It Girl | NICOLE GAINES
Nicole was introduced to me indirectly by my friend Trista (who I hope you will “meet” soon). I won a giveaway from both of their businesses and was immediately obsessed with all things The Clarity Shop. I have since purchased a few of my own and they are so beautiful! Nicole also makes playlists for each one to really set the mood. Get into it!
Name: Nicole Gaines
Age: 33
Job Title/Company: Clinical Specialist/ Medtronic…. The Clarity Shop / Owner
Education Background: BSN and B.S. in Applied Science with a concentration in Radiology
1. Tell us a little about who you are.
I am a Nashville native with a creative spirit and all things fitness. I am a nurse by day and a free spirit that truly tries to see the beauty in all things. I have an amazing daughter and a fur baby named Connor.
2. What sparked your interest in starting your business?
I have a great career but wanted to create something for me to be passionate about in its entirety and creating a free space to promote clarity.
3. Who are you most influenced by?
I am most influenced by art, music, and my daughter.
4. What was your first job and how long did you hold that position?
My first job was at Champ Sports and I worked there for 5 years.
5. Can you share one of your proudest achievements with us?
It was most definitely when I finished Nursing school. It was one of my greatest accomplishments given what I had to go through during the process.
6. What were your initial goals with your work? How have they evolved?
My initial goal with The Clarity Shop was to create a product that I like to use to encourage spaces for a moment of clarity. I love candles and they always seem to create a vibe no matter what kind of mood you are in. Eventually I would like it to evolve into a much bigger platform, but for now I am trying to master my craft.
7. What do you think is the most important life skill you learned through your work?
FOCUS! Lol I love to make things and think of tons of ideas everyday but this has definitely taught me the importance of focusing on projects at hand to really see the full potential.
8. Where do you hope to be in five years?
I would love to be a full time entrepreneur, with a family that lives a life designed by our interests and vision. It would be amazing to see my love for health and fitness evolve as well.
9. What is a typical day like for you?
A typical day for me is getting my 10 year old daughter ready for school, going to work in hospitals/ clinics as a clinical specialists, and then finding time to work on The Clarity Shop.
10. What was the biggest obstacle you’ve faced so far in the process of pursuing your goals?
My biggest obstacle has been to remain consistent with my goals when things are not as clear cut as intended. There will never be a perfect time, you most likely will never have the complete financial backing that you need, and so on but you must stay persistent in the things that are important to you.
“There will never be a perfect time, you most likely will never have the complete financial backing that you need, and so on, but you must stay persistent in the things that are important to you. ”
11. What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Worry ‘bout yoself lol! I think these days it is so easy to get consumed in what others are doing that we lose sight on what’s most important to us.
12. When do you get your best ideas?
Usually when I am relaxing and drinking my coffee…or when I am sitting in my car for 30 minutes after I’ve already pulled up to my driveway lol.
13. Can you share with us one time that you failed and what you learned from that failure?
When I initially started college, not getting into nursing school and then getting pregnant, I felt as though I had failed myself and the people closest to me. I had always been a perfect patty, but perfect patty was no more. I have now realized that everyone has their own journey and story, one that is often created by us. It is important however, to remember that we are not the authors. The Universe, God, or whatever Higher Being you may believe in, will ultimately guide you in the direction that you need to, if you remain open and willing to grow.
14. How do you unwind?
I unwind by listening to music, lighting a candle, and meditating.
15. What would you tell someone else who is interested in entering your field?
Working in Medical device sales is my current full time career I would say networking is everything. As the owner of The Clarity Shop I would say just stay persistent. Work on one thing at a time and one step at a time. Create a solid foundation and go with it. Whatever you do does not have to be perfect, it just needs to be solid.
16. What do you hope people take away from your story?
That no matter how old you are or what you’ve accomplished so far, it’s never too late to tap into your true passions and create a life that you love in all aspects.
17. Anything we missed that you would like to share?
Crossfit is life lol
