Nicki Warren shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Nicki, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What battle are you avoiding?
I’m constantly avoiding the battle of giving up, of letting self-doubt win. Even when I know I’m making progress, it’s easy to feel like I’m failing. I hold myself to incredibly high standards, and that pressure can be motivating but can also weigh heavily. I’m my toughest critic, and that inner voice doesn’t always give me grace.
Since losing my dad, who was my role model, business partner, and best friend, the battle has intensified. He was my inspiration, guidance, and the one I turned to for advice, creative direction, and reassurance. Without him, every business decision feels more uncertain, and progress often feels slower without his energy in the room.
But the truth is, I haven’t lost the battle. Some days are harder than others, but I try to focus on the long-term goals and trust the process. My dad believed in me and in Toothbrush Toys, and I’m doing my best to live up to the dreams we shared.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Nicki, founder of Toothbrush Toys. Our unique products combine collectible toy characters with high-quality toothbrushes, reinventing the brushing experience for kids. Our goal is to make brushing something kids want to do, ultimately improving their oral health.
Right now, we’re expanding our product line with new licensed characters (which we’re very excited about), growing our retail partnerships, and finding new ways to give back through collaborations with America’s ToothFairy and other like-minded organizations.
We’re just getting started, and I’m excited about what’s ahead!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My dad saw me clearly before I ever saw myself. As a kid, I was often described as quiet and cute, but not exactly someone people expected big things from, especially compared to my school-smart brother and sister. I did well in high school, but I was also social and liked to have fun. That’s when my dad started telling me I’d be successful because of my social abilities and said I was just like him. He used to joke that I was a “sandbagger”, pretending not to be as smart as I actually was (though I don’t think I did that on purpose!).
When it came time to apply to college, everyone knew I had my heart set on USC, but nobody really believed I’d get in. Except my dad. While others told me how competitive it was, he stayed calm and confident, always telling me I’d be fine. And sure enough, I got in.
That belief became even more meaningful after college when we started working on Toothbrush Toys together. I began as a timid young woman, nervous on the phone, unsure of my decisions, and constantly needing reassurance. But through the time we spent building the business side by side, I started growing into someone more confident and capable, without even realizing it. He was the perfect mentor, helping me when necessary but pushing me to learn and grow.
Now that he’s gone, I can see the impact he had. I’ve become someone who trusts her instincts, stands by her decisions, and keeps pushing forward. The growth from high school to now is remarkable, and I owe so much of it to the confidence and belief my dad gave me. That foundation will continue to support me as I grow both in business and as a woman.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is the real me, for better or worse. I see it as a gift and a curse. I wear my emotions on my sleeve, and I speak my mind no matter who I’m talking to or what the topic is. I genuinely don’t know how to be fake, so what you see is what you get!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Lately, I’ve realized that I’m achieving things I once dreamed about, but I don’t feel very satisfied. I think that’s something driven people with high expectations for themselves often struggle with. There’s always going to be something new or “better” to chase, especially as you grow and evolve.
With Toothbrush Toys, I’ve hit milestones that would’ve once made me ecstatic. But now, instead of celebrating them, my mind immediately jumps to the next challenge or goal. I’m learning how important it is to pause and actually let myself feel proud, even if just for a moment, before moving on to whatever’s next. And that mindset applies to more than just business. It’s true across all areas of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://toothbrushtoys.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toothbrushtoys/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toothbrush-toys
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/toothbrushtoys
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@toothbrushtoys
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/F3EBA8B7-3C83-472F-87E5-CF333C01319F?maas=maas_adg_308127B270222842E225DFA3D3C70DBE_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas
