Nicole is an Air Force wife, pet mom, scribe, medical assistant, future PA student, and small business owner! I am hugely inspired by her work ethic, relationship and in general the full, busy life that she lives! Read on for the full interview with her and pictures!

Why did you decide to start your own business?

I definitely stumbled into becoming a small business owner. I began making wood signs as a creative outlet to my full-time medical job, and received some interest from friends and family. I took a few local orders, and decided to open an Etsy shop about a month later to see how it would go. Little did I know that it would really take off - and what an awesome ride it has been!

Why did you decide to start making these pieces of wood-art specifically?

I began making wood signs, specifically, to fill the walls of my own home! I’ve always been one to DIY, and took it as a challenge to make something meaningful for our home - plus it is fun to use your hands to create something! I hope the signs I make bring the same joy to my customers that they bring to me.

Tell me a bit about your love story with your husband, joey!

I met my now husband, Joey, about 2.5 years ago. We met through a mutual friend, and it was a whirlwind romance - really, when you know, you know! We’ve now been married for 8 months, and I’ve loved every minute of it!

What is it like being a air force wife?

Being an Air Force wife is a lot of fun, and truly such an honor! I love living in different places, and knowing that a lot of adventure lies ahead. I’ve met so many interesting people, and some of the strongest, most amazing women! However, it is really hard, too. Separations are frequent, and the stress of marriage is compounded with military stressors - When are we getting orders? Where are we going? You’re going to be gone for HOW long and THERE?! Uh! My husband just left for his first deployment this month, so we are firmly in the throes of the more difficult aspect of mil life. But overall, it is has been really good, and I look forward to many more years of it.

How do you manage running a business, house, pets, being an air force wife, and your other job - along with preparing for PA school?

Managing it all (being a wife, having several pets, working full-time, running the Etsy shop) is definitely a balancing act, especially now that I am running all things homefront on my own right now. I would say it has really forced me to be able to manage my time more efficiently. I make a lot of lists, and schedule out my week on Sunday nights. As for preparing for PA school, I hope that all of this time management skill building will help when I get there!

What are a few of your favorite things?

A few of my (current) favorite things include: my new Kitchen-Aid ice cream attachment, all things rose gold, my essential oil diffuser, and hiking in the New Mexican mountains with my pups (a boxer mix and a husky/lab).

What would you advise young women such as myself on how to have fulfilling relationships, running successful businesses, and succeeding in school?

The advice I would give to you and women like you (and the advice I need to take more, too!) is to have grace and be patient with yourself! Go after your dreams, but remember things take time, and that is okay. Enjoy the ride! Take a step back every so often, too, and ask yourself if whatever your pursuing still makes you happy - if not, adjust your sails.

How does running a business impact your life/make you a better wife, person, etc.?

Running a small business has made me a more focused person, and like I touched on above, more conscious of my time and the preciousness of it. Just as I explicitly carve out time for my business, I’ve been carving out technology-free time with my loved ones - and it has helped those relationships deepen. And isn’t that what life is about?

Nicole Scott - Etsy Shop Owner