Nichelle Prince is the founder and CEO of Couture Concept, a “personal concierge service custom fit for your everyday needs.” Here, she discusses her vision, desire to assist the less fortunate and catering to the elderly.
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
My job is my passion therefore it does not feel like work. I enjoy my job, so I look forward to coming to work. My clients’ satisfaction brings me joy and drives me to continue to strive to take Couture Concepts to the next level.
How did you determine your career path?
I have a passion for helping others in need, especially the elderly. I was a caretaker for my grandmother who suffered from Alzheimer’s. My passion was determined then. I have worked for both corporate America and I have also worked for a mom and pop franchise. I really worked hard in both businesses and I felt unappreciated and undervalued. I felt as if I was making someone else wealthy and fulfilling their life’s dreams. In all my careers, I have been able to tap into my God-given talent of assisting others and not looking at it as being menial. I decided after being terminated for reasons beyond my measures that I would work for myself and put that energy into my dreams and passions. I started my concierge’s service as footwork to be able to offer the same services to the less fortunate pro bono. My vision is to eventually go non-profit with my services catering only to the elderly in need.
What other industries connect to your career choice?
Being a concierge’s service, I am connected to many industries. I have the best of many worlds. Some of the industries that are connected to my career choice are luxury automotive, entertainment, hospitality, private transportation services, five star dining, high end retail, and the list can go on.
Describe the skill sets that are essential to future business leader and innovators?
In order for a future business leader and innovator to be successful, they would need to have a compelling vision or idea. Possess leadership skills in order to sell the idea to a mentor, partner, or investor. Also, if they have employees they would need to effectively motivate their employees to execute their vision. A successful business leader or innovator will know their strengths and weaknesses in their business, and bring in the appropriate team members to assist with filling the areas of weakness. They would appreciate feedback rather from an employee, client, or business owner. Feedback can only improve your business and it’s free. Execution of your business would be the last skill set needed. Your vision can be strong but if your ability to execute your vision is poor, nine times out of ten, you will fail.
Define innovative methods you apply to your business and life.
I always try to think outside of the box. You can take the simplest idea and create a WOW trifecta and it will take your business to the next level. There are many businesses with the same concept; you have to set yourself above the competition by offering a different type of service.
How do you set goals and evaluate your success.
I set short term and long term goals. I set the short term goals because they can be fulfilled easier and it reminds me that I am one step closer to my long term goal. So I am not discouraged I set one short term goal to complete in a day’s work. It is easy to get off task being an entrepreneur if you do not prioritize because you do not have that upper management riding your back and keeping you on task. When setting my long term goals, I dream big, therefore I set my goals big. It takes a little longer to achieve these goals, but with hard work and dedication, they are achievable. My success is evaluated on the completion of my long term goals and how quickly I am able to execute to achieve them.
Which information and increased skill methods you use?
I read a lot of different books and magazines. Technology is a must in today’s society and I am not a gadget type of person, therefore I have to read to keep abreast of what’s in and what’s not. I have to do a lot of networking. I attend different networking events, in order to keep up with the latest and hottest trends. I am not the biggest fan of social media, but I realized that social media plays a major role in branding and networking, therefore I have to use Face Book, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and many more. In order to stay on top, you have to be willing to read and learn through all methods.
Name your favorite role models for success in two industries.
Michelle Obama was a lawyer before being the first lady. She inspires me because I too am a mother juggling a career, but taking care of home as well. I love her style and grace. Her fashion sense is impeccable. She steps outside of the box in her fashion regardless to what society says she should be in.She is in tune with herself and I respect that about her. Most of all, I love her genuine, humble spirit. Oprah Winfrey would be my second role model. She branded herself and made it to be an iconic household name in all ethnicities.
Names three books that changed how you saw life that you would recommend to others.
Your Best Life Now, Joel Osteen
Think and Grow Rich A Black Choice, Dennis Kimbro and Napoleon Hill
Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki
Describe why life-long learning is important to you.
Lifelong learning is important to me because changes will occur. I have to be open to learn something new on a daily basis, rather if it is a new client, a new face, or a new procedure. The beauty of life learning is that it allows me to broaden my horizon. It keeps me from being stagnant and allowing me to elevate to the next level of success in all aspects of my life. I used to dislike change. I now embrace it with open arms. Life is learning and learning is change.
Describe the voice of success that you hear in your head.
The voice of success for me is to own more than one business that’s profitable, that is an employer, and that is thriving to the community and able to give back. Success to me is to be able to help the less fortunate in the elderly community through a non-profit organization. Last but not least, the voice of success for me is helping our future, our kids, growing them to be successful entrepreneurs, businessmen, or whatever desire they would like to be, and being a role model for them.
Community success based on what you do in the community means what to you?
Giving back to the community defines my definition of community success. There are so many ways to give back, rather I employ or do community service. I would love to be able to pro bono some of my services to help those who are in need. I would love to give a job to a minority or one who society has deemed unemployable. I believe in second chances, and in my community I know there are many who need a second chance at life. I believe bringing money into a community is another attribute to making a community successful.
Technology plays what role in your daily life?
Technology plays a major role in my daily life. My clients’ contact me via phone, email, and/or fax. I rely heavily on a smart phone. My preference is the iPhone. It allows me to talk and surf at the same time. I also collect payments via slider which is connected to my phone. Even though I rely heavily on my iPhone, I do know how to function without it.
What software and tools of technology have made the biggest difference in your life?
Docusign, Toggl, Square/BOA mobile App, Facebook, Instagram have made the biggest differences in my life, as of now.
What role do music and cultural events play in defining your identity?
Music and some cultural events define my self-identity. I can listen to all sorts of music, but gospel, rap, and R&B helps define me. I understand when a rapper raps about the struggle of being Black and poor. I understand when an artist croons a ballad because he was hurt. I feel arousal when a gospel artist sings about how good the Lord has been because I was raised in the Baptist church, struggling wondering how ends were going to be met, and I have been hurt from numerous of dead end relationships. Cultural events define my calmer side. I appreciate Atlanta Botanical Gardens, the High Museum, and Alvin Ailey dancers. Those places allow me to explore nature and its beauty. I appreciate art rather expressed in a painting, through dance, or even in a garden. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You learn to appreciate the simple things.
Define your personal culture.
I keep God as head of my life in any and every thing that I do. I treat others as I would like to be treated. I love high line fashion. Victoria Beckham, Stella McCartney, and The Row are a few lines I love. I have just implemented time pieces into my personal style. Everyone dies to have a Rolex in their collection, but I prefer to have a Cartier in mines.
Traveling is a must. I can’t wait to see the world, Dubai being my first stop. I have natural hair, but I have caved in to sew-ins due to Atlanta’s humidity, but I am bracing for winter to try some Bantu knots, and more natural styles. As far as my nightlife preference, I prefer a cigar bar with a nice stogie and a drink.
What’s your favorite vacation spot?
I love Miami and Los Cabos, Mexico. My favorite vacation spot is somewhere on the beach with white sands, a nice cabana and chairs, with a pretty drink with an umbrella in it. There is something about the waves that are so calming to me. I love to meditate and appreciate the beauty of the water.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
If I could change one thing about the world it would be an opportunity of second chance. A person’s past should not define their character of the presence. We all have made mistakes or needed second chance.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
If I could change one thing about myself it would be accepting people for who they are. When a person shows me who they are I have to take heed and accept it for what it’s worth. I always try to find the good in everyone, but everyone is not always good, and not everyone has your best interest at heart. This is one naïve trait that I have and it causes a lot of hurt and pain. Therefore, if I could change that one thing about myself it would be just that.
