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

Hi Nicole, what is the most important factor behind your success?
A great support system. My family, my close friends, and anyone who believed in me. It is so important to make sure you surround yourself with people who build you up, who cheer you on in every Instagram post, who share your posts on Facebook, who donate to your campaigns, who Venmo you $5 for an “opening day” coffee, and people who are happy just to see you happy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My “true” career is just beginning. In college, I competed in pageants so my time was limited. A titleholder with the Miss America Organization should be considered a full-time voluntary job. I did not have time to work so I took on many different internships and tried to help out where I could. There were times I overbooked and overworked myself. There were times I disappointed my employers by turning in something a few hours late because I was up late working on homework. I was so thankful for every opportunity I was given in college but my true dream was to have a full-time position with a creative agency. What I am saying is, it was never easy. Was it worth it? Absolutely. I learned so much about myself during all the stress I brought upon myself. After college, I decided to become a missionary overseas for 11 months. I lived in 11 different countries where I did not know anyone, anything, or even the languages. I still created and designed everyday and found ways to volunteer my creative side to everyone I worked with. When I got back to America, I realized this was my true dream. I am currently in my Master’s program in Marketing and getting certified in Web Coding because I do not think we can EVER stop learning. This story seems to be going all over the place but what I am getting at is that I tried my hand in everything, saw where I went wrong and right, left for a year where I couldn’t do what I loved everyday, and came back to realize that I am ready to grow and continue learning. I am now applying for positions and building my own brand.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Scottsdale, hands-down. I am from San Diego so anything that reminds me of Southern California, I am there. We would stay at the Scott Hotel and visit Sunlife Organics daily. We would take spin classes at the Madison and hike Camelback Mountain. I am a HUGE foodie so each day of eating would look different. I love hanging out in the Old Town area, sitting by the pool, driving up north to see more green, and enjoying the fact that no matter what time of the year we are in, Arizona has the BEST sunsets. If you want the best food places in AZ though, reach out to me and we will talk.

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?
My parents. They have stuck by me through my various career changes. I went from wanting to be on Broadway to being a full-time missionary overseas to wanting to be Miss America to becoming a marketing manager/web coder and training to be a cycling instructor. So many dreams and never one ounce of doubt from them. Just overwhelming support and cheering.

Website: thenicolerowe.com
Instagram: thenicolerowe
Linkedin: nicole rowe
Facebook: nicole rowe

Image Credits
Photos provided by @welacreative @oliviapplegate