Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Connell.
Nicole, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Where to begin! I grew up in a small town in South-West Alabama that was originally established in 1817 by a French colony. The settlement was called the Vine & Olive Colony, hence my company’s name. Growing up I was an artsy child, constantly doodling, painting, or crafting.
I always savored that feeling of accomplishment when I was able to create something beautiful with my hands. It’s a joyful feeling! One of the wonderful parts of growing up in a rural area is the land that’s unpruned and runs wild with flowers. Honeysuckle, Queen Anne’s Lace, and fields of wildflowers were my surroundings as a child. I can remember making clover necklaces in elementary school on the playground and using buttercup pollen as “makeup” on my face. Flowers have been a part of me my entire life, which brings me to the present.
Throughout my adult years, I have continued to use flowers as a way to say I love you, to brighten our home as well as others, and to use as a creative outlet during the hectic rush of life. A year ago I decided to pursue floral design as more than just a hobby (woah!).
Through hours of studying design and color theory, learning marketing techniques, and tackling the dreaded accounting spreadsheets I have been blessed to finally announce the opening of Vine & Olive Design and watch it transform from a beautiful work in progress to a reality!
Great, 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?
MARKETING IS SCARY! Instagram is a whole different ballgame with its algorithms, hashtags, and the fight for followers. One thing that I’ve learned by listening to podcasts and marketing entrepreneurs is that it’s not about how many people follow you, but the quality of your followers.
It’s all about staying positive and caring about the audience you do have. Positivity will always draw more people to you in time! My motto is to stay diligent and remember to always show people how much you truly care.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Vine & Olive Design – what should we know?
Vine & Olive has a passion for using seasonal blooms and locally foraged greenery to design natural, asymmetric florals creations. My love for soft abstract art tends to be translated into my work. I allow the natural lines and textures of flowers to paint a story and create a memory for the audience. Weddings, private events, private workshops, classes, and even the occasional single arrangement. You name it and I will be able to create something beautiful and intentional, just for you.
My favorite part of V&O Design is the philanthropy that has been established alongside it! I received my bachelor’s degree in science with every intention of attending a medical professional school. My heart has always been compassionate for those who are hurting.
That said, I created Blooms & Blessings. After events, clients have the opportunity to donate their florals back to V&O Design, where they are rearranged and taken to patients in local Atlanta hospitals. I’ve always believed that a positive attitude is key in a patient’s full recovery. The most beautiful and rewarding moment is putting a smile on someone’s face who truly needs it!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
There are two that I think are equally important! First is authenticity. Displaying honesty, openness, and authenticity in your design work, in the way you conduct business, and in the way you present not only the good but also the not so good to your audience. Authenticity makes you real! It shows others that there is no such thing as perfection. That you experience the same blips in life and work as they do. People gravitate to those who have a heart of authenticity and that, in the end, will make any business successful. The second characteristic is grit.
By definition, grit is unyielding courage in the face hardship. Being an entrepreneur is tough, whether it’s in the corporate or creative world. But being able to take those difficult moments head on and overcome the issue at hand only make you stronger and better conditioned to being a BOSS!
Contact Info:
- Website: vineandolivedesign.com
- Email: vineandolivedesign@gmail.com
- Instagram: @vine_olive
Image Credit:
Dani Nichol Photography @daninicholphoto
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