Conversations with the Inspiring Nicole B-Z

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole B-Z.

Nicole, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It all started in Colorado, I had been working full time throughout my bachelors at CU Boulder, gainfully making my way through the ranks of independent music “collective,” for lack of a better term. After a few years and graduating, I wanted to get out from behind my desk and explore some new opportunities. Long story short, I ended up in Australia as audio engineering working in some amazing studios. This led to me opening my own studio, eventually establishing my own record label, and then touring and managing musical artists.

Because why not have a psychological break-down in your late twenties, I completed my MBA and was asked to direct an industry non-profit. This led to many more doors opening, and eventually my return to the US to continue in music non-profits, in New Orleans. After reuniting with an old mate, we decided to get her and her bands to the US and we rendezvoused in Los Angeles where I spent another couple years touring and managing bands before deciding THIS IS IT. I’ve done it all. Let’s try something new.

After a brief sojourn teaching yoga, I moved back to Colorado to cut my teeth in the cannabis industry in a senior leadership role with one of Colorado’s biggest companies. I engaged in a robust coach training to help me be a more effective leader, but instead, I decided coaching was my new calling. I established my practice and have dedicated my time to supporting creative small businesses. With my 20 years of experience, education and extensive training, with a keen sense for the creative mind, supporting small business leaders has been the best decision of my life!

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?
If the road were smooth I would get bored quickly. It’s as cliché as it gets, but it’s the biggest challenge that becomes the greatest opportunity. I used to tell my bands you really prove yourself on those off nights, where you still play like it’s a sold-out stadium. I think the same about my business or any business, it’s easy when things are running smoothly, but you truly prove your passion and perseverance when things get a little tough and you keep showing up with a smile.

Business ownership is not for everyone. This is something you do because you can’t sleep if you don’t, it’s like the healthiest obsession ever, with a little dose martyrdom. Get the support you need, because no one benefits if you’re suffering. Small Business ownership can be scary, isolating and challenging for even the most confident extrovert, so please, put some support systems in place to ensure you and your business thrive.

What should we know about BZ Coaching? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As a Success Strategist, I specialize in supporting the creative leader, someone who imagines a ton of possibilities, invents endless solutions, and tends to march to the beat of their own drum.

This can be your typical creative, a designer – artist-writer, or it can be an accountant or educator, anyone who can identify with that creative mindset, who pushed themselves to start their own business because their fabulous idea or service or product couldn’t be denied, and suddenly the dream turned into their day-to-day reality.

I volunteer with the Small Business Association and SCORE and I am able to give-back to Denver’s entrepreneurial community in many ways. I host workshops and offer many skills-development opportunities.

But my pride and joy is reminding an owner why they started their business in the first place, reigniting their passion, reinventing their vision for the next level in their growth, and helping them make more money and feel more joy, every damn day.

Contact Info:

• Address: 3350 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216
• Website: www.nicolebz.com
• Phone: 9495727871
• Email: nicole@nicolebz.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbzcoaching/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/NBZCoaching/
• Other: www.linkedin.com/in/nbzcoaching/

Image Credit:
Wendy Yalom (photographer)

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