Daily Inspiration: Meet Nicole Axelson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Axelson

Nicole, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started TSL Collection in 2019, but the idea really came from my own personal journey. I had struggled with body image for years, and during that time, I often shared my experiences online. The phrase “Team Self Love” started to resonate with people in my community—it wasn’t just about appearance but about embracing your body and showing up for yourself, no matter what stage you’re in.

That’s when I realized there was a gap in the activewear industry. I couldn’t find brands that truly celebrated all bodies—not just in extended sizing but in how they showed up in their marketing and on social media. So, I decided to create it myself. TSL Collection became more than just an activewear line; it became a space where everyone could feel seen, confident, and supported, whether they were in the gym, on a walk, or just showing up for themselves in everyday life.

Today, TSL continues to grow with that same mission at its core. We prioritize inclusive designs, ethical production, and community-driven launches. It’s been incredible to see how far we’ve come, but the heart of the brand remains the same: empowering people to love and celebrate themselves exactly as they are.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Being completely self-funded has its challenges—every decision carries weight when you’re investing your own resources. On top of that, running a business on your own can feel isolating at times. You’re wearing every hat, from product development to marketing to customer service.

And with rising costs across the board, it’s only gotten more challenging to sustain and grow a small business. But what keeps me going is my community and the mission behind TSL. Hearing from people who feel more confident and seen because of our brand reminds me why I started in the first place. It’s not always easy, but knowing TSL is making an impact gives me the motivation to push through the hard moments.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve been a content creator for seven years now, and it’s something that’s always felt natural to me. I’ve loved taking photos and filming myself for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, I knew I wanted to do something creative—something in the world of entertainment—but I wasn’t sure what that would look like.

Now, content creation has become such a fulfilling part of my work. I get to document the entire process of designing for TSL, sharing everything from product development to the behind-the-scenes moments that most people don’t usually see. I also love incorporating lifestyle content—showing how TSL fits into real life and sharing more personal moments along the way. It’s rewarding to create content that not only connects with my audience but also ties back to the heart of what I do.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I definitely couldn’t do this alone. My husband, Dalton, has been by my side since the very beginning. He’s helped with everything—from packing orders to navigating the behind-the-scenes challenges that come with running a business. He’s always the first to remind me why I started when things get tough.

My best friends also deserve so much credit. They’ve been my sounding board, my biggest cheerleaders, and the ones who lift me up on the hard days. Knowing I have that kind of support system makes all the difference. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of running a business, but having people who truly believe in you keeps you going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tslcollection.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tslcollection/

Image Credits:
Nicole Axelson