Meet Nichelle J.: Unapologetic & Intentional

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nichelle J. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nichelle, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always been one to beat to the rhythm of my own drum, but somewhere down the line I lost myself. I lost myself to failed endeavors, social media standards, surface level relationships, and broken dreams. I eventually got caught up in the day to day and rat race of trying to be “seen” on social media, but in reality I was unhappy where I was. I always knew I had a calling on my life to be influential, but I couldn’t do it working a job with obvious hidden glass ceilings. Working in the creative field, you quickly realize how easy it is to get boxed in and your content or creativity can start feeling like work rather than passion, and for me, when I’m not passionate about it I can’t maintain it. I’ve been trying my hand at entrepreneurship for over 5 years now, but I found myself always “rebranding” because I grew and gained knowledge through experiences and realized I had boxed myself in within my “brand” that I wasn’t able to expand. I learned that my brand shouldn’t be independent of me; and as obvious as that sounds, I didn’t realize how dependent I was of what other people thought of me until their opinions began to stifle my growth. I started my accessory line B.Niche’ because I wanted a brand that I could expand upon, and the only way to do that is to embrace every side of me. I’m sexy, I’m bold, I’m edgy, I’m reserved, I’m financially conscious, I’m worthy, I’m luxurious, I’m a woman and I deserve to be respected as such. My brand has a little something for everyone because in every woman there is one or more of these same qualities. I’m proud to say that my brand represents my daily walk. I am a niche! Woman and luxury are synonymous. Don’t let them tell you otherwise!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a woman of many talents, but working as a media coordinator for a major tv network pays the bills for now. This job is multifaceted and is essential to communicating what is going on in the world to the public. I truly believe this job has given me an edge as a content creator and entrepreneur because it helped me master skills such as editing, attention to detail, copywriting, and storytelling. I’ve been working in my career field for 6 years now. I always knew I wanted to work in media, but how I would get there was always the question. An opportunity opened up for me to work in the mailroom for a network news station and I took it just as that – AN OPPORTUNITY. Looking back on the situation now I laugh at the fact that I really questioned if I should take the job because “who wants to work in the mailroom.” Literally it was the smartest decision I could’ve made for my life because it really helped me began to visualize what I wanted my life to look like. I also appreciate that job because it was my first lesson in “F them folks.” That job forced me to learn how to demand my worth and being okay with walking away if that expectation isn’t met. From the day I put in my notice to leave that job I’ve been walking with the mind that these people need me, I don’t need them. What is for me will always be for me. These lessons show up in my brand, B.Niche’ because it represents quality and when you know you’re worth more and demand more for yourself it becomes very easy to say “F them folks’ LOL.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to all the women in my life. Through my tribe I’ve learned, laughed, cried, prayed, expressed my fears, my lows, and celebrated my highs. These women know the ugliest parts of me, but still remind me of the beauty I posses. Even beyond that they share my name and gifts in spaces just because they believe in me that much. I especially have to thank my Aunt Brenda because she loves me beyond her own fears and reminds me to fight because she never had the courage and the ability to. Love My Girls!!!!!!

Website: https://www.shopbniche.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nichellej.online/