Conversations with Kristin Nichole

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Nichole.

Hi Kristin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in the California desert didn’t present many opportunities for careers or success. Everybody drove almost two hours to Los Angeles for work. I watched my dad and friends’ parents come home exhausted from eight-hour shifts and four-hour commutes every day. Although my parents worked hard and always provided for me, I knew I couldn’t follow in those footsteps. There had to be more meaning to life.

I spent my entire 20’s searching for a way to make a living that didn’t drain the life from me. I dropped out of college twice and had perpetual odd jobs and side hustles. At different times I had a jewelry business, a stationery business, and a web design business. I’ve always been creative and always detested working under a boss or with strict rules.

Despite my feelings on “normal” jobs, I gave in to the pressure to “grow up” and ended up working for a large tech company. I literally gave them my blood, sweat, and tears but eventually realized no matter how hard I worked, I was still replaceable. So in December 2020, I took a giant risk and QUIT after six years. I chose to pursue internet marketing and blogging. We live in a digital world and I wanted to take advantage of my tech skills and inspire others to utilize the internet to make money.

Even though I’m still far from the success I want to achieve, I’m so much happier living an unconventional life. My days aren’t routine and I don’t abide by anybody else’s schedule. I think I’ve always been a free spirit in this sense.

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?
Six years ago, my life took a huge turn when the opportunity to move to Texas arose. Having no real attachments keeping me in California, I took the leap and moved. (This is when I started working for the tech company). Everything appeared to be great but inside I was extremely unsatisfied. Work was tedious and I was SO homesick every single day! I missed the diverse geography and mixed cultures of home. Most of all, I missed my family and friends. People in Texas are very friendly but I never felt like I truly fit in.

I was already starting to feel depressed when things got even worse and an abrupt tragedy turned my world upside-down. I sunk into grief and despair as I struggled to cope with a loss.

At my lowest point, my depression was so bad that it triggered physical illnesses. I was feeling scared and alone when the Universe intervened and I accidentally watched The Secret. Not kidding — I did not hit play but Netflix turned on The Secret and my entire perspective shifted. Some people dismiss it as nonsense but that documentary lit a spark inside my heart that I thought was lost. Instead of wallowing in my fear and helplessness, I realized my life was MINE to take control of. After three tumultuous years in Texas, I changed my mindset; I believed I could and so I did. Five months later, I was living in Orange County, California.

After coming back, I viewed life through brand new eyes. I could be driving on the freeway and stuck in traffic, yet smiling because the mountains in the distance were SO breathtaking. When I visited my parents in my desert hometown, my senses were overjoyed with the hot days and crisp nights. My days off were spent hiking in the mountains or laying on the beach and I felt more alive than ever before.

I would NOT be where I am today if it wasn’t for the struggles and losses I endured. I had to experience darkness in order to appreciate the light.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I quit my corporate job to pursue things I’m actually passionate about. It was obviously a scary decision but it’s been so rewarding. Now I have time each day for yoga and meditating which elevates my entire mood and headspace.

I’m pretty proud of the growth and success I’m experiencing on Instagram. I live in the dazzling tourist destination of Laguna Beach, California. Rather than the common portrayal of sipping cocktails at a ritzy oceanfront resort, I wanted to share a more local and laid-back view of living here. I collaborate with small, local businesses to help them gain exposure and traffic. People come to my account for “insider” travel tips and info: what sights to see, where to go, and what to do. That correlates with my pursuit of internet marketing and blogging— which sounds like every girl’s dream job, and it really is!

Those are amazing passions that I will continue to develop but I have a desire to help others in even deeper ways. So I am hoping to attend school to get both my esthetician license and my yoga certification.

What matters most to you? Why?
Focusing on my own mentality and spirituality has always been important to me. The way I see it: the happier I am, the happier I can make other people. I just want to spread good vibes and positive energy. That sounds cliché but I really want to help other humans believe in themselves. Whatever you are going through, remember that life ebbs and flows. Keep going because there WILL be a moment when you look back and realize how far you’ve come.

Contact Info:

• Email: hey@kristinbytheocean.com
• Website: https://kristinbytheocean.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/kristinbytheocean

Image Credits:
@b_bythe_sea