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

Hi Nicole, what role has risk played in your life or career?   

I love risk, I think without risk there’s no reward. I have taken multiple risks in my life and in my career. I love career changes because I have so many interests and talents. I started out wardrobe stylist (fashion) and then transitioned into becoming an author. Risks show you that you have the range and capacity to be anything you want in life whether you fail or excel.

The biggest risk I have taken is being a mother and also a creative. A lot of women don’t talk about how hard it is to juggle motherhood as well as a job, and an actual passion. Before I chose to have children I told myself that I would not give up on my dreams. I have a tattoo on the inside of my arm that says ” dreams never die” and I believe in that wholeheartedly. I can be a mother and I can have my dream, I refuse to give up on myself. Without risk there is no reward and I am a testimony that there is a reward within risk.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I am a self-published author, writer and entrepreneur. I started out being a wardrobe stylist, I loved fashion as a child. I have a knack for design and style, furthermore I used to do photography. I was actually published in Vogue Italia and nominated for a Emerging Stylist award.

I started to outgrow the fashion world and really tap in to my first love: writing. I started writing at the age of 12 years old. I have published about 7 titles. I have a children’s book, I also have created journals for healing and of course my ultimate favorite: poetry. Here are the names of some of the titles: “In Mama’s Shoes”, “The Lover’s Dictionary” and “Black Women in Luxury Journal”. As of late my newest publication was from this year from Tokyo Poetry Journal, one of my poems were published in a Japan publication. I’ve also have been featured in the Sims Library of Poetry in Los Angeles just to name another publication from this year.

I have so many passions and I wanted to pursue them all. I also now have a self care line called: Cultivated which has vegan products: shea butter, lip gloss, bath soaks. I started Cultivated in the pandemic and my business has grown so much, my intent was to make me feel good but also to make others feel good and the feedback thus far has been so rewarding. As of recent my newest venture is I am now a floral design artist and I launch my new passion: Bloom By The Hour. I have created custom faux and fresh floral arrangements for events, birthdays, weddings etc.

I have cultivated myself by engaging in my interests and always open to trying new things/putting myself out there. It wasn’t easy at all, at times I wanted to give up and not write anymore or make products. I overcame the challenges by looking back at my old work and sticking to my career plan that I made. What I want the world to know about my brand and my story is that I am forever evolving, always elevating and cultivating myself to be better. I want to be my most authentic self no matter what and I want to be able to inspire someone who thinks its not possible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I have been told about some really dope and cool spots in the city that people could enjoy here are some just to name a few:

Painted pin
Atlanta breakfast club
Escobar
Fin & feathers
Pin & proper
Cirque
Slutty vegan
Oak Atlanta
Bar vegan

These are all good vibes for anyone that’s visiting. Very fun, and eccentric most of all good food!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Tae Thomas my friend, I met Tae on social media years ago and she has been such a friend + supporter to me! It’s one thing to have a good friend and it’s another to have a friend who supports you and your dreams/business endeavors.

Website: www.nicolealston.com

Instagram: instagram.com/_nicolealston

Image Credits
Stephen A Tae T Ryan C Randy R

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.