Minneapolis Entréepreneur

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in content creation but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nicole Pacini, founder of Minneapolis Entreepreneur, located in Robbinsdale, MN, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I currently do not have a name for my business, but I call them "The Ladies." The Ladies consist of images that represent Black women in three different stages in her life. The images are applied to a variety of items like shower curtains, tote bags, throw pillows, wall art, coffee mugs, and more. I currently have 15 designs. Twelve of them are replicas of 4/7, which feature the zodiac signs on the hat rather than the 4/7 image. My mission is to edify and empower Black women through products that speak to the beauty and strength that resides within us. Each lady has her own story.

4/7 is my self-portrait and my most popular selling item. Her narrative: She has walked her journey; she has arrived. 4/7 floats with a confidence that lights up the sun. Her reflection is divine infinity. She is the "mother of civilization" with style; in a suit or baseball cap, stilettos or sneakers, she is what the rest of the world is trying to catch up to be. Her life is a constant source of creation; she is art. She is an inspiration that shifts the clouds and makes rain dance. She knows that life is what SHE makes it. She is Black joy, strength, intelligence, hipness, and beauty personified. She is 4/7.

Tell us about yourself

I am an extremely creative person. I love to paint, draw, design, and write. I have a food blog called Minneapolis Entreepreneur, which highlights food and restaurant businesses in the Twin Cities. I published a 30-day self-discovery journal for women called "Not a Cloud in the Sky."

I am passionate about supporting women, especially Black women. In 2021, while recovering from a hysterectomy, I painted a trilogy of artwork that represent the tenacity, growth, and journey of Black women. A friend asked if she could have the image of Niko Tayari on a shower curtain, so I began to figure out how to make that happen for her. As a result, another friend expressed that she wanted merchandise as well. I started promoting my items on social media at the end of November and have sold over 400 items.

I am motivated through the success I see in my fellow business owners, as well as wanting to be an encouragement and inspiration to my children.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is being able to connect with women who have similar journeys. I am always inspired by our transparency and willingness to heal. My goal is to continue to love and support Black women while creating art that speaks to our very existence.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is the lack of resources to grow and scale your business. I am currently in a program that assists business owners in developing a business plan and gives us access to resources like pro bono attorneys, funding, and business development training. I am looking forward to completing the program and watching my business thrive.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Start regardless of your resources.
Believe in yourself.
Remain consistent.

The link to my food blog is www.minneapolisentreepreneur.com, and the link to my journal is www.notacloudinthesky.com. Thank you for this opportunity.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website:
https://www.nicolepacini.com/
https://society6.com/nicolepacini

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenicolepacini
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnicolepacini/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamnicolepacini
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolepacini/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.