5 Business Tips for Success | Nicole S. Ingram, ASID Allied

Running a business isn’t just about selling products or services—it’s about creating a sustainable, adaptable, and profitable brand that stands the test of time. After more than 15 years building Stacy Nicole Interiors and Stacy Nicole Home in the ever-changing interior design and retail space, I’ve learned valuable lessons that apply to entrepreneurs in any industry.

Here are 5 business tips for success that have helped me grow, pivot, and thrive—even during economic shifts, relocations, and market changes.

1. Build Relationships, Not Just Transactions

Your network is one of your most valuable business assets. In the design industry, referrals and repeat clients account for a large portion of our projects.

• Nurture connections with clients, vendors, and industry partners.
• Follow up even when there’s no active project—send a quick note, share an article, or congratulate them on a milestone.
• Remember: People do business with those they trust and enjoy working with.

2. Adapt and Pivot When Needed

The ability to adjust quickly has been critical for my business. In 2022, my firm generated $1.9 million in six months—but by 2023, economic shifts meant rethinking how we operated.

• Pay attention to market trends and customer behavior.
• Don’t be afraid to explore new revenue streams—like expanding into e-commerce with Stacy Nicole Home or targeting new client segments.
• Pivoting doesn’t mean giving up—it means evolving.

3. Invest in Your Brand

Your brand is more than a logo—it’s the story people tell about you when you’re not in the room.

• Keep your website updated, mobile-friendly, and SEO-optimized.
• Ensure your social media reflects your expertise and values.
• Deliver a consistent brand experience across every touchpoint—from client consultations to product packaging.

4. Master Your Numbers

A beautiful portfolio means nothing if your business isn’t profitable.

• Track expenses, revenue, and cash flow regularly.
• Know your profit margins—especially if you sell products.
• Invest in an accountant or bookkeeping software that makes data-driven decisions easier.

5. Prioritize Self-Care and Boundaries

Entrepreneurship can be all-consuming if you let it. Burnout is real—I experienced it firsthand in 2023.

• Set office hours and stick to them.
• Delegate when possible—your time is best spent on high-impact tasks.
• Make space for personal growth, travel, and family—because your well-being fuels your success.

My On-the-Go Essentials for Business Success

Whether I’m on a construction site, meeting with clients, or traveling for business, these tools help me stay productive, safe, and organized:

For Site Visits

• Red Wing Supersole 2.0 Safety Toe Boots – Durable and protective footwear for long days on site.
• Bosch BLAZE 400-ft Laser Distance Measurer – Fast, accurate measurements with Bluetooth.
• Spec Ops Tools 35-ft Magnetic Auto-Lock Tape Measure – Rugged and reliable.
• MZ Wallace Metro Sling – Stylish, lightweight, and perfect for carrying site essentials.

Daily Tools

• Full Focus Wellness Planner – Keeps my schedule, goals, and wellness aligned.
• Pilot FriXion Clicker Erasable Gel Pens – For neat notes without the mess.
• Zugu iPad Pro Case – Drop-resistant protection for my iPad.
• Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4 Chip – My go-to for client presentations and design work.
• Apple Pencil Pro – Precision sketching and note-taking tool.

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