Meet Nicole Ferguson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Ferguson. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I never thought I was a creative person. I couldn’t draw, paint, sing, or anything else that usually comes to mind when it comes to describing someone as creative. When I was trying to figure out what I wanted to go to college for, I immediately gravitated towards finance. I knew it affected most aspects of life and figured it was a safe bet. Once I started on my actual finance classes, I quickly realized how uninterested I was, but I figured it would lead to a good job. I was working full-time while going to college at a bank, and was learning firsthand the job I THOUGHT I wanted, wasn’t exactly what I thought it was. I quickly switched to a management degree and graduated as quickly as I could. 

Several years would go by, and I would work for a couple of different financial institutions. 

Always feeling like a square peg trying to fit in a round hole. One aspect I always enjoyed though was dressing up. I have always loved styling outfits, even in middle school. I would receive compliments throughout my life on my clothing choices and had even been asked to go shopping with people to help them pick out clothes. I never really pieced together it was a creative outlet for me. 

I was always inspired by other women who started their own clothing boutiques. I wondered how they got their start and how they learned how to do it, and then one day it was my turn. 

I saw a local shop was closing up in a space I was familiar with. Through a mutual friend, I decided to reach out just to ask some questions… or so I thought. I kept asking questions, researching, and before I knew it, it was time to jump! 

I absolutely love running a boutique. I get to combine my business background, and I FINALLY get to be creative. I love building relationships with other women in the community and helping them put together outfits that help them feel confident. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think starting a business is ever completely smooth. I had to negotiate a lease, which I had never done before nor come across in my previous career. I had to go to market and try to get various vendors to agree to work with me. I’m still navigating which brands people like, which ones create a quality product, and which price points fit my market. I haven’t been open a full year yet, so I’m learning the busy/slow cycles. Learning when to start stocking spring/summer vs. fall/winter. 

Also, trying to be authentic. While it’s very important to listen to your customer and their needs, I also don’t want to lose what makes my boutique unique and sets it apart from other establishments. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What I believe my niche to be is I understand work wear. Having been in a more corporate role the majority of my life, I understand that style of dress well. BUT I’d like to think I add a bit of flare to it. The pandemic changed fashion, and people went very casual. I think we’ll slowly see people change back, but not in the same way. Now, I think people will dress up for personal style reasons. There’s just something about putting on a great outfit. It can work wonders for your confidence, and I really wish people would embrace it more. There’s so much depression and anxiety out there, and I’d like to think in maybe a small way, I could help people with that. You’re saying something about yourself when you choose your clothes; it is a form of self-expression. I’d like to think I can help people with that. 

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking.
I wouldn’t have normally considered myself much of a risk-taker. The majority of my decisions up until starting the store were based on creating security. Looking back, some of the decisions I made were maybe considered risky by some standards, but I think I look at it more as being willing to put yourself out there. As cliche, as it sounds, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. I think getting comfortable with rejection is a skill that needs a workout much like any muscle you’re trying to train. I’m still working on it, and starting the store was definitely the biggest risk I have ever taken, but I also want to challenge myself to grow. 

It’s not lost on me that financial security plays a role is the type of risks you can take. The motivation behind the risks people take can be heavily influenced by financial reasons. Up until starting the store, the risks I took all involved me getting out of my comfort zone to hopefully better myself financially. For example, being the first person in my family to go to college and figuring out how to make that happen. Applying for jobs that I had zero connections to or lacked specific qualifications. Making myself attend certain events even though I was incredibly uncomfortable. They were the mini risks that lead to better jobs that gave me more financial security. That gave me the ability to now take a risk to pursue doing something for my career that I enjoy and can hopefully pour back into the community. 

Most importantly through all of it, I have my faith. My whole life, I have prayed over every major decision I have made. When I had peace, I knew it was the right path for me. I don’t know what all He has in store for me, but I put my trust in Him, and that takes the fear out of the risk. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/only_you_boutique._/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087279258165