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

Hi Nicole, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I always tell my clients – I am a mom first. That is the truth. I am a mom of two boys, one of which has special needs. When he was born I had to stop working to care for him for several years. It wasn’t until recently that I was able to work while both my boys are in school…but I am there for carline pickups, baseball games and all the therapy appointments. My role as a mom is my most important one.

Oddly enough to be the best mom I can be – I need an outlet to allow my creativity to flow. Interior Design provides that for me. I am able to problem solve on a creative level, I am able to dream up designs for every space and budget and personality…and having the ability to sprinkle some “me” time each day recharges me to come back to carline pickup and be the best mom I can be for them!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Nicole West Interiors started from a reply to a post on Nextdoor and before I knew it my client list was growing so rapidly I had a wait list. I learned very quickly that the best advertisement is word of mouth. Happy clients told their friends and they told their friends and they told their friends and soon I was busier than ever.

I am a planner – so this took off without me “planning” it. It grew organically and although at first that made me uncomfortable..I think it was the best way for it to grow. I am learning as I go with how to manage my schedule and how to make sure I don’t take on more than I can. With every project I walk away learning about construction, inflation, managing expectations, people skills & problem solving. It truly takes a team and everyone brings a piece to the total design and of course everyone has different ways of doing things…so the learning process is never ending!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Lakewood 400 antique market The Battery for a Braves Game
57th fighter group restaurant for brunch
Dekalb airport for a helicopter ride above the city
Chiringa for late lunch
Indian Seats for an afternoon hike
The Cotton Mill exchange
Chestatee Wildlife Preserve

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?
My family…my husband, two boys, my mom and my dad who is in Heaven. All of them have shown me encouragement, love, strength, excitement and have helped with the new juggle of “mom having clients”.

Even tho my dad isn’t here with me – I know he is beaming with pride watching me grow my business and be a mom and a wife. He would have loved to help me during this time and a big part of me wants to succeed to make him proud.

Website: nicolewestinteriors.com

Instagram: @nicolewestinteriors

Other: nicolewestinteriors@yahoo.com

Image Credits
Apryl McDaniels

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