Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki McDaniel.
Hi Nikki, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My business journey began the summer of 2019 but let’s back up to the very beginning. I have always loved anything fashion related shoes, purses, clothing, hair, makeup, you name it. I love it all! After high school I actually went to cosmetology school and got my master cosmetologist license. After a year of working in the field I decided it was not for me. Fast forward through a few jobs to get me by and an upcoming wedding! I started a new job in retail just a few months before I married my husband in 2015. I absolutely LOVED this job. This is what I felt I was meant to be doing. A few years into working at the boutique and the owner decided to open a children’s store. I became one of the managers at the children’s store- which was perfect timing because I found out I was pregnant! I enjoyed working there and meeting veteran moms and expecting moms alike. I had our beautiful baby boy in July of 2017 and came back to work a few months later. I had a love/hate relationship with being a working mom. I somewhat was able to make my own schedule but like many moms I still felt guilty leaving my baby. Some unfortunate circumstances caused the owners to have to close the children’s store but I did get to go back to working at the original boutique I started at.
While I still loved working at the women’s boutique it just wasn’t the same. I missed the children’s boutique and the people I had met. I wasn’t happy anymore and my husband and I decided it would be best for me to stay home for now with our growing baby- who was about 18 months old at the time. I was loving every minute of being a stay at home mom. However, if you know me then you know by now that I have ADD. I get bored with things very easily and I am always looking for a new project. So, after a few months staying home with my son and taking care of myself I decided I wanted to go back to work, this time for myself! I knew exactly what I wanted to do and soon after Wilder Threads was created. I figured what better time than now while I have a little one that still let me dress him haha!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would be lying if I said that I haven’t had any struggles, just getting a business up and started is a struggle in and of itself. At first I had trouble getting my name out there and marketing to get people to visit my online store. I have learned a few tips and tricks that have helped but it is a little tougher when you are not a Brick and Mortar store that people can walk into. We were doing pretty well until Covid-19 hit and that has taken a toll on my business. Fortunately I have recently been able to do a few local pop up shops and that has helped out tremendously!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Wilder Threads is an online children’s boutique designed with your adventuring little in mind. We hand pick every piece of clothing and accessory that you see. We specialize in children’s clothing and offer styles from Newborn up to size six years. We carry some of the softest clothing that you and your new baby are sure to love. I’m most proud at how far I’ve come in just a few years and in the midst of a global pandemic. I have big plans for the future of Wilder Threads and am looking forward to seeing where we can go from here. What sets me apart from others is that I’m just a regular mom with no degree in fashion trying to turn my passion into a business that maybe my babies can take over someday if they want to. I want other moms out there to know that it’s okay to be a working mom or a stay at home mom your babies love you just the same! When you buy from us you become like family. I have met so many amazing individuals through this little business of mine. The best part for me is getting to see those new babies and kids in our clothes. I work hard to give you great quality and style options for boys and girls although I do try to keep it as gender neutral as possible. I also try to make everything affordable- I know how fast those babies grow!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My entire family has been amazing with supporting me but I do have to give a special shoutout to my husband, Ray. I will never be able to repay him for all of the love and support he has given me and continues to give me. My friends have been amazing advocates and supporters as well, from letting me use their sweet babies as models to simply sharing and telling people about my business. They have been some of my biggest fans. One special person I want to also give a shoutout to is Kadie Shaw she has helped me in too many ways to count, anything from the beautiful pictures you see to helping with my marketing and behind the scenes website struggles.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello.wilderthreads@gmail.com
- Website: www.shopwilderthreads.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopwilderthreads/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wilderthreads
Image Credits
Kadie Shaw
