PURPOSE DRIVEN WOMAN
“I would rather encounter all that comes with pursuing my dream than to deal with those same things for someone else’s dream.”
This month’s purpose driven woman is Nicole Alexis. She is an author, the Owner of Primp Beauty Studio, and CEO & Lead Educator of Primp Beauty Academy. I met Nicole last year when I was looking for an esthetician to keep my unruly eyebrows intact. During my first appointment it was clear that there was something extra special about her; she didn’t just shape my brows to perfection, she dropped major jewels during the process, challenging me to remove all fear and doubt as I prayed about starting Life Abundantly. As a friend, Nicole has continued to challenge me and hold me accountable. She has achieved much success and takes every opportunity to give thanks to God.
How did you know it was time to move on?
When I graduated from Morgan, I started out doing budget work for the Army as a civilian and later moved on to work for Booz Allen Hamilton, making good money. After some time though, I found that I was miserable at a job that I once loved. And once I began to really focus on beauty, I realized that it was my passion and I wasn't meant to sit behind a desk and make money for someone else. So that’s when I decided it was time to move on. [She pauses for a few moments, reflecting]When I didn’t want to get up in the morning, because I was miserable – it was time to move on.
What were you afraid of?
Not being able to maintain the lifestyle I had become accustomed to, getting into debt, and not being able to pay my bills because I didn’t have a steady income.
What did others say?
[She laughs infectiously]- I told my mother I was miserable and she told me to get another job. And I told her, “You don’t get it. I’m not supposed to be doing this job. I’m miserable.” And her response was “Well I was miserable.” To which I replied “Well, that’s not the life I want for myself.” And I get it, she’s from the old school “get a good government job and retire.” But she is very supportive now.
Do you feel like you work harder now?
I feel like it’s a different type of working hard. Yes, it’s stressful but it’s different because you’re working for the legacy you want to leave for your family.
What keeps you going?
The passion. Ultimately when you no longer enjoy something you lose the fire. What I want to leave for my family fuels me. I want my children to know that the sky is the limit. I want them to know that it’s possible to make a living doing what you enjoy, on your own.
What has surprised you the most?
I’m surprised at how much I’ve done on my own. When I quit my job, I didn’t know how I was going to get clients but I haven’t had an issue with that at all. I was surprised at how fast things took off for me.
How did you prepare to move on?
It took me about a year but I developed a plan. You can’t just jump out there and expect to succeed without a plan. I saved and made sure that I had an emergency fund. I changed my perspective and got rid of the fear. I started to believe more in myself and my abilities.
What did you sacrifice?
Sleep! Shopping [she laughs]; social life at times. Tv. A lot of the things you used to do just fall off because you’re working more than 40 hours on your dream so you’re not focused on those other things anymore. I would rather encounter all that comes with pursuing my dream than to deal with those same things for someone else's dream.
What would you tell other women aspiring to start?
Figure out why. Why are you starting this business? If you are starting it because you’ve seen someone else do it, it likely won’t last. But if you are doing what you are passion about or what aligns with your purpose then do it and make it your own.
How does your faith play a role?
If I didn't have faith, I would probably be in a psych ward right now [she laughs]. You have to keep God at the forefront because it’s so easy to allow all the feelings of negatively to take over. So I commit the start of my day to God so that even if my day is extremely busy, I’ve started with God. If I don’t make time for anything else, I’ve made that time for Him.
What are you grateful for?
I’m grateful that I sought help. A lot of times we are prideful and think we can do everything on our own; had I not gotten a coach to help me with the transition I would still be at a 9 to 5, mad at the world.
What’s next for you?
I definitely want to take my coaching programs to the next level and help more people get their businesses off the ground. I love to teach so I’d like to speak more at conferences. Ultimately, I look forward to expanding my business.
How do you feel today?
I feel blessed and grateful. I’m the first person in my immediate family to become an entrepreneur and I’m glad to lead the way. I just feel really blessed to be where I am.