Grace Proof

Latest Episodes:

022: 5 Business Tips That Have Helped Me Through the Pandemic Aug 11, 2020

Show notes

As we've all been navigating the pandemic over these last few months so much has changed. When everything started happening in March I was very fearful about the future of the boutique. That's when I really decided to lean in and go back to exactly what worked: the basics! I wanted to really take a step back to reflect on what people have always responded to. In this episode, I'll be sharing the five tips that have helped me through this time that will be helpful for anyone who is running a business amidst everything happening in the world.

What's in this episode:

The fears I was facing in March about the future of the boutique
Why I decided to go back to the basics
The 5 business tips that helped me through the pandemic so far
Why I don't believe in "hustle mode" anymore

I am so glad you decided to tune in today. Continue to follow along my journey as a wife, a mama, and a girl boss by connecting with me on my website, Instagram or Facebook. You can also check out my personal Instagram to get a behind the scenes look at my life. If you want to hear more about my journey in the fashion industry, I'd encourage you to subscribe so we can continue to get to know each other.

021: I'm Back! Boutique Updates and Reflections on My 10 Year Anniversary Aug 04, 2020

Show notes

What a whirlwind these past few months have been. I know a lot of my podcast listeners haven't heard from me awhile so in today's episode I shared some updates of what's been happening with myself, my family and the boutique during the course of this pandemic. Just like many of you, I've been through so many changes these last few months and that's exactly what I dove into today on the podcast. You'll hear about the close encounter my family had with COVID-19 and the hardest part for me personally. I also discuss how business has been while being closed down and my reflections on my 10th year of business.

What's in this episode:

My thoughts on everything that's been happening over the last few months
The reflections I've had during the 10 year anniversary of my business
My families close experience with COVID-19
Why I've decided to go back to the basics throughout this experience
The hardest part about this pandemic
The new membership program that I launched

020: 3 Business Mistakes Feb 25, 2020

Show notes

There's never going to be a perfect time to start a business or to make changes in your current business. You just have to go for it and do it! Today I am talking about business mistakes that I see people making that hinder them from growth. I dive into why I love helping other businesses and I also touch on the topics of comparing your business to others, adapting to change and more.

What's in this episode:

Why Nicole loves to help other businesses
Being mindful of what you're looking for help with
Why you can't compare your business or your journey to others
Unfollowing who you compare yourself to and focusing on yourself
Being able to adapt to things if they aren't working out
Learning who your customer is and getting to know them personally
Why you need to know your numbers in your business

019: Balance is BS Feb 18, 2020

Show notes

It seems as if everyone is always chasing this idea of "balance". If you ask me, I'd say that balance isn't real. Balance is one of those things that so many people are striving to reach but can never quite get there. In this episode, I am chatting about why I think balance is BS and what you might actually be looking for if you've been seeking balance. I talk about being able to adapt to changes and how social media creates a false perception of balance. I also talk about giving up the idea of balance and my advice for making it through the day and giving 100% to everything that you do instead of attempting to have balance.

What's in this episode:

What Nicole thinks of when she hears the word "balance"
Why she doesn't think balance is real
Setting yourself up for disappointment with high expectations of balance
How comparison (and social media highlight reels) will make you feel pressured to find balance
What you may be looking for that's not actually "balance" such as productivity
How everybody's idea of balance is different
How getting through the day and giving 100% is enough
Being able to adapt to change and accept that not everything is going to get done

Links:018: Give 100% Every Day

018: Give 100% Every Day Feb 11, 2020

Show notes

Are you ready to start giving 100% each and every day? Today I share what it means to me to give 100% and why it's not even about "balance" but recognizing where you can put your best foot forward in your personal life and in your career or business. I break down the tools I use to help myself give 100% by prioritizing my top three things-to-do and putting all of my effort into those tasks and activities when I've allotted time to do them. I also talk about the importance of giving yourself grace even when the day doesn't go as planned and you have to complete your top three things at a later time.

What's in this episode:

Nicole's thoughts on the New Year
What it means to give 100% every day
Why she's okay with not being a "great mom" every single day
How it's not about balance but recognizing where you can put your best foot forward
Prioritizing your top three things and giving that 100% of your time and effort
What she does if she doesn't accomplish her top three tasks for the day

Links:

Trello

017: Mini Reno at Nicole J Boutique Feb 04, 2020

Show notes

This week's episode hits very close to home as I open up about my thoughts and feelings on the 1-year anniversary of losing my grandmother. In this episode, I talk about my goals to live a more simple life and why lately I've been taking the time to decipher what matters most to me and where my priorities are. I also chat about a few renovations I am doing at the boutique including using pieces from my grandparent's home in the boutique.

What's in this episode:

Her reflection on the 1-year anniversary of losing her grandmother
Taking the time to decide what matters most to her and where her priorities lie
Living a more simple life and only adding things to your plate that you can take on
What Nicole wishes she would have done with her grandparents
Why she's done with excuses
Putting quality time into her relationship with her husband
Her experience of selling her grandparents home
The changes and renovations they are doing at the boutique
How Nicole's gotten to know her customer over 2019 and what she's excited for in 2020

Links:

IGTV: Mini Reno + A Day in the Life of Nicole J

016: Finding Your Voice Jan 14, 2020

Show notes

Today's episode will be a huge help for you whether you're a business owner, looking to start a business or even if you want to help with the marketing at the company you work for. In this episode, I'll share a few of the strategies that have worked for me and my business that you could apply to your own ventures. Marketing is all about trial and error so you'll definitely want to try out a few of these tips to see how they apply in your own marketing strategy. I go over what we do at the boutique, why you need to be consistent with your marketing and how finding what makes you unique from competitors will help you to differentiate yourself and build your brand.

What's in this episode:

Marketing strategies that Nicole's used in her business
Using trial and error in your marketing strategy
How social media has helped Nicole's business
Doing what you can to connect with your customers
Why Nicole likes to use videos as part of her marketing
How she uses Instagram stories to build a connection
Why you need to be consistent with marketing
What programs she uses to make marketing easier
Building your brand by finding what makes you different from competitors
How much of an impact word of mouth has on your business
Being honest and vulnerable with your audience
Not putting too much onto your plate and deciding which platforms to focus on

Links:

Planoly

015: Happy New Year! Goodbye to My 20s, Hello 2020 Jan 07, 2020

Show notes

The holiday season is always such a busy time for me at home and at the boutique. That's why this year I really wanted to take some time to be present, reflect on my thoughts and just be proud of all that I've accomplished in 2019. Today I chat about how we have the power to choose our outcomes and how we feel about our days. I dove into 3 big things that I accomplished in 2019 and how I used a vision board to get ready for my 2020 goals.

What's in this episode:

Feeling back into the rhythm after the holiday season
Shifting your mindset and choosing to have a positive outlook on the day
Why Nicole chose to be "selfish" over the winter break
3 big things that she accomplished in 2019
How Nicole felt about turning 30 and the birthday trip she took with her husband, Matt
Taking the time to do a reflection sheet and how much joy it brought her
Getting out of your own way and prioritizing what you need to get done
Taking action every single day toward your goals
Using a vision board to help visualize the goals that you want to reach
Scheduling priorities into your calendar so you can get them done

Links:

You're Not Lost: An Inspired Action Plan for Finding Your Own Way by Maxie McCoy

Questions for Reflection Worksheet

014: Mom Guilt Dec 17, 2019

Show notes

Dealing with mom guilt? You're not alone! This is something that as moms, we ALL deal with. It's never going to go away but the best thing you can do is to feel the guilt and learn to move on from it. Today I talk about my own experience with mom guilt, why you need to put less pressure on yourself and how taking care of your own needs is important so you can be a more present mom to your kids.

What's in this episode:

Nicole's experience with mom guilt
Why mom guilt is totally normal
Why you're probably putting too much pressure on yourself
Taking care of what you need to so you can be a more present mom
How Nicole's experienced working mom guilt and regular mom guilt
Being your best self by taking care of your own needs
Learning to check out when you're at home and be present with your family
Feeling the guilt and moving on from it

013: Marketing Dec 10, 2019

Show notes

If you have a business, then you'll definitely want to hear today's episode. Today I dove into how my team and I market my boutique. I dove into everything you may need to know about creating and implementing a marketing strategy for your business including what tools have helped me and what social media platforms my team and I use. I share the importance of keeping it simple and focusing on what works best for your business and how to use trial and error when developing your marketing plan.

What's in this episode: