Shoutout Arizona
Shoutout to Shoutout Arizona online magazine for reaching out to us! Here’s a look into our recent interview with them:
Hi Nicole, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I knew from a pretty young age that I wanted to start my own business. For a long time, I felt like I was too young or inexperienced, or that I didn’t have a “good enough’ idea to start. There was an overwhelming mental block preventing me from just starting. After working for both a global corporation and several smaller companies (under 4 people), I gathered all the information I had learned over the years and finally felt ready to make the leap. Instead of trying to pick the “perfect idea” I decided to continue doing what I had been doing the past 4 years (commercial art and murals) but just work for myself. This was the kickstart that I needed and feels like a natural progression while I work on my next business idea. Specifically for Mural Mates, I knew my hometown had the desire to incorporate art in their spaces, both commercial and residential, so it was a great fit.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a continuous exploration of compositions, natural observations, and whimsical surprises. It all began in college when I found a deep love for interactive art installations. The idea that we can create spaces that encourage play, curiosity, knowledge, and presence is so satisfying, especially in a world dominated by screens. I love the fact that we can merge technology and art in a more unexpected and less intruding way. Although murals take up the majority of my work, I do still aim to grow the business to focus on larger and more intricate installation art pieces.
I also have some bigger dreams of bringing together the muralist and freelance community. One of the joys I’ve had over the years is bringing other people’s goals/dreams to life. Oftentimes, creatives are so focused on the vision or artistic element that we get overwhelmed by the business side of things. I like to say I got a little bit of both sides of the brain from my parents, so whether that’s through branding, business mentorship or events/workshops, I would love to be able to unite and help support my fellow creatives/freelancers in their journey of successfully pursuing their passions.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ohh for my city dwellers, I would first caffeinate their hearts out by bringing them to either Provision, Lux, or Cartel and then we may do some vintage shopping near Sunnyslope or Old Town. Depending on the vibe, we’ll go to Postinos, Cornish Pasty, Casey Moores in Tempe, or The Churchill downtown for the evening. Because great days never end, we’ll grab our bikes and catch the sunset in Papago Park.
For my more adventurous friends, I would take them on a weekend trip to Sedona or Flagstaff to beat the heat at some of my favorite camping/climbing spots. We’d hang out at Priest Draw for a bit and then grab pizza in town at Pizzicletta or Fratellis. Come visit me!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to shout out Brit Morin and Anjelika Temple (founders of Brit+Co) who also started Selfmade – an all-female business course that helped encourage me to envision the life I wanted. Through their community-based platform, I met some of the most amazing and talented women who have become my closest friends and even a future co-founder. Hey Sophie!
View the full interview here: