We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole Coleman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole below.
Nicole, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
**How did you learn to do what you do?**
It started with bags of leather remnants from Michaels and a love for creating with my hands. I made small pieces like earrings and dabbled in beads, gemstones, and wooden accents—honestly, I was doing “everything” that popped into my head or that people requested. Most of what I learned came from trial and error, testing out designs on myself first, and pulling inspiration from social media (especially YouTube and IG), even though full start-to-finish tutorials were hard to find. Over time, my hands led the way and many of my best designs were happy accidents that came from experimenting.
**Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?**
I definitely would’ve focused earlier—saying “yes” to everything slowed me down and didn’t pay off financially. Narrowing in on specific leather goods and investing in better tools sooner (like a leather die press and custom dies) would’ve saved me so much time and energy.
**What skills do you think were most essential?**
Hands-on creativity, patience, adaptability, and resourcefulness. Also, learning how to streamline my process—working assembly-line style for non-custom pieces has been a game changer in terms of efficiency and staying organized.
**What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?**
Limited access to step-by-step leather accessory tutorials, time wasted on one-off requests, and the delay in investing in the right tools. I didn’t realize early on that being efficient is part of being creative and successful.
Nicole, 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?
Art has always been a part of me. Whether I was painting, drawing, or crafting handmade décor for events, I found joy in creating things that were both beautiful and functional. That creative spark eventually led me to leatherwork—and the birth of Sow Cole Creations.
But this journey wasn’t just about passion—it was also about purpose. As a wife, mom, and full-time employee, I was craving something that stretched me creatively while also uplifting women like me. What began as a personal creative outlet, selling at local pop-ups and markets, has now grown into a full-fledged brand rooted in confidence, versatility, and style. I design bold, handcrafted leather accessories that speak before you even say a word—each piece named and inspired by the fun, expressive, and dynamic women who wear them.
Sow Cole Creations stands out through intentional storytelling, vibrant craftsmanship, and the ability to elevate any outfit with just one accessory. I help solve the “what do I wear with this?” question by creating go-to pieces that effortlessly pull looks together. Every piece is made with love, intention, and the belief that style should reflect your inner confidence—bold, classic, and full of flair.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being a creative is seeing someone light up when they wear or carry a Sow Cole piece—especially when they first doubted it was “for them.” I love encouraging people to step outside their comfort zone and try something bold or different, and watching their confidence bloom when it just “works”. It’s also incredibly fulfilling when customers come back to share how many compliments they’ve received or how many people they’ve sent my way. That joy, that connection—that’s the real magic behind the making.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
My entrepreneurial mindset has been shaped by a mix of inspiring stories and real-world strategies. Podcasts like “Flourish & Thrive Academy” and”Business Made Simple” have been game-changers—offering creative, practical advice that speaks directly to makers and business owners like me. Books such as “Wildflower” by Aurora James, “Fearless” by Rebecca Minkoff, “Strategize to Win” by Carla Harris, and Marshawn Daniel’s “100-Day Devotional Journal” have all deeply influenced how I approach business, leadership, and purpose. These resources helped me think bigger, stay grounded in my “why,” and build Sow Cole Creations with both heart and strategy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.SowColeCreations.com
- Instagram: Sowcolecreations
- Facebook: SowCole
