Meet Nicole A.Thomas, marketing strategist by day, college professor by night

Name: Nicole A. Thomas

Hometown: Lafayette, Louisiana

Daytime Job: Founder, Nicallyss Creative Group

Age: 44

Fun Fact: I have been a licensed massage therapist and aesthetician for almost 20 years.

So tell me about your passion project and what led you to create something like this?

My current passion project is launching Nicallyss Creative Group, a marketing, communications, and business development firm. I have been consulting and solving problems for clients for over 20 years. People would call and describe their brand or business challenges and I would leverage my experience, expertise and network to put them on a path to success. There is a deep sense of joy and personal fulfillment when I am able to help individuals, small businesses and global brands achieve their marketing and business goals.

When did you know it was time to launch your project?

I gained valuable knowledge during my stint in Corporate America. Some projects I loved and some not so much. There were times where my creativity was undervalued or stifled. Lessons were learned in each situation. I wanted to leverage those experiences and use my skills and talents to build something for myself that would be a release for my creative energy and have positive impact.

What has been the most fulfilling part about the journey to creating your project?

From building marketing campaigns for new products, managing media relations during a crisis, or developing strategic plans for non-profits, the most fulfilling part of the journey is investing in the success of others and knowing I made a positive difference in their lives.

My goal is to build and contribute to an ecosystem and community of collaborative entrepreneurs and organizations. Through this we will be able to thrive and have strong economic impact.

On a note about personal fulfillment, there is an immense joy that happens when I have an idea in my head and I am able to transform that idea into a tangible and valuable reality. When a thought becomes a thing, is the ultimate experience. We have the creative energy and power to manifest things in our lives.

How has this project not only helped others, but helped you in the process?

I have a curious mind. Curiosity is a pressing need and desire to learn and discover new things. As I learn more about my client’s organizations and industries in order to help them achieve their goals, I expand my own knowledge base and network.

What has been the most challenging part about this project?

This is not my first business. I owned a health and wellness company in Houston, Texas for ten (10 years before moving to Memphis. Technology and how we use it has completely changed since then. I am constantly learning new ways to meet and exceed client expectations through technology. Identifying what can be automated and the tools to implement it are key. The most challenging part is when the technology is not working properly and I have to be my own IT person. It is out of my natural scope of skills, but I am determined to figure it out or hire someone to assist.

What advice would you give other women to take on a similar project such as this?

Be clear and specific on your goals.

Understand your “WHY.”

Be intentional with your time and energy.

Develop daily habits that help you meet your goals.

Just start.

How do you find the time for your passion project and your 9 to 5? And please share tips on how to juggle the two.

For several years, I worked a full-time job, had a part-time job teaching at a university, spent time working on client projects and served on several boards.

Understand that balance does not look always look like 50/50. It can look like 20/30/50 or 10/90. At different times in your life, the priorities shift. It is ok. Be fluid and forgiving with yourself.

Manage your time and energy. The calendar on my phone is the best tool to do that. I do keep a written planner, as well, for when technology fails. I put everything on it from going to the grocery store, the gym and client meetings.

Use time blocks to produce client work, proposals and research. I am honest with myself about how long a task takes, then I add an extra 30 minutes to build a cushion. I break tasks down to the small elements to understand how much time is truly involved.

Bundle your activities. If I am going to be downtown for a meeting, then I complete other tasks in that area such as going to the post office, dropping off the dry cleaning, getting shoes repaired. The gym is next to the grocery store and the gas station. I also use this concept for returning emails and making phone calls.

Learned to say no. There have been some great opportunities that presented themselves that I had to turn down in order to protect my time and energy and remain focused on my goals.

Minimize distractions. During the pandemic, it seemed as though we woke up to a new challenge or issue every day. Manage what you can and learn to block out the noise. I removed or muted most notifications from my cell phone and laptop. The only ones that survived were calendar notifications. I also muted all social media, group messages and app notifications. You would be surprise how much time those “dings” take from your day.

Reflect daily. I examine my habits and processes and ask myself, “How could I have done that better?” My goal is to be in a constant state of improvement. I am not competing with anyone else. I am only focused on am I being my best self. Am I better today than I was yesterday? As yourself that every day.

Rest. Rest is intentional. I can’t go 24/7 and honestly, I don’t want to do that. I don’t wait for my body or mind to tell me to rest. I schedule it in. Some of the best ideas come in that space of rest. Recently, I was planning a community event and we were in full “go mode.” I took the Sunday, stayed in my pajamas and worked on a 1000 piece puzzle. On Monday, my mind was clear to take on the challenges of the week.

Do you recommend any books or resources to get started?

Books:

Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg

Originals by Adam Grant

Outwitting the Devil: The Secret to Freedom and Success by Napoleon Hill

Servant Leadership by Robert Greenleaf

Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

Apps:

Calendar

Canva

Bazart

Calm

Audible

Share tips on what keeps you going and motivated to keep this project afloat

Exercise: It is a physical way to create energy. When I am feeling sluggish or down, I head to the gym.

Use the power of momentum: One action often leads to another action. Learn to create momentum and use it to your advantage.

Celebrate the small wins: Everyone is usually waiting for the big thing, but success is created with each small step and daily habits. Celebrate those, too.

#StayCurious: There will be mistakes. Learn from them and make a commitment to continue learning. Sometimes what you learned is the small win.

Where can people go to find out more information about Nicallyss Creative Group?

Instagram: @Nicallyss https://www.instagram.com/nicallyss_creative

Twitter: @Nicallyss https://twitter.com/nicallyss/

Facebook: @Nicallyss https://www.facebook.com/Nicallyss/