be the ceiling of your business.

The Turning Point: Freedom and Growth

The real proof that my business had scaled? The day I was hospitalized, everything still ran smoothly.

Instead of answering emails, I was having a medical procedure to improve my digestive system, thinking about my health—not worrying about the deadlines and client obligations I had. My team handled client requests and production because our systems kept everything moving. And I finally had the ability to focus on myself and my health.

Now, I teach other entrepreneurs how to make this shift—because I know what it’s like to feel stuck in the cycle of doing everything yourself. And I know how powerful it is when you step back, build systems, and invite a team in.

Here are some takeaways I love sharing:

If you’re feeling overwhelmed in your business, ask yourself:

1. What’s one task you can delegate this week (keep it simple)?
2. What process do you repeat often that you can turn into a checklist or template?
3. I share a 60-day trial with my Tave CRM and get it set up for them within 3 days so they can use the next 57 days working in the system.

Scaling isn’t about doing more. It’s about creating a business that works—without burning yourself out. And trust me, that’s where the real growth happens.

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.

Meet Nikisha King: The Business Strategist & Certified Coach Who Helps Creative Women Entrepreneurs Build 7-Figure Systems Without Burnout

I didn’t start out as a business coach. I started in the wedding and event industry, designing luxury invitations and stationery that brought my clients’ dream events to life.

For years, I poured my heart into my work—delivering stunning, high-end designs for planners and couples who wanted nothing less than perfection. My business grew, but so did the demands. I was doing everything—designing, handling inquiries, managing orders, following up with vendors, and ensuring every detail was flawless. The weight of my business was on my shoulders, and while I loved what I created, I was drowning in the chaos of running it all alone.

I realized that talent and creativity weren’t enough. If I wanted my business to thrive (and still have a life outside of it), I needed systems.

So, I made a shift. I built workflows, automated my backend, structured my team, and turned my creative chaos into a well-oiled machine. The result? I scaled beyond what I ever imagined, stepping into a CEO role where my business could grow without me working 24/7. That transformation wasn’t just a game-changer—it became my mission.

Now, I help other creative women entrepreneurs do the same.

Going from Designer to Disruptor in helping business owners scale without losing themselves. Today, I’m the founder of NK Business Essentials, where I teach creative and service-based women entrepreneurs how to build 7-figure systems that free them from the overwhelm of running a business that relies entirely on them. My work is about more than just productivity—it’s about designing a business that supports your life, rather than taking over your life.

I offer:
✅ Done-for-you CRM and backend system builds to streamline client processes
✅ VIP 1:1 coaching and group mentorship to help entrepreneurs reclaim their time
✅ Workshops and educational programs focused on automation, sales systems, and operational efficiency
✅ Business strategy and revenue scaling guidance so my clients can grow sustainably, without burnout

What sets me apart?
I don’t just teach theory—I’ve lived it. I know what it feels like to be at the center of everything, unable to step away because the business depends on you. I also know the freedom that comes from putting the right systems and team in place so you can scale without sacrificing your sanity.

Solving the Biggest Problem for Creative Women Entrepreneurs: Overwhelm

Most of my clients are wildly talented, but their businesses feel like a never-ending to-do list. They are stuck in cycles of:

❌ Being the only one who knows how to do things
❌ Constantly reinventing processes instead of having a clear system
❌ Losing time on admin instead of focusing on creativity and growth
❌ Feeling burned out and guilty for never being OFF

I step in to design systems that work so my clients can:

✔ Work fewer hours while making more money
✔ Automate tasks so they don’t have to micromanage
✔ Build a business that allows them to take a vacation without stress
✔ Create structure so they can be present for family, themselves, and their vision

Because here’s the truth: If you don’t have systems, your business will always control you instead of you controlling your business.

My Biggest Accomplishment: Building a Thriving Business While Being Present for My Life 🥰

I’m not just a CEO. I’m a wife, a mother, and a leader of three successful businesses. And I do it all without running myself into the ground. That’s what I’m most proud of—not just the revenue, but the harmony I’ve created in my life.

The secret? Discipline, boundaries, and support.

I invest in my own growth, working with coaches and mentors who push me forward. I make time for myself so I can continue to give to my clients and my team. I set non-negotiable boundaries so I can show up fully in both my business and my personal life.

And this is exactly what I help my clients create.

NK Business Essentials is a transformative business. We don’t just “coach”—we build solutions and implement them. If you work with me, you’re getting real systems, real strategies, and real transformation.

We don’t just focus on making more money—we focus on reclaiming your time. Because if your business isn’t giving you the freedom to live your life, what’s the point?

We believe in working smarter, not harder. That means automating what can be automated, delegating what doesn’t need you, and streamlining everything so you can focus on the parts of your business you love.

We help you scale with structure. No more winging it. No more feeling overwhelmed. Just clear steps that take you from overworked entrepreneur to confident, in-control CEO.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

The $15,000 Sale I Thought I’d Lose—And How I Won It Anyway

I’ll never forget the day I got a call from a wedding planner I had never worked with before. She had a couple who needed luxury wedding invitations, but there was one tiny problem…

They had been given a $15,000 proposal from another stationer and turned it down! Their budget was $8,000.

Now, if you’ve ever been in sales, you know what that means. If they said no to someone else at $15K, why would they say yes to my $15,000 proposal?

I listened as the planner shared all the details—what the couple loved, the vision they had, the elements they wished they could have but didn’t think they could afford. And when I put together their proposal, guess what?

It came out to exactly $14,200.

That’s when fear crept in.

I thought, There’s no way they’ll say yes. They already turned down this price before. Why would this time be any different?

But then I remembered something powerful:

Selling isn’t about the money. It’s about the value.

People don’t buy based on numbers alone—they buy based on how they feel, how much trust they have, and how clearly they can see the transformation you’re offering.

So I pushed aside the doubt and decided to do something different.

The Game-Changing Move: Selling Without Speaking to the Client

I didn’t just send a proposal and hope for the best. Instead, I created an impeccable, detailed, and personalized Loom video walking them through everything I would create for them and taking the time to review the agreement (the important and confusing parts). Did I fail to mention the client was a lawyer, and there were no red lines in my agreement 😉?

– I showed them how each element was thoughtfully designed for their wedding.
– I painted the vision of what their guests would experience when they received these invitations.
– I made sure every detail was clear, so they didn’t just see a number—they saw an experience.

And mind you, I had never even spoken to this couple before. All my communication was through their planner.

The Moment of Truth…

Less than 24 hours later, they booked.

Not only did they say yes to my $14,200 proposal, but they added more services and paid a total of $18,380 overall.

And the best part? They were over the moon with their experience—and a year later, they referred me even more business.

Oh, and did I mention? They lived in a completely different state from me, we have never met in person.

The Lesson for Every Creative Entrepreneur

This wasn’t just about selling invitations. This was about understanding that people don’t just buy a product—they buy confidence, clarity, and the feeling of knowing they’re in the right hands.

If I had let fear win that day, I would have lowered my price. I would have second-guessed my worth. I would have tried to squeeze myself into an $8K budget just to “win the sale.” And I would have lost—not just money, but the opportunity to serve at the highest level.

Instead, I leaned into my value. I made the experience seamless, luxurious, and clear.

And that’s the key: Opportunities like this are available to every creative woman entrepreneur—but you have to be willing to do something different.

1. You have to sell the transformation, not just the product.
2. You have to be willing to get uncomfortable.
3. And most importantly, you have to believe in your value—because it’s priceless.

So, the next time you think, They won’t pay that price, remember:

✨ It’s not about the number.
✨ It’s about how you make them feel.
✨ And when you know your worth, others will too.

This is how you grow. This is how you scale. This is how you win.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

In 2021, I reached a breaking point. I was fed up with being scared to grow my business. I had spent years focusing on volume—taking on more clients, doing more work, staying busy—but deep down, I knew I wanted something different. I didn’t just want to grow in numbers; I wanted to grow in value and work with a niche market that truly valued what I offered.

I had seen ‘The Secret’, and while the idea of manifestation intrigued me, the question that always lingered in my mind was: How does it actually work? How do you take an idea and turn it into reality?

That’s when a stranger—who is now a friend—introduced me to a book that changed everything:
‘A Happy Pocket Full of Money’ by David Cameron Gikandi.

This book wasn’t just about thinking positively or wishing for success. It explained manifestation on a scientific level, and as someone with a pre-med background, that’s exactly what I needed.

It broke down:

– The truth about time – Time is a construct. It exists when other beings are involved, but when it’s just you, there is no time. There is only the present moment. Fighting against time, fearing that it’s running out, or making it the enemy is pointless. Death is inevitable. But wasting the time you do have? That’s a choice.

– First cause – I am the reason for everything in my life. My thoughts create my feelings, my feelings drive my actions, and my actions determine my results. If I wanted something different, it had to start with my thoughts.

– Scarcity is a lie – I grew up in the ghetto, surrounded by scarcity beliefs. I heard things like “money doesn’t grow on trees”—but money is made of paper, and paper comes from trees. The logic was flawed, but we still believed it. This book shattered those beliefs and replaced them with abundance.

At first, I didn’t fully grasp it. If it were that easy, wouldn’t everyone live a life of abundance? Wouldn’t more people step out of survival mode and into creation mode? But the truth is, most of us are too stuck in victimhood to see what’s possible.

I was, too. I blamed people for my struggles. I gave outside forces credit for my failures. I lived in a mindset of “Why is this happening to me?” instead of asking “What can I do about it?”

This book made me take back my power.

It helped me see that if I wanted to build an empire, I had to start with me. I had to stop doing the best I could with what I had and start investing in myself so I could become better and do better.

And then, something incredible happened.

Within months of shifting my mindset, I discovered $8,000 that had been in the world since 2011—but I had never seen it before. That money had always been in a retirement account that I didn’t know existed, but my scarcity had kept it hidden from me. Once I started thinking differently, seeing abundance all around me, I started seeing opportunities instead of limitations. (ask me about the $8K story).

Since then, I have shared this book over 100 times, gifting it to others because it was the catalyst to my success. But here’s the thing: not everyone will get it. Some people will read it once and move on. But for me?

I read it five times and still do when I start falling off my game (always moving forward).

And each time, it shattered old beliefs and replaced them with new ones that changed not just my life, but the lives of my family, my spouse, my children, and my business.

I went from scarcity to abundance—not because of luck, not because of circumstances, but because I changed the way I saw myself, my life, and my potential.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or trapped by the same old stories about what’s possible for you, ask yourself:

1. What beliefs are holding you back?
2. What if you could rewire your thinking to create a different outcome?
3. Are you willing to invest in yourself—not just in money, but in mindset?*

Because the moment you do, you might just see opportunities that have been sitting in front of you all along.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nikishaking.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nkbizguru
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nkbizguru1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikishakinghidalgo/

Image Credits

Jocelyn Cruz
Anthony Page
JR Photo NY
Fred Marcus