Daily Inspiration: Meet Margee Nickola

Today we’d like to introduce you to Margee Nickola. 

Hi Margee, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I use to work in the Film industry however, after having my first born I quickly realized that that job was too time-consuming. It wasn’t allowing me enough home/family time, and the hours were both unpredictable and long. 

I love anything vintage! Old is my vibe! 

My sister hosted a baby shower for me with random China dishes that she had collected from garage sales. I absolutely loved the idea and the ‘different’ look. I then started my own collection. I’d visit my local thrift stores weekly and grab whatever tabletop items that fit my fancy. I’d collect China dishes, water goblets, water pitchers, flatware, brass candlestick holders, serving trays… you name it! 

To slowly start transitioning out of the film industry I took up furniture flipping. At that time, flipping furniture was pretty profitable. I’d collect antique pieces from the curb, storage unit sales, and Facebook marketplace; sometimes people would just give the items to me since they saw them as junk. **enter husband into the scene** with minimal gripping he’d help me fix broken drawers, scarp veneer, heck… he’s even paint a few. I always had a problem letting go of pieces! I always fell in love with them, I’d say “Man, if I only had the space!”… After saying this many, many times; It dawned on me; I CAN keep them, and others can enjoy them as well! 

At that point, I decided to start a wedding design and rental company where I could showcase my huge collection. 

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?
Getting the business officially off the ground was a HUGE struggle. We were gearing up to launch when the Covid-19 Pandemic hit. Obviously, no one was going to be getting married anytime soon after that. So, we were stalled for a few years. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the proud owner of The Black Hive Co. We are a design, rental, and services company based out of Genesee County, MI. I, myself, am very involved. My favorite part of the whole business is working one on one with each one of my brides. I really like to hone in on their vision. Every bride wants that “Pinterest Wedding”, and with our help it’s definitely possible. I typically have my brides send me their wedding Pinterest board, and together we can pick and choose items from our ever-growing inventory. 

There are two things that set us apart from others alike in our areas. We are very hands-on, we really like to get to know our couples. And, we offer one-of-a-kind pieces! Pieces that you can’t find easily. 

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Having an artistic mind is most important to my success. I consider myself lucky that I can visualize not only what my brides are asking for, but what I have on hand that might work for their particular event. 

I am also very outgoing, which I find to be very necessary in this line of business. I can make friends with just about anyone which makes speaking to my clients much easier. It’s a huge day for them to plan so feeling comfortable to reach out to me is super important. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.BlackHiveco.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBlackHiveCo/?ref=pages_you_manage

Image Credits
Holly Clark Photography