Meet Nicoll Novak | Wife, Mom & Small Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicoll Novak and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicoll, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I’ve put a lot of work into defining what my personal and professional values are and trying to always let them guide me and the work that I do. I believe living my values, above all else, has contributed to the success of Adornable. Being a small business owner challenges me in new ways and when I am faced with a difficult decision or situation, I try to go back to my values so I can feel confident with how to move forward. Making values-based decisions also makes me feel proud of where I’m at and what the future might hold.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I make personalized, custom-fit jewelry. Each of my bracelets, anklets and necklaces is designed by my customer, on the spot, with the chain and charms that match their unique style. Many of my customers use jewelry as a way to pay tribute to things that are meaningful to them, like their loved ones. Others use it as a way to express themselves and feel beautiful. Some of my favorite appointments are when couples, friends, or family members get matching pieces. I can make any of the pieces with a clasp, but most of my customers prefer permanent jewelry (jewelry that is safely welded together at the ends for long-term wear instead of having a clasp).

I pride myself on sourcing quality, yet affordable materials, because I believe that anyone should be able to find and wear jewelry that was made for them. It’s hard to find the perfect fit, or the perfect style with off-the-shelf jewelry, and going to a jeweler is not an option for everyone. I work hard to ensure that every customer gets something that is uniquely them. From a wide selection of chains and charms, and now I’m also hand-stamping charms for even more personalization, to taking my time to ensure each piece fits exactly how my customer likes it. I want each person to have an experience as special as they are.

I’ve loved every minute of growing this business. It’s been very humbling and a lot to learn, for sure, but I’ve really enjoyed it. Learning how to use my jewelry welder and work with small pieces of jewelry took countless hours of practice, and I continue to challenge myself to expand my skillset. The administrative side of running a business, like managing finances, getting appropriate licenses, and sourcing materials has been my biggest learning curve, but there are many great, affordable resources out there to help. But my biggest personal challenge has been in putting myself out there. It’s scary saying, “Hey! I started a business.” Especially at first, I felt like an imposter. I worried that I wasn’t good enough, I worried what people would think of me, that they wouldn’t take me seriously, that I would be humiliated if I failed, the list goes on. I’ve had to focus in on why I started this business in the first place and how lucky I am to be able to do something that makes others happy. That helps quiet my very noisy inner-critic.

I am so proud to have built a business that people trust to be a part of their special moments. I’ve seen someone surprise her best friend for her birthday, new moms get their baby’s birthstone or initials, three generations of family members get matching bracelets, a granddaughter get a piece to honor her late grandma. People have invited me into their homes and business, introduced me to their family and friends. I feel so honored to get to play a small part in these moments. I’m also proud to be a part of Colorado’s wonderful small business community. There is such camaraderie among small business owners and it feels good to be out at events working hard alongside them, exchanging a laugh and helping each other out.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A concert at Red Rocks would have to be on the itinerary, of course. We would also have to hit a sports event. Denver is a great sports town and you can’t go wrong with a Rockies, Nuggets, Avs or Broncos game, but if I had my pick, it would be Broncos so we could tailgate ahead of the game.

We’d start at least one of our days with Kaladi Coffee, making sure to stop by the Stem Ciders taproom for an afternoon drink. Dinner and margaritas at La Loma is a must. Another day we would do Barcelona Wine Bar for tapas and relax at City Park Jazz. We’d do breakfast at Lucile’s another morning and Qué Rico for lunch.

You can’t come to Denver without doing a hike, so North Table Mountain would be the spot.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Brandon and three kids, Magnus, Coralina and Beatrice, deserve the biggest shoutout for encouraging me to start this business and enthusiastically supporting me. They’re with me at every event and the inspiration to keep doing what I do. I love you guys! I also want to thank other business owners that have been great supporters, and were among the first to allow me to do pop-ups at their businesses and help me grow. Jasmine at Dirty Dough in Aurora, Amber at Buff City Soap in Southlands, Missi and Lindsay at Board & Brush in Parker, the entire Fiction Beer Parker team, and all of the other amazing vendors I’ve been able to work alongside at our various markets.

Website: https://www.adornablepj.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adornablepj

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adornablepj

Image Credits
Monet Nicole