Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erica Nicole Otkins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Erica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

Erica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Erica Nicole Otkins. I am a two time graduate of Texas Southern University. I am happily married with two children. I learned to sew at an early age..around elementary school. I have lots of seamstresses in my family. As an adult, I kind of forgot about my hidden talent. One Christmas I asked my husband for a sewing machine..and it’s been on every since. I started doing t shirts with vinyl and also developed an interest in embroidery. The next Christmas I asked for an embroidery machine. I practiced a lot and got really good at it. I started off doing uniforms for my industry friends or t shirts for their clients. Before I knew it, I was the go to girl for uniforms. Then Covid hit. My event rental business came to a complete halt. During that time, I started an etsy shop selling embroidery files and patches. I started making a decent amount of money and decided to take this full time. I purchased a multi needle machine and started marketing more. 2 & 1/2 years later, I have my first storefront.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn the lack mentality. My father died when I was 11 years old, so my mom was a single struggling parent. When it comes to making big purchases I get terrified. I never want to spend my money..because I don’t ever want to be without. In business, you have to spend money to make money.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I’ll be honest. I’m a Facebook comedian. I’ve always had a large following. They’re my biggest supporters. If they can’t purchase the things I’m selling..they refer their friends. I owe all of my success to them. My advice would be…be yourself. Be authentic. If you share your wins..don’t be afraid to share your fails.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nicolemadeit.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NicoleMadeIt_
• Facebook: Nicole Made It
• Youtube: Nicole Made It
• Other: Tik Tok: @NicoleMadeIt_

Image Credits
Photo of me take by Farryn Cortes Photography