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Life and Work with Nikki Formolo

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Formolo.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Nikki. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Back in January of 2014, I found myself brand new to Colorado. I had just had a baby two weeks earlier. And I felt the overwhelm of motherhood come crashing down on me. I had left my career and family/friends back in Minnesota so that I could begin building my own family with my now husband. I quickly learned that I was mourning who I was before I became my daughter’s everything. Do not get me wrong, being a mom had always been a dream of mine. But I knew at the same time, I needed an outlet for me to continue to dream about my own place in this world and the legacy that I hoped to leave. I knew I needed to seek out community, but wasn’t sure how. That is when I found a blog about Noonday Collection, a socially conscious fashion brand that uses fashion as a tool to create meaningful opportunities in some of the most vulnerable communities in the world. My heart lit up. I knew this would be the ticket and the opportunity that I had been waiting for and I also knew this would be a powerful tool that would help me break out of my shell and meet other like-minded women in my community. I signed on without ever seeing a piece of jewelry or attending a trunk show. I wasn’t even sure what a trunk show entailed. But I followed my gut and that has led me on an epic path of self-development and also opened my eyes to the tangible way that we can all make a positive difference in the world.

At Noonday we say, “when we look across the globe, we don’t see strangers, we see ourselves.” And that could not be more true. In a day and age where division and fear seem like the headline of the day, I get to show up in my community and facilitate a deeper connection to the power of our purchasing power. And to the beauty of clothing ourselves in a way that respects the maker. Slow fashion is a revolution and I am so excited to play a role that helps educate others on what fair trade means (hint: it’s way more than chocolate and coffee) and how together we can eradicate fast fashion and a throwaway culture, and find meaningful pieces in our wardrobe that tell a powerful story. I believe it is not only empowering our artisans but it is also empowering the consumer. Like the wise Maya Angelou said “when we know better, we do better”.

Almost five years in, there are so many exciting things on the horizon in my personal business. I am humbled to have elevated on a career path where I am now a Manager. I lead an incredible team of women who help breathe new life into my business and in turn, to our artisan businesses as well! Last month alone, we were able to support 35 artisan families for an entire month, through our collective sales. That is an incredible feeling and what I believe sets us apart from other direct sales businesses. Even more, I could have never made this impact alone. I am also getting close to another milestone in my business, which is Rock Star! I am a few thousand dollars away from hitting this, which equates to $100,000 in lifetime sales. That is a lot of world-changing accessories! And I look forward to having a huge celebration with my customers and hostesses when I get there! After all, that is thanks to them!

Has it been a smooth road?
Whew, it certainly hasn’t been easy and there are times that I have wanted to give up. I have found when I am in that space or mindset, it’s because I have allowed the IBBC (itty bitty bullshit (or bologna sauce committee) to be the loudest voice in my head. This is when comparison creeps in or when I feel not good enough. I sit with those feelings and honor them, and then I come back to why I do this and it all makes sense all over again. This calling will break your heart wide open but it will also expand your heart in ways that you could never imagine. And once you are open to seeing the injustices in this world, it becomes impossible to look away.

My best advice is to surround yourself with other like-minded women who you admire and who hold similar values. When times get tough or you think it’s too overwhelming, always go back to your “why” and reevaluate if needed. Rest and reset when your soul needs it. And then come back ready to give it all that you’ve got! Find your tribe who will encourage you to keep going and borrow strength from them when you need it. Also keep in mind, when you feel like giving up is usually when you are on the verge of a breakthrough! Either personally or professionally, so stay in tune to your inner voice and just do the next small step in the right direction. And then repeat as often as needed.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Noonday Collection – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Noonday Collection is the largest fair trade jewelry and accessories company in the world. We support 35 artisan businesses 15 countries, and we are Fair Trade Certified as well as a Certified B Corp (putting people and the planet ahead of profit). We do this by partnering with hostesses in our community who open up their homes and invite their friends over for a fun shopping experience that incorporates styling and storytelling. I am thrilled that while we support artisans globally, we also are able to support women here in the United States who want to operate their own flexible and thriving business. As an ambassador, you earn the opportunity to travel to visit our artisans so that you can see the impact of your communities purchases and also to see how our products are made! I am headed to Guatemala in May, and I couldn’t be more excited!

I am so proud for the way Noonday has grown, and I anticipate this becoming a household name in the very near future. This year marks our tenth anniversary as a company and I know our time is now. With features in W Magazine, O Magazine, Magnolia, Vogue, Forbes, Today Show, Good Morning America, Cosmopolitan, and more, this will be the brand that helps guide fashion and consumerism in a more ethical direction. Modern day slavery is more prevalent today than any other time in our history. The time has come to support businesses that believe in transparency in their business practices and also in the humanity of those who make our products. I am proud to bring Noonday Collection to the Denver area and am always open for a coffee date for anyone interested in learning more about how they can partner with me by joining, hosting, or shopping! Have I mentioned how stunning our collection is?

While the bones of my business is in “gathering together” and since we are all doing our due diligence with social distancing, I want to remind everyone that I understand that most of us are not thinking about spending money on items that are not necessities. I totally get that and am also in that boat. I want to encourage and remind everyone that we are all in this together. If there was ever a time to remember that we all belong to one another, the time is here. And while we all navigate this new normal, remember we can all be kind. That is free. And if we are in the position to spend some money to help out our local economies, let’s please step up and do that. I am a dreamer and will always remain hopeful. It is our poorest and most vulnerable populations living in our own communities, as well as our global community, who will suffer the most. Let’s rise to the occasion with open hearts and minds and do what we can. Love and compassion can really go a long way in times like these. I do host virtual online trunk shows as well, so if you and your friends are looking for a fun distraction, while also positively impacting the world, contact me. I absolutely feel that together we can do so much!!! And our time is NOW. Let’s be a force for good!

Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
Podcasts: Going Scared by Jessica Honegger (founder of Noonday) This will inspire you in ways that you will want to wake up and change the world!

I watch SuperSoul Sunday with Oprah and feel like it is my church on Sundays! Then we have a family hike after! It is my soul food.

I love following Jacki Carr, goals coach extraordinaire and Queen of Evergreen! I am part of her mastermind THE12, and it has been AMAZING. I think there is so much transformative power when we choose to invest in ourselves. And I am already experiencing the magic because of this bold “yes” and we are only one month in.

My current reading list is:
“Me and White Supremacy” by Layla F Saad
“The Moment of Lift” by Melinda Gates

I only follow people on social media who leave me feeling connected, curious, passionate, vulnerable, and loved. If I get any type of ick feeling that leads to a quick “unfollow”. 🙂

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Rae Barber

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