We recently connected with Nicole Beal and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the toughest things about entrepreneurship is that there is almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

The journey to where we are today business-wise has been interspersed with successes, but also many lessons along the way – there is always a learning curve when growing a new brand. But we describe the process as a “labor of love!” We have enjoyed every step, bump, peak and valley because our business is aligned with our purpose, and we have seen the positive impact it is creating. As the saying goes, “if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life”. We have found that to be true! There have been challenges along the way, but more importantly, there were extremely beneficial lessons that came out of them. Some of the key ones are:
1) Time management is paramount! Whether you are a solopreneur or have a team working with you, knowing how to prioritize your time effectively is key! I have found that time blocking/scheduling helps me to stay organized, focused on executing tasks in order of priority, and minimizes what “falls through the cracks” so growth can be the result. I would like to note that a largely overlooked aspect when it comes to time management and entrepreneurship is the importance of prioritizing time for personal/self-care. The mind and body need time to recover to keep performing at a high level. So, it is important to schedule time for proper rest, exercise, and any extra-curricular activities that you enjoy. Balance is key!
2) Patience and persistence are critical! In this technology driven age, instant gratification has become the expectation. People tend to give up and move on to the next pursuit when things don’t go a certain way within a relatively short amount of time. But we believe that anything worth doing is worth taking the time to do well. Before a tower can be built, it takes time to construct a foundation strong enough to withstand the enormity that will be built on it. So, when working to build anything of substance, it is important to adopt the right mindset at the outset. Be patient, consistent and persistent! Acknowledge and celebrate ALL your victories along the way as positive reinforcement. And in moments of discouragement, take the time to look at the complete picture of your journey so you can recognize just how far you’ve come.
3) Good communication skills are essential! Effective communication strengthens the connections between a company and its customers, stakeholders, ambassadors, vendors, etc. It helps to prevent and/or effectively address conflict, and fosters an environment of cooperation, loyalty and satisfaction.

4) Do not underestimate the power of your circle of influence! Seeking out and surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded individuals is critical when building a business or pursuing any positive goal. Not only can your circle be a source of inspiration and encouragement, but the shared resources and connections provided by this network can prove to be invaluable!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Blackwood Premium officially launched in May 2021 offering collections of chic and trendy fashion accessories crafted with sustainably sourced premium wood. Our collections for men and women include watches and bracelets, but we are best known for our fierce and fashionable sunglasses. Our slogan is “Sustainability & Style Simplified” because we don’t believe that sustainable fashion needs to be unattractive or plain. We work every day to debunk that myth, and make it simple for our customers to be both eco-responsible AND completely stylish.
As far as what sets us apart, it would definitely be our vibe!
VIBE: a distinctive feeling or quality capable of being sensed
We want our customers to feel like they are purchasing more than just another watch or pair of sunglasses – they are indulging in positive vibes – an energy that is highly attractive, and exudes confidence, presence, class and joy! Our content is very carefully designed to emote all that and more as we infuse images and music from South Florida and the Caribbean (I am from the island of Anguilla).
We also want people to know that we launched the brand with more than revenue/profit generation in mind. We also use the platform to give back and better our community. We plant a tree with every purchase as a means of replenishing our eco-system and increasing our positive impact on it. We work with local organizations to improve our environment and benefit the less fortunate in our community. We also use our brand as a platform to support our community members in the pursuit of their purpose/passion. We have collaborated with aspiring models, photographers and other creatives to assist with building their portfolios and create mutually-beneficial, positive exposure for their brands. We remain open to future collaborations with other like-minded individuals/businesses.
In the end, we want your readers to know that Blackwood Premium is a purpose-driven brand seeking to make a positive impact, and that supporting our brand means you can LOOK GOOD in our chic, stylish accessories, DO GOOD by helping us give back to our eco-system and community, all of which will ultimately help you to FEEL GOOD! #lookgooddogoodfeelgood

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

Absolutely! I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to constantly seek knowledge and inspiration to grow and adapt. Here are some resources that have significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy: 1. “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries: This book transformed the way I approach business by emphasizing the importance of rapid experimentation, iteration, and staying lean. It’s been invaluable in helping me make smart decisions without wasting resources.
2. “Good to Great” by Jim Collins: This book has influenced my understanding of how great companies differentiate themselves and sustain success over time.
3. TED Talks: There are countless TED Talks on entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation that have inspired me and provided practical advice. One of my favorites is Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why.”
4. Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer a wide range of courses on business management, marketing, and leadership. These have helped me acquire new skills and stay updated on industry trends.
5. Podcasts: Listening to entrepreneurial podcasts like “How I Built This” and “Earn Your Leisure” has provided me with stories of entrepreneurs and their journeys, offering inspiration and lessons that inform my own approach.
6. Local Business Networks: Being a part of minority-owned and small business networks has allowed me to connect with other entrepreneurs with similar goals, mindset, challenges and to exchange invaluable insights.
7. Everyday experiences: Ultimately, it’s the everyday experiences, encompassing both triumphs and setbacks, that have been the most influential teachers. They’ve given rise to one of my favorite personal mantras, a guiding principle that I hold dear: “There are no losses, only lessons.” This simple yet powerful mantra reminds me that every challenge and setback holds a valuable opportunity for growth and learning. It’s a reminder that even in moments of difficulty, there’s something to be gained, whether it’s a new insight, a skill honed, or a strategy refined. These lessons from the trenches have become the cornerstone of my entrepreneurial journey, helping me adapt, innovate, and persevere.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A crucial lesson I had to unlearn on my entrepreneurial journey was the belief that success was solely about working harder and longer hours. The backstory to this lesson dates back to the early days of my business, where I was determined to prove my dedication and commitment by putting in relentless hours of work. I believed that the key to achieving my business goals was burning the midnight oil and sacrificing personal time and well-being. This mindset was partially influenced by the image of the “hustle culture” often celebrated in the business world, which glorifies overworking as a badge of honor.
However, the turning point came when I began experiencing burnout and noticing diminishing returns on my efforts. I was working tirelessly, yet the business wasn’t progressing as I had hoped. My professional and personal life were both negatively impacted. It was a wake-up call that forced me to reassess my approach.
I realized that success wasn’t solely determined by how many hours I put in, but rather by the quality of those hours and the effectiveness of my strategies. Working myself to exhaustion wasn’t a sustainable path to success; it was counterproductive.
This realization prompted me to unlearn the belief that more hours equaled more success. Instead, I focused on working smarter, prioritizing tasks, and implementing efficient systems and processes. I also made self-care a non-negotiable part of my routine, recognizing that my well-being was crucial for the long-term success of my business.
As I shifted my mindset and embraced a more balanced approach, I noticed a significant improvement in both my personal life and my business’s performance. I achieved better results with less stress and regained my passion for entrepreneurship.
This lesson of unlearning the “hustle at all costs” mentality has been transformational for my business. It’s a lesson I share with fellow entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of balance, productivity, and well-being in the pursuit of success. Success isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter and taking care of oneself along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: blackwoodpremium.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/blackwoodpremium
• Facebook: facebook.com/blackwoodpremium
• TikTok: tiktok.com/@blackwoodpremium

Image Credits
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Barry Freeman Aldo Antonio Josh Eskridge Kass Goldsmith Larry Tribble Johnny Cortes MODELS: Alexandra Benjamin Alexis Zurdo LaRae Day