Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Ward.
Hi Nicole, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and didn’t quite fit in with the 9-5 desk job world. I spent the early part of my career working in restaurants and managing beverage programs, which to me was fun. My passion was in wine and I have multiple certifications and transitioned to working in outside sales, which requires you to be a self-starter as well as have strong organizational skills.
By 2017, I was an independent contractor for multiple wine companies and also became engaged. I knew it was time to slow down a bit and focus on creating my own brand. Once the wedding planning started, I really saw a gap in cute Bachelorette merchandise and there wasn’t anything unique that I would wear. Everything looked the same. Same colors, same designs, nothing seemed to have a story. I started thinking of different designs that I would want to wear – because not all of us Brides-to-be are “girly girls.” I came up with a few designs with the help of a few artist friends and officially launched Wine Expressions in 2019.
I quickly fell in love with graphic design and started to create more and more logos for my e-commerce shop. During the COVID lockdown of 2020, I was really able to sink into my passion for design and also learned how to print my own products. Fast forward to now, I am designing and printing 100% of everything myself. It was also very important to me that I only work with sustainable wholesalers and that nothing was produced in China. I am super proud to say that since 2019, I have only had 1 return from a customer.
In 2022, I decided to add another passion to my shop, miniature succulent gardens. I grow all of them in my garden and love to create unique designs in fashionable pots.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are always struggles when starting a new business. For me, it was learning things I could do myself rather than spending the money to outsource. I am proud to say that I manage absolutely everything with my company and through this process, I now have clients I assist with small business services such as social media management, website management, logo design, and custom apparel printing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I specialize in graphic design and merchandise printing for my business and for other businesses. You can expect a very hands-on approach with me as well as a fine attention to detail. I also work with other businesses with website design and maintenance as well as creating marketing materials and social media content.
What sets me apart from others is that I do not outsource – I manage everything from start to finish. I am very proud of this because my reputation is at stake and outsourcing means it takes me out of the equation.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Even though I am a perfectionist, I am not afraid to fail or hear the words “no.” Working in sales for a long time, you have to have thick skin and be good at hearing, “no.” Owning your own company is not all unicorns and rainbows, you have to expect ups and downs.
Contact Info:
- Website: wine-expressions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wineexpressions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WineExpressions17
