We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole Pacini. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole below.
Nicole, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?
As an entrepreneur, my perspective on asking friends and family to support my business has evolved over time. Drawing from my experience in network marketing, I’ve learned the importance of sharing my business with everyone while respecting individual preferences and boundaries.
In my approach, I embrace the understanding that a “no” from friends and family doesn’t necessarily mean rejection but rather a “not right now.” I’ve learned not to take these responses personally. It’s crucial to remember that my loved ones may not align with my target audience or have an immediate need for my products or services.
While I would love the support of everyone in my network, I recognize that support can manifest in various ways. Even if someone is not interested in my offerings, they may know someone who could benefit from them. Additionally, financial constraints might prevent direct purchases, but they may refer potential customers who can afford my products or services.
I make it a point to communicate to my loved ones that support can be multifaceted, and I genuinely appreciate any form it takes. It could be sharing my business with their network, offering feedback or suggestions, or providing moral encouragement. By understanding their unique ways of contributing, I foster a sense of gratitude and openness within my relationships.
Over the years, I’ve honed my understanding of my target audience and tailored my messaging accordingly. I’ve discovered that a significant portion of my sales comes from a smaller group of customers—roughly 20%—who resonate deeply with my offerings. This insight has inspired me to focus on cultivating connections with those who genuinely connect with my business.
To better serve my customers, I recently started collecting email addresses from my supporters. This allows me to personalize my communication and cater to their specific needs and interests. By engaging in conversations and understanding their requirements, I can provide value more effectively.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am Nicole Pacini, an artist, author, and creator of the unBitter B.I.T.C.H. brand. My journey in this industry began with a deep desire to help everyday women live authentically in their purpose. Through my art, writings, and conversations, I provide knowledge based on my personal experiences and practical ways to overcome barriers.
unBitter B.I.T.C.H. is a bold pronouncement from women, exercising their freedom from acrimonious behavior. B.I.T.C.H. stands for Being In Total Control of Herself. It is a movement where women who have experienced trauma, disappointment, abandonment, or other life-altering challenges can let go of bitterness and reclaim their power. I provide a platform for women to heal, forgive, and be transparent with their journeys. Collectively, we are empowered to live fuller lives and take control of our own narratives.
The reasons I started this work are deeply personal. I have faced many challenges, including, teenage pregnancy, abuse, and struggles with self-worth. Through my own journey of healing and self-discovery, I realized the transformative power of sharing my story and helping others navigate their obstacles. I want to inspire women to break free from limitations and embrace their true potential.
What sets me apart is offering an immersive experience that fosters personal growth, self-reflection, and positive change. My home decor line reflects personal style and journey, curated to evoke empowerment, inspiration, and joy. Additionally, my book ‘Plethora of Wealth Affirmations’ is designed to change the way in which you view your relationship with money. It provides a collection of wealth affirmations to recite, helping you create good money habits, reduce anxiety and stress, and improve your overall quality of life.
I am dedicated to helping women live authentically in their purpose without barriers. With integrity, openness, reliability, loyalty, and vulnerability as my guiding values, I strive to make a difference by sharing my story, providing practical ways to overcome challenges, offering unique home decor pieces that elevate living spaces, and insightful writings to transform mindsets.
As an unBitter B.I.T.C.H. I am embracing vulnerabilities, overcoming obstacles, and creating a supportive community of women who are on the same journey.
We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.
Currently, I retail my home decor line through Society6, a renowned print-on-demand platform catering specifically to artists. Society6 allows artists to exhibit and sell their original designs on a wide range of products to customers worldwide. In 2021, I introduced three distinct designs, each representing different aspects of my personal journey. These images resonated deeply with women, leading me to offer them on various items such as tote bags, shower curtains, stationary cards, pouches, and t-shirts. However, in February 2023, I made the decision to discontinue the line in order to focus on my new collection, The Becoming Collection.
The Becoming Collection is an exciting endeavor that encapsulates the essence of personal growth, empowerment, and transformation. It features a range of captivating designs that evoke inspiration, resilience, and the journey towards becoming one’s authentic self. With this collection, I aim to create a meaningful connection with individuals who resonate with the transformative power of self-discovery.
I opted for Society6 primarily due to its user-friendly setup process and the ability to start selling immediately. Moreover, I desired to avoid the challenges associated with managing inventory and shipping. By partnering with Society6 as a print-on-demand service, I was able to effectively market my products while leaving the logistics to them. Nonetheless, it is important to acknowledge some drawbacks, such as limited control over pricing, restricted access to customer information, high shipping costs, and relatively low commission payout. While Society6 offers notable advantages, it is worth noting that artists often find it challenging to generate substantial profits on this platform.
For the sale of my journals, I utilize both Amazon and Blurb. These platforms provide the convenience of on-demand shipping directly to customers, although they also restrict access to customer data. Over the years, printing costs have risen, potentially impacting profit margins. Amazon, on the one hand, offers global accessibility for products and reliable, swift shipping. On the other hand, Blurb provides the benefit of bulk order discounts, particularly advantageous for vendor events and book signings.
Although my big, audacious goal is to see my products stocked in esteemed retailers like Target, Home Goods, Patina, and Nordstrom Rack, I am currently exploring alternative avenues to offer exclusive merchandise directly through the Nicole Pacini website. This strategic approach allows for greater control over the sales process and fosters a more intimate connection with customers.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Navigating the path of an entrepreneur is a challenging yet immensely rewarding journey. Throughout my career, I’ve encountered numerous instances where I had to pivot and adapt to new circumstances. One particular occasion stands out when I made the decision to embrace a non-traditional career path.
For several years, I chose to forgo a conventional job and instead focused on managing my life as an entrepreneur. This choice provided me with invaluable time and freedom to explore various business ventures without the constraints of traditional employment. While this decision brought tremendous personal fulfillment, it also came with its share of uncertainty and the need for relentless dedication. During this period, I encountered numerous ideas that never reached fruition, alongside those that had the potential to profoundly impact my life and career.
Throughout my ten-year entrepreneurial journey, I’ve had the opportunity to work in several job roles, albeit never for more than two years at a time. At times, when financial circumstances became challenging, I recognized the value of transitioning back to a traditional job. It served as a lifeline, providing a steady income while necessitating compromises on my freedom of time. These experiences taught me the importance of balancing financial stability with the pursuit of my entrepreneurial aspirations.
More recently, in order to supplement my income and allow myself a reprieve from the daily demands of running a business, I made the decision to accept a part-time position at a retail store. This choice not only offers me additional financial security but also grants me a mental break, allowing me to recharge and approach my entrepreneurial endeavors with renewed focus and energy. It remains to be seen how long this arrangement will last, but I am eager to embrace this new experience and discover the lessons it has in store for me.
The journey of an entrepreneur is one that necessitates constant adaptation and resilience. Embracing new opportunities, whether through entrepreneurship or temporarily rejoining the traditional workforce, has provided me with valuable insights and a multifaceted perspective on the ever-evolving nature of business and personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nicolepacini.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnicolepacini/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamnicolepacini
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolepacini/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamNicolePacini
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamnicolepacini