Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Renard.
Nicole, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m big on goal setting and having BIG dreams. Six years ago, I realized I was spending way more time making a list of the things I wanted to do rather than actually doing them. I had recently started a blog as a way to become a better writer so I started a movement called #DoStuff to challenge myself to get up and do the stuff on the list and blog about each adventure. Without realizing it, it became something my friends and others joined in on and it inspired them to get up and do something with their lives too!
That year, I ended up traveling to nine different countries so I put my background in photography to good use and started blogging about travel. That same year, I randomly got hired as a pastry chef so I began to throw my recipes on the blog because I thought, “no one reads it anyway!” and then, people started reading it…
Pretty soon, the #DoStuff blog became a food/travel blog and “Nicole The Nomad’ was born. Now I focus on healthy recipes (I still do desserts) and ways to stay healthy on the go while traveling. I write travel guides and itineraries for the adventure-seeking travel enthusiast and also write motivational, encouraging messages reminding people of their worth and value.
My platform grew in 2017 when I was crowned Miss Washington 2017 and was given the opportunity to travel my state, and the country spreading the message of, “You are Enough: Developing a Positive Body Image”. This once in a lifetime opportunity opened doors for me to pursue my blog and the world of influencing full time and afforded me to move to my dream city, Los Angeles after I finished my reign to continue growing in my career as a photographer, actress and travel blogger.
It’s been a wild journey and I’m still learning so much, but I’ve loved every second of it and I’m so so grateful!
Has it been a smooth road?
Oh my goodness no!! I don’t think any successful person got to where they are without going through trials. I firmly believe that obstacles are opportunities to learn and get stronger and equip you to be that much more ready when the big thing does happen.
Right in the middle of several big campaigns I was working on, I tore my ACL and had to get surgery which put me out for a month and left me with a 9-12 month recovery. This was a huge source of anxiety for me because the whole theme of my blog was #DoStuff and I literally couldn’t do anything but sit in a chair. This season taught me how important it is to rest and take care of ourselves because we only get one body!!
Four months into recovery, things were starting to look up and I was gaining momentum back when I got in a car accident and tore the same ACL again. AGAIN. Right now, as I type this story on my computer, my leg is strapped to a machine that moves it back and forth for 4 hours a day and other than that I’m stuck to my couch. WHAT?!
I might never know why I have to go through this challenge again, but in the meantime, I’m using this opportunity to share with my community that we are not defined by what we do or don’t do in life. You are just as valuable if you cross off 100 things off your list as you are if you cross off 0 because it’s far more important to be stuff than do stuff. Your worth and value comes from the fact that you are a human-created with purpose and that will never change with what you do in life.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
To any woman starting her journey, congratulations. Deciding you’re going to actually do the thing is the biggest step and the most exciting thing in my opinion. Remember that it’s easiest to kill a dream in its baby form so if you face opposition or trials right in the beginning, don’t lose heart. If you feel like you’re getting beat down, fight back. Remember the dream and focus on the purpose put in your heart because your why will always keep you going. That dream was put in your heart for a reason and if you can be patient and are willing to fail or be embarrassed, then you can do anything. You don’t have to sprint, just remember that slow is still forward.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
Oh gosh, this is such a funny question because I do so many things!! As a full-time freelancer, I have multiple streams of income. The biggest being portrait and landscape photography, content creation (IG influencing/my blog) and acting. I also do graphic design, video production, run my own YouTube Channel and run a 4-week social media mentorship program. IT’S NUTS. I’m not sure if I’m known for anything but most of my audience started following me because I was Miss Washington and know me as the #DoStuff girl.
I’m proud of my values and my message. As much as my brand promotes getting out and making the dream happen, it also focuses on instilling confidence and affirming that people are valuable because of who they are, not what they do.
I think what sets me apart is my heart and how much I care about other people. With every caption I write, picture I post or product I promote, it’s because I believe in it and care about the person on the other end of the screen receiving it. I want to help people, love them well and remind them who they are. My hope is that my platforms can be a safe place where people feel seen, heard and part of a supportive community.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
JUST DO IT. The hardest part is the first step and shutting out the voices that whisper doubt in the dark. I’ve realized most of the things I’m scared to do really aren’t that hard when I start doing them. It just takes getting over that first bump of the mind games and voices telling you that you’re not good enough. If no one’s told you before, you are good enough.
You are smart enough, you are beautiful enough, you have everything you need to be successful. Failing doesn’t mean you’re a failure and it’s part of any success journey so accept it and get ready to fall, knowing you’ll be okay and you can get back up and KEEP GOING.
Be specific about your goals and what you want. Don’t limit yourself based on what you think is possible. Set bigger goals than what you think you’re capable of and WRITE THEM DOWN. Focus on one or two things a day that will help you reach your goal and GO GET IT.
In all your hustling, remember to take care of yourself. Say no, take time to rest and make sure you surround yourself with good community; people that want more for you than they want from you. You can’t do life alone and you weren’t made to so lean on people and rise together!
Pricing:
- Disneyland sessions – $350
- Headshots/lifestyle sessions $450
- Family photos: $450
- Weddings: $2,500 +
- 4 Week social media mentorship workshop: $650
- Engagement sessions: $450
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nicolethenomad.com
- Phone: 5095219116
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole_thenomad
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicoleerenard
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/nicoleerenard
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/theladyliberty
Image Credit:
I took the photos that I’m not in. The jumping photo was taken by Molly Mackris, Sunset photo was taken by Emily Thomas and Disney picture was taken by Cindy Relly
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
