Meet Nicole Larson | Volunteer & Philanthropist

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

Hi Nicole, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I believe that as an individual you have to ask yourself whether you are the type of person who has the ability to give up. For me personally I have never believed that giving up was an option. I always work hard to keep going and moving forward no matter how hard the situation became. I think that if you have the will and the drive there is always a new solution or another door opening that allows you to keep going in life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Make-A-Wish has impacted my life in so many ways. As a Wish kid, I got to go visit the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and explore the rest of the city as well. But it was more than just a trip to New York, I got to spend a spring break on vacation instead of in a hospital having another surgery. It was also a window into my future, because of this trip I realized that my dream of working in the Fashion Industry could become a reality and two years ago I graduated college with a Bachelors in Fashion Design. As a Wish Granter, I get to carry on the legacy of Make-A-Wish by granting other kids their wishes. But its not just interviewing a child and giving them their wish. Its me having the opportunity to become apart of their life story and maybe help them get the same joy that I got from my wish all those years ago. Make-A-Wish has become such a huge part of my life and I honestly cant imagine my life without it!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Houston is such an exciting and vibrant city that has so many fun things to do! If my best friend was coming to visit I would probably start off by taking them to the Houston Zoo! Its always been a favorite of mine and its definitely a day long adventure. The Aquarium is also a fun place to go, with all the amazing marine life and great food! If it was March I would for sure take them for a day at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, because nothing is better than Rodeo Season in Houston! The Galleria Mall is also a great go to place to visit, because who doesn’t love shopping? And while we were in the area I would show them the water wall and get some great best friend pictures!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people in my life who have helped mold the person I am today. First and foremost my parents deserve all the recognition in the world for always pushing me to be my best self. They have always believed in me and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I also owe a-lot of recognition to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Not only did they grant my wish to visit the Fashion Institute in New York City, they helped me realize my dream of being in the fashion industry was possible! Now I am a Make-A-Wish volunteer and get to help other kids get their wish! Make-A-Wish, and all the people who work/volunteer there have become such a big part of my story that I cant imagine my life without them.

Website: https://benicoledesigns.com/