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

Hi Nicole, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly my thought process was knowing that I couldn’t work for anyone else. I’ve had at least 30 different jobs in my lifetime, and I’ve only gotten fired from one of them. That means I’ve quit 99% of the jobs I’ve had. I knew that if I wanted to provide for my daughter long term AND be happy at a job, that I had to start my own business. It was the best decision I’ve ever made!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I consider myself a Culinary Artist. I like to try unconventional things in the kitchen. Being self employed allows me to be as creative as I want, after all I am my own boss right? Mistakes sometimes turn into signature dishes! One major thing I’ve learned these past 3 years running Nikki’s Kitchen is that support doesn’t always come from the people closest to you, in fact, alot of my support comes from complete strangers…who in turn become lifelong clients! I’ve learned that sometimes you have to expand past your comfort zone to get where you want to be. It’s ok to leave old things behind, especially if they no longer serve you or your business. Once I’m long gone, I want to leave my business to my daughter. I also want people to know that I put my heart into every dish. I’m super passionate about cooking and feeding people in general. Cooking is my love language so Nikki’s Kitchen is a product of that!

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Ohhh this is going to be fun! If my bestfriend were visiting, I’d definitely take them to the West End/Westside. It’s HISTORIC! We’d probably get some Kale Wraps from Tassili’s and eat them at Piedmont Park. I also love the Rooftop at Whole Foods in Midtown, it’s small, peaceful & cute. Perfect for a lunch date! I’d probably take them bar hoping on Edgewood Ave or somewhere in Buckhead. Brunch at Publico in Midtown is a must, my friends and I literally used to go almost every Sunday lol. We’d definitely have to ride scooters somewhere in the city, maybe midtown or even near East Atlanta Village. I’d have to take them to Hattie B’s. Oh & The Battery at SunTrust Park! I’ve never been to a game at SunTrust Park but they have so many restaurants, I’d have to take my friend there! After all that food we’d have to go walking somewhere, maybe a hike up Stone Mountain or a Stroll on The Beltline. Preferably The Beltline so that I can take them into Ponce City Market and try some more goodies before heading to the rooftop!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to recognize my Mom, she’s my greatest support system. She knows that I’m stubborn and that I’m a risk taker, but she always has my back. Not to mention she took out student loans to help me pay for Culinary School lol. Without my mom, I literally would not be here, in the physical world and in my career. She’s helped me a lot and still does.

Instagram: nikkiskitchenatl
Facebook: Facebook.com/NikkisKitchenATL
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4eVl94o-_GnU19f6tR3Gmw