Hello, I’m Studio Nicole

I haven’t always been Studio Nicole — firstly, I was just Nicole. Born on a small dairy and sheep farm to two hardworking people who were barely 23, already with two cute kids in tow.

I used to wonder what I would have been like if I was born in a big city, a different country, a different environment. But when I really lay down in my hammock and think about it… I wouldn’t have changed it. Your story, where you come from, your experiences — that’s what makes you interesting.

I was always a bit of a dreamer, a wanderer. Growing up on the farm with two loving parents allowed me to do that in my own way. Wandering the big yard and pastures — walking, thinking — always a fresh breeze on my face, cool grass prickling the back of my head, arms, and legs. I’d look up at the clouds and just have time to wonder. I can’t quite remember what I used to wonder about, and I can assure you I was never the farm girl I should have been. But I loved that time — following my parents’ work, then dreaming, painting, and reading with only the sounds of birds and sheep in my ear.

Recently, I did a talk for some Film and Factual students from Assiniboine College. Their instructor, Graham Street, wanted to take them on a mini field trip to my downtown video and photo studio in Brandon. At first, I told him no — give me a year. What would I even have to say?

But then, two months ago, I said yes.

BUT I wanted them to know I was in the midst of building the structure of my business — not to mention this website — and I didn’t have time to put together a polished presentation full of photos and videos. It was just going to be me talking. I even emailed asking, what do you actually want to hear?

As a former public school teacher — and a long-time university and college student — I’ve sat through some excruciatingly boring presentations. I hate having my time wasted, and could not stand the idea of being one of those presenters. So they were warned: no visuals from a visually creative person (lol).

So I talked. For one hour.

After, I felt very alive. Excited even. Could have been the half coffee I drank, or my new door decal with my business logo on it. But truthfully I think it was because sometimes you forget how far you’ve come, how hard you’ve worked. All the things you did, sometimes we need reminders to be proud of yourself. But still, I had this small, nagging feeling — did they actually get anything from it?

I posted a story saying I yakked for an hour and hoped it was interesting, and one of the students replied. She said she really enjoyed it — hearing my stories and how I got started. She told me she’s been worried about her own path, and that parts of my story resonated with her.

That meant a lot.

Because I know what that feels like. For most of my 20s, I wrestled with the idea that I wasn’t living my true passion. Am I doing the right things? Am I on the right path? - spoiler alert, I’m a bit of an over thinker.

But now, in my thirties, I don’t worry about that in the same way anymore. Yes, I still have big things ahead — things I’m working toward — but I feel at peace. Happy. Excited about where I am right now. I did that.

From farm girl, to world traveler, to fine arts grad, to teacher, to entrepreneur — it’s your story that makes you interesting.

And that’s why I love what I do.