Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Simonek
Hi Nicole, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My blogging origin story goes way back to elementary school, when I confided in my journal that I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. In my early years, my Japanese heritage and wide-ranging interests led me on a constant journey of self-discovery. The discipline of piano, karate, Japanese school, and KUMON (since I was three!) coexisted with the creative outlets of art camps, sewing, hair and makeup, jewelry-making, and even musical theatre. These contrasting forces have all shaped my unique perspective as both a person and writer. I pursue a wide range of interests with both analytical depth and creative curiosity, backing my explorations with thorough research.
College was a catalyst for change. I evolved from someone notoriously risk-averse to a true risk-taker. I left the familiar and safe path of business and delved into the exciting world of data science and emerging technologies, ultimately landing in Big Tech. I was able to break boundaries transitioning from a non-tech Business Analyst to a technical Data Scientist without a computer science, Master’s, or PhD degree. My career continues to be a rewarding progression, most recently pivoting from a Lead Data Scientist to a Principal Technical Program Manager—a journey that proves what can be achieved with a determined mindset.
However, my path has included its fair share of obstacles. Back in 2022, I experienced severe burnout. I finally succumbed to the weight of my perfectionism and unrealistic goals. Prioritizing my mental well-being led me to take a sabbatical—an experience I now share openly in the hopes of reducing stigma and helping others prevent burnout. Rereading old journals reminded me of long-held aspirations: blogging, learning French, and becoming a sommelier. It was during this time that my blog, nicolesimonek.com, was born! I am proud to say that I pursued all of these aspirations during my sabbatical, finding that my blog holds invaluable space for self-discovery. Writing is deeply therapeutic for me, and the freedom of a self-titled blog allows me to explore the full range of my interests: lifestyle, beauty, restaurants, travel, working in tech, and wine and cocktails.
I want to empower others to pursue their passions, chase their dreams, and break through perceived limitations. I believe that everyone deserves to live a life aligned with their vision, and I hope to inspire them to take action, even within the constraints of a demanding career. I urge everyone to discover their niche: it might just be you!
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?
I faced many challenges having to prove myself and my technical abilities, navigating multiple new domains and role pivots, and recovering from burnout while simultaneously existing in a high-pressure environment. I am grateful to my mentors, sponsors, and allies who both advocated and opened doors for me. I’m especially proud of the journey itself, and how I persevered to reach milestones I once wouldn’t have dared to imagine.
A career in technology also came with navigating spaces where I did not see myself reflected. Early on, I was eager to make a difference, but quickly learned that change isn’t always welcome. My advice now is to prioritize skill-building, then strategically identify where you can have the greatest impact—even if it occurs outside of your job. I’m also inspired by the growing number of founders and entrepreneurs building their own systems for positive change, rather than trying to reform reluctant existing ones.
My blog is my creative outlet to balance out my technical career, but it too comes with its own obstacles. I experienced early burnout with blogging, initially pushing myself to post daily. The unsustainable cycle of long work days followed by late nights of writing quickly became unenjoyable. I now prioritize self-compassion, writing when I have free evenings and most weekends. Surprisingly, writer’s block hasn’t been an issue; I find a flow once I dedicate time to it. Amidst the internet’s noise, I focus on providing valuable free resources and insights, rather than aggressively monetizing everything. While I do offer services inclusive of early career coaching, wine tasting education, Squarespace blog set-up, and sponsored blog posts–– I prioritize maximizing knowledge shared for minimal time and cost.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My blog embodies the modern Renaissance woman—the woman who embraces intellectual curiosity, lifelong learning, creative pursuits, and a holistic approach to life. My content is organized by the following categories: Lifestyle, Beauty, Restaurants, Travel, Working in Tech, and Cocktails & Wine. My lifestyle content is a reflection of my life in Los Angeles, sprinkled with seasonal inspiration (think themed dinner parties and décor), a highly anticipated annual roundup of 300+ Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals, mental health resources and stories on navigating your 20s, and my signature curated gift edits and starter packs—a concept born from several years of creating personalized packs for friends. I’m passionate about product discovery and sharing, with thorough detective-level research and the ability to uncover unique, high-quality finds. I have noticed my tendency to influence others, even unintentionally with products I own––my blog helps me expand my reach of Nicole-approved items! A touch of pink often graces my lifestyle posts, a nod to my favorite color.
My lifelong passion for beauty informs my writing, shaped by personal experiences that have profoundly impacted my relationship with the industry. From middle school science projects testing lead in lipstick to high school acne struggles that revealed the scarcity of non-comedogenic products, and years of styling friends for dances and formals, beauty has always been a part of my life. My beauty posts highlight products I genuinely approve of, unique finds often overlooked by Western culture, and explorations of new and trending items. I also have a coveted list of the best beauty establishments across LA and beyond, including spas, facials, hair services, eyelash extensions, Douyin-style nails, and more!
As a self-proclaimed foodie, I approach restaurant reviews as immersive experiences, not just meal recaps. I take note of everything: service, aesthetics, reservation availability, ownership, and even cocktail and wine list quality. I am always on a quest to discover new and unique restaurants, and look forward to sharing these magical culinary adventures with my readers. My travel category focuses on carefully curated 5-star experiences, for readers who are planning a splurge or dreaming of their next travel itinerary. I especially love to review hotels, as I believe they play an integral role in a travel experience.
My “Working in Tech” section covers a broad range of topics, from career lessons and technical interview tips on Python, SQL, machine learning, and statistics to thought-provoking pieces on emerging technologies like generative AI, with future plans to delve into more complex areas like MLOps, software architecture, and agile planning. I acknowledge that the current job market is exponentially more competitive than previous years, so my goal is to provide free resources through this section of my blog to better position my readers, even if they are not pursuing the tech field.
If I had to choose a core niche, it would likely stem from my “Cocktails with Nikki” stint on Instagram a few years back. My intuitive approach to mixology—measuring by percentages and tailoring drinks to individual preferences—is something I’m passionate about sharing. I envision popularizing this method in the future (let’s call it ‘The Nicole Method’?). I also have a passion for glassware, where I write on performance, aesthetic, and rare varieties. I am manifesting a Baccarat collaboration in my future!
Finally, my wine reviews reflect ongoing practice and the knowledge gained from my WSET Level 3 course. Even though I passed the blind tastings, wine tasting is a skill that must be continuously practiced. By providing my own notes, as well as acclaimed wine critic reviews where available, I welcome readers to expand their senses even if they would not consider themselves a “wine nose”. Wine education can often have high barriers to entry, so I offer basic concepts anyone can use even if just during their next wine country getaway. I also include blog posts on how to break into sommelier certifications, as it is often insulated within the hospitality industry.
I’m proud of the breadth of my expertise and my ability to offer readers both relevant and new, intriguing information through this cross-functional approach.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
For me, it is relationships and my support system. Early in my career, I saw ambition often come at the cost of personal connections, a lesson I have learned and witnessed firsthand. Without loved ones to share it with, success is a hollow pursuit. The recent Los Angeles wildfires underscored this truth: when it comes down to it, all that matters is the well-being of our loved ones. Nothing is more valuable than the unwavering support of family and friends, and I’m deeply grateful for the relationships I have in my life. My family and closest friends got me through my most challenging years, and I would not be where I am today without them. And a big shoutout to my sister, who planted the first seeds for many of my pursuits: gifting me my nicolesimonek.com domain name several years ago, my first sommelier education course, and even my first sound bath journey (a pinnacle of my well-being for many years)!
As far as my personal mission, I continually strive to transmute my lessons learned, experiences, and even pain into inspiration for others—a goal I pursue through my self-titled blog. As noted in my blog bio, my hope is to set an example for breaking stereotypes, defeating the odds, and living a dynamic, meaningful life. Society often conditions us into believing that we must choose one path in life. For me, the true joy lies in the discovery and exploration of life’s many opportunities for side quests.
On a larger scale, I care deeply about creating an inclusive technology industry that supports women and minorities in not only pursuing education but also allowing them to exist fully in a safe and empowering environment. I am also passionate about both prioritizing and preventing burnout, particularly in high-performing individuals, and actively reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.
And lastly, my hope is to one day significantly contribute to accessibility of effective treatment for rare urticarias, having experienced a lifetime of the painful symptoms of solar urticaria myself. Though these conditions affect a relatively small population, they have a substantial impact on quality of life which highlights the need for increased advocacy and research funding to accelerate medical progress.
Pricing:
- Early Career Coaching, Wine Tasting Education, or Squarespace Blog Set-Up: 1 Hour Session @ $150
- Sponsored Blog Post (1000 Words) @ $200
- Early Career Coaching, Wine Tasting Education, or Squarespace Blog Set-Up: Monthly Coaching Plan @ $275/month
- Early Career Coaching, Wine Tasting Education, or Squarespace Blog Set-Up: 5-Session Package @ $600
- Early Career Coaching, Wine Tasting Education, or Squarespace Blog Set-Up: 20-Session Package @ $2,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nicolesimonek.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoles_bloggie/
- Other: https://shopmy.us/nsimonek
Image Credits
Initial headshot: Headshots By Sosa
