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Nicole Hart is a Boston-based entrepreneur who went from working in advertising to following her inner voice, which urged her to become an entrepreneur like her parents. She established Hart & Soul, a soulful branding studio to serve female-led lifestyle businesses.
Nicole is passionate about mindfulness and planning to launch a podcast about living an authentic life and leading a successful business in the upcoming days.
1- Can you tell our readers about your background?
I’m a former advertising agency executive turned female founder specializing in brand design and management.
2- What inspired you to start your business?
My parents are entrepreneurs and I was tired of feeling overworked and uninspired serving multi-million dollar organizations who didn’t even know I existed. I wanted to apply my skills to changing someone’s life by supporting their business.
3- Where is your business based?
My business is based in Boston, United States.
4- How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?
I started freelancing for friends and family, I worked for nothing and eventually started getting paid referrals.
5- What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?
Investing in social and networking with other business owners.
6- What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
Imposter syndrome was (and is) a big one. I meditate and have a spiritual coach who helps me keep my energy and thoughts positive. I’m constantly reframing my self-doubt or fears.
7- What personal sacrifices have you made throughout your career?
I think emotional well-being was the biggest sacrifice. The pandemic is obviously horrendous but one positive was that it forced me to look at how I was spending 8 hours of my day (unhappy and stressed).
8- How do you stay focused?
Many to-do lists 🙂
9- How do you differentiate your business from the competition?
I create brands that are grounded in strategy and soul. Bringing your true nature to your business and brand is critical for success.
10- What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?
Social has been critical
11- What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
Start before you’re ready.
“I set boundaries with my clients and in my calendar. Otherwise, work and personal life can easily blend together.”
12- What’s the best work-related advice you’ve ever received?
If you have to convince someone to work with you, you’ll have to convince them to do the work.
13- How do you manage self-doubt?
I sit with it and try to understand what’s causing it. Then I make a list of all the ways I’m capable of doing or achieving what I’m pursuing.
14- What’s your favourite app, blog, and book?
App – Deliciously Ella.
Blog – Rachel Hollis. Book – Untamed Glennon Doyle.
All are focused on building a grounded, fulfilling and healthy life.
15- What’s your favourite business tool or resource? Why?
I love slack and Canva – great ways to communicate efficiently and easily create beautiful collateral.
16- Could you name a woman who’s inspired you the most?
I could name many! My mother has inspired me the most. She raised me as a single parent from the time of my birth until I was five. She is full of strength, wisdom and joy.
17- How do you balance work and life?
I set boundaries with my clients and in my calendar. Otherwise, work and personal life can easily blend together.
18- How do you unplug from work?
I leave my phone in the other room.
19- What do you have planned for the next six months?
Launching a podcast focused on business strategy and soul (living an authentic life and leading a successful business) and a new collective for female entrepreneurs looking to do the same.
20- How can our readers connect with you?
Website: www.hartandsoulcreative.com
Facebook and Instagram: hartandsoulcreative.co
