Nichole Lynel didn’t get to where she is today by cutting corners, which is saying a lot once you realize just how quickly she built her multi-million dollar fashion empire. 

In 2019, she launched her eponymous fashion brand, Shop Nichole Lynel. Just months later she was generating $1 million in revenue and launched her luxury label, NLTHELABEL. Two years later, she’s at the helm of a multi-million dollar business. 

Her glamorous yet affordable Shop Nichole Lynel pieces, ranging in price from about $50 to $250, are coveted by “glamorous girls on the go” and her luxury confections have been spotted on high-profile women by the likes of actress Lauren London and Netflix’s chief marketing officer Bozoma Saint John, to name just a few.

Ahead, Lynel fills us in on the lightbulb moment that launched her business and the most valuable lessons she’s learned along the way.

How did you make your first dollar and what did that job teach you that still applies today?

Selling floral arrangements in my neighborhood. It taught me persistence! If I could convince someone to give me a few minutes of their time, I always ended up closing the deal.

Take us back to the beginning—what was the lightbulb moment for your business/career and what inspired you to pursue this path?

I have always loved fashion and had an entrepreneurial spirit. While I was at work, everyone would always ask me about my clothes and where I got them from. Then I started being asked those same questions on social media and that’s when I started to think, Why not me? Instead of being the reference, why not become the resource? 

Entrepreneurship is all about taking calculated risks. What’s the most pivotal risk you’ve taken, and how did it change your path? 

The most pivotal risk I’ve taken was branching out on my own and creating my own designs. I’ve always had an insane work ethic that borders on an obsession with bringing my vision to life, there are no limits stopping me from achieving my dreams.

What career mistake has given you the biggest lesson?

I’ve learned that taking shortcuts will always cost you more time and money in the long run. I wasn’t structured properly when I started out, from taxes to not running a proper payroll. Temporary gains created bigger losses. 

2020 presented everybody around the globe with new, unprecedented challenges. How did you #FindNewRoads + switch gears towards your new version of success?

I have an amazing team and a powerful circle of friends. I truly thought it was over. I thought shutdown meant shut off. The best thing I did was not give up. I had to let go of my feelings and focus on our future. I gave my girls a show. I serve the glamorous girl on the go, but this year forced me to pivot and now I am serving glam at home. Cozy casual, but never frumpy. I also brought them along for the ride. From bikinis with matching masks to elegant robes and fuzzy sets. Your glam fashion destination is here and doing all we can to make it a bit more beautiful in these times. 

How are you making a difference and pushing your industry forward?

I am not only creating the business of my dreams I am allowing others along for the ride. Cultivating a creative work environment for others is truly one of the things I am most proud of. 

As far as pushing my industry forward, I would say growing up in fashion, it only told one story and that story didn't include girls like me. I wanted to change that narrative and show girls who look like me that it’s okay to be glamorous and luxurious while staying within your means. My brand is more than clothes, it’s an experience, from the visuals to the physical presentation. I do my best to make women look and feel special. When you look good you feel good. 

Going after what you deserve in life takes confidence and guts. Does confidence come naturally to you or did you have to learn it? What advice can you share for women on cultivating confidence and going after their dreams? 

It comes naturally, but we all have our days. There was a point in my life where I decided that I have this one life and will use it to its full potential. My mindset is winners win and there are no losses, only lessons. It’s all a part of the journey.

I have experienced rock bottom, but it was all a launching pad to get where I am today. I learned in dance class that sometimes to get higher you must go down to get up. So, in order to go further, sometimes you get pulled back.

If I can give any advice to women who are cultivating their confidence and going after their dreams it would be: be very kind with how you talk to yourself. You are here for a reason. 

When you separate yourself from your job title and the bells and whistles of your business or career, who are you and what do you like to do? How have you remained true and authentic to who you are?

At work, I am Nichole Lynel, but at home I am Coley. I love getting all dolled up for fancy dinners and activities with my friends and family. I love to play with glam, makeup, and hair—give it all to me! I am actually the glam girl on the go. But I also enjoy a good book and a cup of coffee. I live for documentaries, films, and photography. I can’t sing, but I love to give a full-production concert in my apartment. I love to laugh and love on my friends and family. 

It’s easy to celebrate the wins, but how do you handle failure or when something hasn’t worked out for you?

I allow myself to feel my feelings, but I’m not allowed to stay there. It’s all about the journey and ease was never promised. God gives his toughest battles to his greatest warriors. I stay ready and roll with it. Even if that means rolling on the floor in tears for a few mins. I am relentless. Are you gonna cry or get it done anyway? Well, I do both. 

If you could go back to the beginning of your career journey—with the knowledge you have now—what advice would you give yourself? 

1. Trust your gut. 

2. Have a strong why, and it can’t be money. 

3. Always remember that you are supposed to be here, so own it.

4. Don’t cut corners. You can’t avoid the work. 

Fill in the blanks:

When I feel fear, I…

Pray. I give it to God. 

The best career advice I always give is…

No one is going to rock with your movement until it’s moving. 

To be successful, you need to be…

Relentless. 

I turn bad days around by…

Ordering tacos and remembering how far I’ve come. 

If there were more hours in the day, I would…

Make more bomb NL looks for my loves.