Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Liveoak.
Hi Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My love of macrame began back in the fall of 2019. Funny enough, I discovered macrame on Facebook marketplace of all places. I saw a listing for a macrame plant hanger and thought I’d give macrame a try. From there my love affair of knotting took off. I started my business, Woven Oak Design, after the encouragement of one of my best friends, Tariana Sparrow. I had posted a wall hanging I was making on my Snapchat story; she loved it so much she bought it before it was finished! It’s because of her encouragement that I started my business. I now make handmade macrame products for your keys, car, and home! It’s because of the support of my friends, family, and the small business community that my business is where it is today. It truly takes a village, and I’m blessed to have such a great one backing me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Owning a small business is anything but a smooth ride. I’ve faced many obstacles as a business owner. One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced, and still face, while running my business is imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is like having the devil on your shoulder whispering things to you like “Your product isn’t good enough” or “Your business isn’t going anywhere.” Unfortunately, I’ve faced these feelings a lot, but I am so fortunate to have so many supportive and wonderful human beings in my corner cheering me on. Some days are harder than others. On days where imposter syndrome has me in a chokehold and I can’t seem to shake it, I turn to the support of my friends and family. Reading customer reviews helps as well. We all need reassurance from time to time. That’s one of the many reasons why I love doing markets for my small business. Seeing a customer’s positive reaction to my art is the best motivator. All in all, I have to remind myself that I am worthy, my art is good enough, and to push through even on the days where I feel like I can’t.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I offer several handmade macrame products in my shop. Over the past four years, I have perfected the basic knotting techniques. I got my start, thanks to many YouTube tutorials. After learning the basic techniques, the options are endless. I’m always trying new ways to apply what I’ve learned to make cool and fun products for my customers. My best sellers and the products I’m most known for would definitely have to be my disco ball products! I have disco ball hangers, disco ball keychains, and even mini disco ball hangers for your rearview mirror! Disco balls first made their debut in my shop in April of 2023, since then they have taken over my business. They’re just so fun that I had to incorporate them in a few different products. I love the 70s, so it’s no surprise that I love macrame and disco balls so much. I mean come on, who doesn’t love a good disco ball?
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
If I had to give advice to someone that’s starting their own business, it would be to master the basics, be true to yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from those around you. Running a small business can be difficult, and you don’t have to do it alone! The small business community is vast, and there’s a lot of information out there. Most importantly, be your brand. No one is going to hustle for you and your business like you are. Create what you want to create, and stay true to you! It’s not an easy journey, but nothing worthwhile is easy to obtain. You’ve got this!
Contact Info:
- Website: wovenoakdesign.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wovenoakdesign?igsh=MWw3bXN4aDBobDFqag==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WovenOakDesign?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Katie Johnson Photography
