We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Marcus recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Family Support Specialist-Contractor:
I was a full-time state employee with holidays off, great PTO and sick leave, as well as good health insurance with no premium. I had been there almost 5 years, and I just wanted something different. I had always told myself I didn’t want to work for someone forever. I wanted something of my own. I was talking with one of my friends who stated she was working as a Family Support Specialist Contractor as a side job for extra cash. Me being me, I looked into it. Every job I’ve ever had has always been on the lines of helping people whether it’s in the medical field, counseling, social work, and/or ministering through praise and worship. So, I applied for the same position, interviewed, and got the job. Being a contractor is very different from being a full-time employee. No benefits, no set schedule, no guaranteed steady income. So, I decided to dip my feet in the water and accept cases here and there to see if I’d like it. I partner with the Department of Family and Children’s in Georgia to work on reunification of families. I work on parenting skills, behavioral skills, counsel, and provide supervision during those visits. Once I got my feet wet, I started to consider transitioning completely over to being a contractor.

I was excited about the opportunity to transition from a full-time state job to becoming a contractor because it allowed me the flexibility and independence to structure my work around my strengths and passions. While I greatly value the stability of a full-time role, I’ve always been drawn to environments where I can have more control over my time and the impact I make.

I understood that working for myself meant navigating financial uncertainty and handling the business side of things, like taxes and benefits, but I took steps to prepare for the shift. For example, I built an emergency fund to manage income fluctuations, and I researched health insurance options and other self-employed benefits to ensure I was covered.

While there were certainly challenges in terms of client acquisition and the responsibility of setting my own schedule, I was excited to apply my skills in a way that was more aligned with my personal goals. I’d developed strong organizational and time management skills over the years and was confident that I could maintain a solid work-life balance by setting clear boundaries and managing my schedule effectively.

Ultimately, I was ready for the opportunity to grow, and I believed that embracing this transition would allow me to take on more meaningful work, be more flexible with my hours, and better contribute to projects that align with my values and expertise. So, I did it! I took the leap, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Songstress:
I’ve been passionate about singing since I was young, and I’ve had the opportunity to perform both in school, church choirs, praise teams, and groups. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for how music can connect people and convey emotion in powerful ways. That passion led me to a new goal: starting a band.

While I’d enjoyed being a part of other people’s vision, I had a vision of my own, creating music as a group, and learning from the diverse talents that each band member brings. Forming a band requires a mix of creativity, commitment, and effective communication—all skills I’ve honed through years of singing in various group settings.

Starting a band meant balancing different personalities and working together toward a shared vision, which I saw as an exciting challenge. I believed that my experience in group performance would help me contribute positively to that dynamic, and I was super eager to see how this new venture would help me grow as both a musician and a team member.

I talked it over with my fiancé at the time (now husband) who is a well-established super talented saxophonist who said let’s do it. Next thing you know, iAM uNique Music Productions was born. iAM-André Marcus, Mz uNique is my stage name. We are now a well-established band, regularly booked for both local performances and traveling gigs. To ensure we meet the full spectrum of musical needs for each event, we collaborate with a talented group of additional musicians, including pianists, guitarists, bassists, and percussionists. This allows us to offer a diverse and dynamic sound tailored to each performance. We also provide our own top-quality equipment and offer DJ services, delivering a complete and professional music experience for every event.

Real Estate Owner-
When my husband and I got married in April 2024 and purchased our new home together, we made the decision to dip into real estate by renting out our previous homes. This has sparked our interest in expanding further into real estate, and we’re excited to soon begin purchasing fixer-upper properties. Our goal is to renovate these homes and rent them out, continuing to build our portfolio and further develop our skills in real estate investment and property management.

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?

I believe in working smarter, not harder, and I apply this approach to all areas of my life. As a Family Support Specialist contractor, I enjoy the flexibility of setting my own hours and providing essential services to families in need. This independence allows me to dedicate time to other passions, like music, where I’m able to perform and bring people together through my singing and the collaborative music projects I’m part of. Music is a creative outlet that complements my professional work and gives me the opportunity to connect with others in meaningful ways.

In addition to my career and music, I also rent out my property as part of my strategy to build financial wealth. Renting out my home provides a steady stream of passive income, allowing me to focus on my career and creative pursuits while working toward long-term financial stability. I’m also looking into expanding my investments by purchasing and renovating properties, which allows me to further grow my financial portfolio.

Together, these ventures—helping families, creating through music, and making smart financial investments—form a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. My goal is to continue growing in each area, leveraging the flexibility in my work and the assets I have to create more opportunities for financial independence and personal satisfaction.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey is deeply driven by a mission to create meaningful connections, foster peace, and contribute to the happiness and well-being of others. At the heart of everything I do—whether it’s through music, my work as a Family Support Specialist contractor, or building financial stability—is a desire to support and uplift my family, friends, and community. I believe that love and connection are powerful forces that can inspire positive change in our lives and the lives of those around us.

I’m passionate about working smarter, not harder, which allows me to balance my professional life, creative pursuits, and personal goals. I aim to build financial stability, not only for myself but also to offer a helping hand to others along the way. Whether through providing support to families, creating music that brings joy, or pursuing smart investments that promote long-term security, my mission is to live a life that reflects these values.

I want to create work that inspires peace, spreads love, and brings people closer together, while also building a foundation for personal and financial freedom that allows me to give back and make a positive impact.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The ability to connect with others on a deeply emotional level. Whether through music or any other form of expression, there’s something incredibly fulfilling about creating something that resonates with people and evokes feelings, memories, or a sense of shared experience.

For me, knowing that my work—whether it’s a song I’ve sung, a performance I’ve delivered, or the support I’ve given as a Family Support Specialist—can have a meaningful impact on someone’s life is deeply gratifying. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of connection, and it motivates me to keep creating and sharing my passions with the world. The joy of knowing my work brings happiness, comfort, or inspiration to others is what makes all the effort and dedication worth it.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: IAM Unique Music Productions