In this email:

• 🥳 Celebrating my 16th anniversary of starting my business! And 20 years of going solo!
• 😅 Reflecting on what I wished I had along the way to help.
• 👩🏻‍💻 Applications are open for Work In Progress Season 5 Pro!

Friends,

In March, I celebrated the 16th anniversary of opening my doors at Nicola Black Design, LLC. 🥳

In 2008, I officially went full time at my solo-biz. But 4 years before that was when I began my journey. I worked on a little freelance, here and there, while I slowly made the transition from a full-time, in-house designer to small business owner. Which makes this year my 20 year anniversary since I began working independently! Cue Talking Heads, Once in a Lifetime...​

What I want to talk to you about is that 4-year period of preparation prior to officially starting my business. As those of you who have done it or are in the process of doing it, THAT part is quite a journey in and of itself. 😅

In 2004, knew I wanted to start a business, but I didn’t know the first steps of what to do or who to contact to help. I was alone in the process. I didn’t have mentors to answer my questions or tap into for support. Instead, I tucked in, researched as much as I could, saved, and crossed my fingers hoping for the best. It was a bit nerve-wracking. And there were A LOT of people who tried to sway me to stick it out in the corporate world instead, saying life would be easier. But it was clear that world wasn’t for me.

Throughout this process, I was missing and craving the support and camaraderie from people who might understand me. I didn’t know where to get it. Most of the business support communities that were already established weren't at all for me. They were aimed at larger "small businesses." Lots of suits and cold intros. Networking events for connections that didn't feel genuine. And it's no secret that solo businesses like mine weren't taken as seriously. If I’d had a community to turn to for support, I’m pretty sure I would’ve been up and running faster… and with more confidence.

So, over the years, I created my own communities and groups to fill that void. It became my goal to find my people. And that's what I did! Something I highly recommend everyone do who feels similarly. Your people are out there and they’re just as happy to hear from you as you are from them! Over the last 16 years here's what that's looked like for me:

• Directing the Philly branch of Dr. Sketchy’s Philadelphia
• Starting up a Freelancers Union Philadelphia Spark chapter
• Creating South Jersey Creatives
• Creating SELF Philly
• and today, co-creating Work In Progress​

Having a community to turn to when you’re working solo is a life saver. On days when I need an extra boost, the Work in Progress community is there. On days when I'm just not feeling it and need a little bit of inspiration to get up and running, the WIP community is there to support. On days when I just need a friend to chat with, I've got them. ✨ It feels good knowing they're there and accessible when I need them.

This is my first fully digital/online community creation. Having a space created for and by solo-biz owners, feels like I have a room of others who get it. We're working towards our solo-business goals together. 🚀

Two times a year (one which is happening now!), we open up applications for our Pro Season. These are three months of focused sessions to help one another navigate and reach the goals we set for ourselves. I can't express enough how much of a fantastic source of accountability, solidarity, and community this program provides.

But don't wait! Applications are only open for another week (closing Friday, April 19th) and space is very limited for the Pro Membership (we keep things intimate with only ~8-12 people per club). This allows for solid friendships (something that’s very important to me with creating communities like this) and a support group who know and care about you and your business. 🙌

So, if you’ve been toiling away alone working on your small biz, I hope you’ll apply to join us at Work In Progress Pro Season 5! We’ve got your back. 😉 And if you have any questions at all, just reply to this email. I read every one and am happy to answer any questions you may have.

📑 Want to work with me?

Wondering what you can do to take your visual branding to the next level? Book a Light Brand Identity Audit today!​

By booking an audit you’ll get:

• Steps you can take, immediately, to improve your identity both technically and to better align with messaging.
• An understanding of whether or not your messaging is aligned with your current visuals.
• Insight on how you can improve your design assets to better convey your brand messaging.
• Suggested ways design elements can be used to better engage your target audience.
• Tips on how to adapt visuals to improve brand recognition.

Have questions about Work in Progress, my Light Brand Identity Audits, or just want to say hi? Hit “reply” to this email. I read every response and always enjoy hearing from you!

Excited for Season 5 of WIP,✨

Nicola