We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole Gates. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole below.
Alright, Nicole thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
For years women in business have been overlooked and undervalued assets in the world of entrepreneurship.
I have been an entrepreneur since I was a little girl. I always knew I would one day be my own boss. I’ve always marched to the beat of a non-traditional drum. I knew I didn’t come here to be average as my favorite basketball player Michael Jordan has been quoted.
I always felt a strong energy around motivating, uplifting and encouraging women that success is truly their birthright! I created The She-EO Mindset, a boutique business consulting and development hub for BIPOC women of color who are motivated by the fear of being mediocre in business. Our business works to help these womenpreneurs that are in the incubator stage to start-ups with proper business structure and full execution of their business ideas. Our team is comprised of other entrepreneurs who are subject matter experts in Human Resources, Project Management, Marketing, Brand Design, Social Media Content Creation and Digital Marketing & Management.
“She-EO” is a term of endearment for women who own, operate and are successful in business. It serves as a gentle reminder that women are making major business moves because we understand that we are Women of Possibilities, Purpose and Power! We are our ancestors wildest dreams!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Nicole’s 27+ years of personal/professional/entrepreneurial experience along with community advocacy and public service work prepared her to be of service to others.
As a single mother and serial entrepreneur Nicole successfully created an empowerment, entrepreneurial movement for herself and other single moms and BIPOC women business owners as Founder of Successful Single Moms Memphis and owner of The She-EO Unlimited to end the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck and encouraging women to live life on their own terms.
The She-EO Unlimited is a certified minority-owned, small business owned and woman owned business enterprise aimed at serving BIPOC women business owners who are owners of small business and lacking Brand Development, Business Development, Marketing, Networking & Funding Opportunities to make their business brands visible.
Nicole is a champion for professional/personal development and leadership she is a graduate of Leadership Memphis’ Grassroots and Fastrack Programs. Nicole currently serves on the boards of Legends of Legacy CDC, is a community partner of Coalition for the Willing, and serves as Managing Partner for ArtUp Incubators.
Nicole Gates lives by the motto: To whom much is given, much is required. She feels honored to be able to serve her community and make an impact on the lives of women!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The one lesson I had to unlearn was my career mindset. I was never encouraged to be my own boss but rather encouraged to work for someone else, punch a clock and work until I’m old because that would provide financial freedom and security for my life.
I have found this to be the furthest thing from the truth. I have a much better quality of life since becoming a full-time entrepreneur I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
Because I find entrepreneurship fulfilling I choose to have time freedom, work my passion on purpose and create financial freedom and build wealth on my own terms.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy I have used to retain clients has been my business remaining very hands on with our clients. A strategy many companies are moving away from in an attempt to reel in more clients.
Our approach is to be a valued resource for our clients, to ensure they have the best opportunities to have their brand in front of people, access to needed resources and capital. Hands on, Rinse and Repeat!
The She-EO Unlimited has positioned itself to become the leading business hub for BIPOC women of color. Our clients appreciate the extra mile we go to assist them in becoming a sustainable business that is visible in their industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thesheeounltd.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/thesheeounlimited
- Facebook: Facebook.com/thesheeounlimited
- Linkedin: LinkedIn.com/in/nicolegates1
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCR2IEDXQTmywHMVguwaK8qQ
Image Credits
Photo Cred: Bheanna Hulbert