Meet Shelbi Nicole: Artist + Entrepreneur

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

Hi Shelbi Nicole, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve learned a lot from taking risks in my career and believe it’s absolutely necessary to, to grow my business. I am not someone who ever wants to have regret, I cant live wondering “what if” and that alone has driven me to take risks. I want to know that when I’m in my 80’s I look back on my life knowing I tried it. 

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.
My art has a distinct colorful whimsy about it that gives off all kinds of feel good vibes. That’s the energy I crave and the process of creating art gives me that feeling and it shows when I paint. However, my journey of getting here hasn’t been an easy one. Its taken an insane amount of patience, struggle and persistence. You’ve also got to be able to handle criticism along the way. As an artist, you are putting yourself out there, and people will judge. There are always going to be hurdles in life, we’ve heard it a thousand times, but it’s true and you just keep going. The biggest lesson I’ve learned from my art career and want everyone to keep in mind is that you absolutely can achieve anything you want with passion, focus and drive. Dont take your eye off the prize and don’t listen to ANY of the naysayers. KEEP GOING, it will pay off.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had friends in town I’d take them to see all the amazing art Houston has to offer in the different pockets of town. I’d also introduce them to the incredibly diverse cuisine we have in Houston. The Mexican food is a must and I love Japanese food, so we’d definitely go for sushi at my go to happy hour spot, KA Sushi. We’d also head for drinks in Montrose and would have to check out some festivals/events cause there is always something happening in Houston.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that have contributed to my success thus far and I appreciate every single friend, family member, client, mentor, teacher and others who have been there to help me learn and grow in my art career. However, no one has been more supportive than my family. They have been by my side rooting for my success for years. I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to all of them here in Houston and in my hometown of Oklahoma City. Without my families support I would absolutely not be where I am today.

Website: www.shelbinicole.com
Instagram: @TheShelbiNicole
Twitter: @TheShelbiNicole
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShelbiNicoleDesigns