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

Hi Nicole, what role has risk played in your life or career?
In my opinion, risk is an inescapable aspect of life. Everything comes with a degree of risk and it’s necessary for growth. The challenge to me isn’t the risks. It is in trying to keep your mind and heart in their necessary space to look at all possible outcomes with logic and reason. A lot of times the risks we take are driven by temporary things like our emotions and external factors. Which can be problematic if you’re trying to create sustainable outcomes.

I would say that risk-taking is a huge part of who I am and a staple of both my life and my career. I only worry about the risks that I am afraid to take because that means fear controls my door to change. I always approach things with the mindset of “Am I trying to grow or am I trying to stay the same?’ and remain centered on my why.

Some of the biggest risks that I have ever taken were regarding my brand and my well-being. Believing in the uncertainty of dreams that are still unfolding and fully trusting in something that I feel but can’t fully see yet, sounded crazy when I said it out loud. So I stopped saying it and just kept doing it. As long as I can learn, I can grow. To me, this means that I can’t fail because each risk will always offer me the reward of being able to try again with new knowledge. That is where the magic of turning your tests into testimony happens.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Journey of Atman is a wellness lifestyle brand. It is centered around supporting the unique energetic needs of self-discovery and healing. Nurturing the potential in every person’s ability to be their best and feel good on purpose. Something I am most proud of is the level of intention that stands behind every product and service I offer. All of our products and services are cruelty and toxin-free, which supports our core value of providing the greatest impact with the least amount of harm. Maintaining the integrity behind my mission. I am in such a competitive industry, and choosing to stay true to my core values and say “no thank you” rather than chasing a sale is something that a lot of companies don’t do.

I want the world to know that this brand stands for them. It is more than just candles and a storefront. It is a safe space to just be yourself and a representation of inner resilience. We can’t control the things that happen around us but we can always control how we respond. It all starts within us. Journey of Atman means responding by choosing yourself and your energetic well-being. Because of that, the community it has created through events and product sharing is very special. Everyone is on their unique journey while collectively supporting each other’s through their experience. It’s very meaningful.

The journey of getting to where I am today wasn’t easy but I never lost faith in my direction. In the area of myself, this path has taught me the true power of my intentions and how impactful your authentic truth can be. Concerning business, I think the most undervalued lesson is the power of resources and networking. I have had to step outside of my comfort bubble and tap into both comfortably. Going from being an employee at a company with endless resources to being a one-man show small business, there is no space for being afraid to say you don’t know things. If you don’t leverage the knowledge and wisdom from people, places, and things around you, you won’t grow. Which means your business won’t either.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them along the beltline. It’s a space that allows you to get a feel for everything in one spot. You can enjoy nature, get your body moving, and stop at a local distillery for a drink and a quick bite to eat. There is always something new and exciting along the way. Whether it be a local artist showcasing their talent or a possible vendor market off the path. The beltline offers the ability to experience something different every mile you venture.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe my strength to the many people who have walked my path before me. The most pivotal person is my mother. Every day those who are fighting a silent fight and those who didn’t get a chance to see their change remain a driving force behind my determination to keep showing up. There is so much power in your testimony and I am grateful to have mine to be a vessel for others to find strength just the same.

Website: journeyofatman.com

Instagram: @journeyofatman @nicolette_squared

Facebook: Journey of Atman

Other: nicolette_squared is the lifestyle page that feeds into the brand @journeyofatman on TikTok

Image Credits
Ravann A. Guyton

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.