You don’t have to see where you’re going, you don’t have to see your destination or everything you will pass along the way. You just have to see two or three feet ahead of you.” ~Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird.
58: What If the Life You’re Waiting For Is Already Happening? | Peace Is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh – Badass Books and Besties
Introduction
Welcome to another episode of Living Your Most Badass Life, where we inspire and empower you to live boldly, pursue your passions, and connect with others in meaningful ways. In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Nicole, the founder of Cards of Glee. From her humble beginnings as an educator to becoming the owner of a thriving greeting card shop, Nicole’s story is one of resilience, authenticity, and pure joy.
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a fan of clever and heartfelt cards, or simply in need of inspiration, Nicole’s journey will leave you feeling motivated to chase your dreams and spread glee wherever you go.
From Teacher to Card Shop Owner
Nicole’s journey into entrepreneurship is rooted in her love for creativity and connection. As a former English teacher and school counselor, Nicole spent years nurturing relationships and empowering students. However, the burnout of being an educator, coupled with the pandemic, pushed her to reevaluate her path. She realized it was time to follow her dream of opening a greeting card shop—a passion she had nurtured since childhood.
Her store, Cards of Glee, is more than just a shop; it’s a mission to spread joy and laughter. Featuring her handmade cards as well as products from over 30 women-owned businesses, Nicole has created a space that celebrates life’s small and big moments alike. From quirky and sweary cards to thoughtful gifts, her store is a beacon of positivity and humor.
Why Greeting Cards Matter
Nicole’s love for cards began when she was six years old. During a tense moment between her parents, she wrote them a heartfelt card saying, “I’ll still love you if you get a divorce.” The simple gesture diffused the tension and opened the door for meaningful conversations. That moment taught Nicole the profound impact of a thoughtful card.
Her cards have evolved from childhood creations to witty and relatable works of art. They range from celebratory to cheeky, and they’re designed to make recipients feel seen, loved, and supported. Whether it’s celebrating a friend’s small victories or offering comfort during tough times, Nicole’s cards are all about making connections.
The Story Behind Cards of Glee
Nicole officially opened Cards of Glee in 2022, but the path to her shop was paved with challenges and hard decisions. She credits her success to a few key moments:
- Overcoming Perfectionism: Nicole realized that waiting for the “perfect time” or “perfect plan” would only hold her back. Instead, she embraced the philosophy of taking things one step at a time, inspired by Anne Lamott’s quote: “You don’t have to see your destination or everything you will pass along the way. You just have to see two or three feet ahead of you.”
- Speaking Goals into Existence: During a business course, Nicole publicly declared her plan to leave her job within 70 workdays. She created a countdown calendar and stuck to her decision, which gave her the motivation to move forward.
- Seizing Opportunities: One day, while walking through her town, Nicole noticed a vacant shop with a “For Rent” sign. She decided to inquire about the space and found it met her budget and lease requirements. Within weeks, she signed the lease and began transforming the space into Cards of Glee.
Spreading Glee Through Community and Creativity
Nicole’s mission is simple yet profound: to spread glee like confetti. Her store isn’t just about selling cards; it’s about fostering connections and celebrating life’s moments, big and small. Some of her store’s highlights include:
- The “Cussing Closet”: A small section of the store featuring hilariously sweary cards and gifts. Customers often leave this section laughing, which Nicole says is one of her favorite parts of the job.
- Community Events: From wax seal workshops to yoga sessions where participants write love letters to themselves, Nicole’s events are designed to uplift and inspire. One particularly touching event involved mailing those love letters back to participants later, providing an unexpected moment of joy.
Lessons from Entrepreneurship
Nicole’s journey offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to start a business or pursue a passion:
- Take Small Steps: It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by big dreams, but breaking them into smaller, actionable steps makes them more achievable. Focus on what you can do today, even if it’s just asking one question or making one decision.
- Be Authentic: Nicole’s unapologetic authenticity—whether through her sweary cards or her candid social media presence—has been key to her success. By being true to herself, she’s attracted a loyal community of like-minded individuals.
- Find Support: From her father helping build out the shop to her husband’s encouragement, Nicole’s journey highlights the importance of having a support system. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your vision.
What’s Next for Cards of Glee?
Nicole’s goals include making her business less location-dependent so she can balance her passion for travel with running the shop. She’s also considering writing a book—an idea that has been in her heart since her school days. Whatever the future holds, Nicole is committed to spreading joy and inspiring others.
Key Takeaways
Nicole’s story is a reminder that life’s challenges can be the catalyst for pursuing your dreams. Whether you’re starting a business, exploring a creative passion, or simply looking to make meaningful connections, the lessons from Cards of Glee are universal:
- Take small steps and trust the process.
- Embrace your authenticity and let it shine.
- Celebrate the simple joys of life.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek opportunities.
Conclusion
Nicole’s journey from educator to entrepreneur is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and authenticity. Through her work with Cards of Glee, she’s created a space that uplifts and connects people, proving that even small gestures like sending a card can make a big impact.
If you’re feeling inspired to spread some glee of your own, visit Nicole’s shop online at Cards of Glee
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Let’s keep spreading joy, connecting with others, and living boldly! Until next time, always keep your glass and bookshelves full.