Meet Nikki Veal | Phlebotomist/Cheesecake baker

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

Hi Nikki, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
By way of a Mary Kay business, that I no longer operate, and my love for Cheesecakes, I began to believe in myself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Sometimes one of the most challenging tasks is that I still work a 9-5, which I truly enjoy. I’m a phlebotomist by day. The challenges that my career have presented me with keep me encouraged. It’s amazing that I even still have this job. My first year was a train wreck. I cried and prayed a lot in the beginning, but I didn’t give up. And those very hurdles keep me encouraged as I believe in myself and grow my business, and move past various life challenges that have risen during this process. I started out missing veins alot, and giving individuals bruises. Through prayer, scripture, Sunday word,constant encouragement by way of great supervisors,I have made great strides. I am now in a position that is close to an assistant supervisor. I started out at the present company I work for in an entry-level position. I applied to this company desiring to be a phlebotomist, but with no experience, at least 8 years from graduating with the medical assistant trade, and no certification as a phlebotomist, I was having a hard time getting hired as one. With a referral from a friend of my husband’s, the goal & desire to ultimately become a phlebotomist, I applied for the entry-level position. Never giving up; I continued to apply for phlebotomist positions as they became available. I revisited the previous school I attended for a refresher course in phlebotomy (if you go to a trade school this is something you can always do for FREE), and got my certification. After 5yrs in the department I started out in, and 2 promotions, (might I add that even the entry-level position didn’t come natural to me). I was finally hired with my current company as a phlebotomist. After 6 years in my current position and 4 promotions, I am encouraged that I really can accomplish big things.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So, I can’t honestly say that I get out much, but I do have a few places I would definitely want to take a loved one, but my husband and I would definitely do some entertaining in our home and backyard. There’s this laid back bar I enjoy downtown on 1515 Peace St called Island1515 & Rhum Bar. We’d also get away for a bit to Kemah & Moody Garden. Let’s ride around downtown at night and do some sight seeing. See the buildings lit up. I love good food,so this would definitely be a good excuse for me to try some new recipes and restaurants I’ve been wanting to check out. Have to visit a food truck park. And even check out an event, concert or show going on at the time of visit.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In my journey, I’ve been really blessed to have so many people encourage me and root for me. I have to first praise the “Great I Am” for strategically placing the people in my pathway that he has allowed. Then I have to give a shout out to my mama (Nora Allen) who would buy a shoe from me if that’s what I was selling. Then I have my husband (Eric Veal) and our boys. My husband has shown me so much love through forgiveness and grace. I’m truly grateful for the spiritual feeding God allows me to receive at The Fountain of Praise church. Shout out to Mary kay! Though I did not stay in the business, I met some remarkable people who really encouraged me and made me feel I can do absolutely anything! Huge shout out to any and everyone who have ever bought a cheesecake from me or sought after me to be apart of an event. There’s no way I could ever give every single person a shout out because God has really been just that good to me in surrounding me with good people. If you’re reading this and you know you’ve had a hand, said a prayer for me, thank you.

Website: Www.nikkishouseofcheesecake.wordpress.com

Instagram: @nikkishouseofcheesecakes

Twitter: @takeamoment51

Facebook: @Nikki’s House of Cheesecakes

Other: I also have an encouragement page on Instagram @takeamoment5 and Twitter and a private group on Facebook @take a moment 5. Come be encouraged!