Hi, I'm Nicole.
I'm a business strategist, creative, community builder, and entrepreneur who believes that great work happens at the intersection of purpose, creativity, and human connection.
About Me
My career has never fit neatly into one box—and that's exactly how I like it.
After studying Photography and Graphic Design in vocational school, I began my creative career working alongside my dad in our photography business. That early experience taught me that every project starts with understanding people and telling meaningful stories. I later earned my degree in Business and Entrepreneurship from California State University San Marcos, combining creativity with strategy and building the foundation for the work I do today.
Professionally, I've led operations, developed programs, managed teams, launched initiatives, and built systems for both nonprofit organizations and growing businesses. As Director of Operations & Programs for a nonprofit serving refugee communities, I helped expand programs, strengthen operations, and support mission-driven growth while continuing my passion for community through teaching art in after-school programs, teaching English to refugee families, and serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer.
Today, my work lives across four areas that all share the same purpose: helping people build lives, businesses, and communities they genuinely love.
CONSULTING - CREATIVE - COMMUNITY - CARE
CONSULTING
Helping ideas become thriving businesses.
I help entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and small businesses turn ideas into reality. Whether someone is launching their first business or refining an existing one, I enjoy helping with business development, operations, branding, customer experience, systems, and bringing a vision from concept to launch. I believe businesses should be both sustainable and deeply aligned with the life their owner wants to create.
CREATIVE
Photography, design, and storytelling with purpose.
Creativity has always been at the center of who I am. Through photography, design, and visual storytelling, I create work that captures authentic moments and meaningful experiences. From branding and creative direction to photography and artistic projects, I love helping people tell their stories in ways that feel genuine and memorable.
COMMUNITY
Creating spaces where people connect and belong.
Building community has shaped nearly every chapter of my career. From nonprofit leadership and international service to teaching, mentoring, and creating spaces where people connect, I'm passionate about bringing people together. That passion continues through Salt & Sage Socials, where I design thoughtful gatherings and experiences that encourage connection, creativity, and belonging.
CARE
Trusted, personalized care for the pets you love.
Care extends beyond business and community—it's personal. Through my pet care business, I provide dependable, personalized care for people's pets while they're away. Building long-term relationships based on trust, reliability, and compassion has become one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
At the heart of everything I do is a simple belief: businesses, communities, creativity, and care all have the power to improve people's lives.
Whether I'm helping someone launch a business, documenting a meaningful moment, organizing a community experience, or caring for a beloved pet, my goal is always the same—to leave people better than I found them.
Thanks for stopping by. I'm always excited to collaborate with people who care about creating something meaningful.