Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Harvin.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Nicole. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Of course, thanks for this opportunity. I was born and raised in Germany where my mom was an art & computer teacher, so I grew up with the freedom to be creative. At 18, I moved to America and started college at Prairie View A&M University and later moved down to Florida A&M University. During my time in college, I worked all different types of jobs, freelancing was my favorite but I knew I couldn’t do the typical 9-5 for the rest of my life so I had to figure it out. I liked traveling just to experience other cultures more than I liked sitting at my office desk but I needed these experiences to work for me. After hearing my parents say, “don’t go to art school,” I went to the Art Institute of Atlanta and graduated with a degree in graphics and web design. While attending AI, I signed up for one of those “I just need another credit” classes which happened to be an entrepreneur course taught by Stacey Epps. The entire class had to build a business, apply for an LLC and at the end of the semester we had to present it to a board of “sharks,” like the show “Shark Tank.” I didn’t get picked by the sharks but I walked away with an LLC. After graduation, I officially opened B Harvin Design, a creative design agency. A year after launching, I added photography and videography to the list of services. I got the opportunity to attend a six week photography course, Shooters Camp (look them up and invest in yourself or business if you can, its worth it.) The photography part of my business has taken over and blossomed into a whole new adventure, it was the missing puzzle piece to making my travel experiences work for me.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Definitely hasn’t been the smoothest road. The two biggest challenges I’ve had so far is the back end of the business and minding my business. I went to school for graphics and web design, not for business but I love a good challenge, so teaching myself the back end of the business side wasn’t a problem. The real challenge was learning how to disassociate my unsupportive friends and family from my business and trusting random people and other companies with the support and guidance I needed. If you’re starting your own business, please understand that not everyone is going to support you or even believe in you but there are complete strangers out here who will take you further, don’t trip.
Tell us more about the business.
As a small creative design agency, we love bringing peoples ideas to life. We cover most aspects of the digital world and I’m proud of the growing list of services we offer. We started with graphics (logos/business cards) and web design but now we do personal apparel, branding, RSVP’s/wedding invitations and my all time favorite, family/travel photography. My mom owns a travel agency and whenever her customers select a photography package, I get to tag along, shoot and make photo books of their journey. Getting to collaborate with my moms business was never a thought but it’s such a dream.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Networking isn’t my forte but I find myself right where I need to be, opportunities keep falling into my lap and I wouldn’t say it’s luck, I have people praying for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.bharvindesign.com
- Phone: 404-901-8106
- Email: info@bharvindesign.com
- Instagram: @Bharvindesign
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BHarvinDesign/
Image Credit:
Me, my mom and the self timer.
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