We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Poole and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nicole, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Thought Process Behind Starting Nikki’s Sugar Scrubs & More
The journey to starting Nikki’s Sugar Scrubs & More stemmed from a genuine passion for creating beauty care products that I originally crafted for my family and friends. Their consistent praise and encouragement made me realize that there was a demand for these products beyond my immediate circle. This support instilled a sense of confidence in me to take the next step and transform my hobby into a business.
I envisioned my business as more than just a line of beauty products; I aim to create a One-Stop Shop that caters to the diverse needs and wants of customers. Inspired by the success of platforms like Amazon, I aspire to build a brand that offers a wide range of products, ensuring convenience and quality for everyone. By combining my passion for beauty care with the goal of providing an extensive selection of products, I hope to create a unique shopping experience that empowers individuals to find everything they need in one place.
Starting this business is not just about selling products; it’s about sharing my love for beauty and self-care while also establishing a reliable platform that resonates with customers. Ultimately, my aim is to foster a community where people feel valued and satisfied with their purchases, making Nikki’s Sugar Scrubs & More a household name for beauty and wellness.
What should our readers know about your business?
At Nikki’s Sugar Scrub & More, I’m proud to offer a wide range of premium products to help you feel good, look good, and live well. My business is more than just beauty care—I’ve created a one-stop shop for all your needs, from luxurious skincare items like sugar scrubs, body butters, and soaps, to household essentials like washing powders and dish pods. I also carry a curated selection of wigs, clothing, and accessories to complement your personal style.
What sets me apart is the variety and quality of what I offer. Whether you’re looking for beauty care, fashion, or home essentials, I take great care in crafting products that are made with 100% natural ingredients. I also teach soap-making classes to empower others to create their own skincare products, and I guide aspiring entrepreneurs on how to start their own small businesses. My goal is to build a business that’s known for variety, quality, and customer satisfaction, offering everything you need—right at your fingertips.
My long-term vision for Nikki’s Sugar Scrub & More is to grow into a strong competitor to larger platforms like Amazon. I want to be the trusted, all-in-one destination where people can find high-quality products for every part of their lives, whether it’s beauty, fashion, or home goods.
How I Got Here:
Starting out was definitely not easy. When I first began, I didn’t have a lot of money to invest, and I didn’t know much about running a business. I had to teach myself everything—from how to make products to how to market them and manage finances. I used my own money to fund the business and spent countless hours researching, learning from mistakes, and refining my craft. It was a tough road, but I was determined to make it work.
Over time, I gained confidence and built up the knowledge needed to grow the business. While the journey was filled with challenges—financial struggles, figuring out the right strategies, and overcoming self-doubt—I stayed focused on my vision. Today, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, and I’m excited to continue growing and expanding.
Lessons Learned:
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the power of perseverance. Starting a business from scratch is tough, and there were plenty of times when I wanted to give up. But I kept going because I truly believed in my products and my vision. Another important lesson is the value of staying authentic to who I am and what I believe in. I’m committed to using only natural, high-quality ingredients, and I always strive to provide products and services that align with my values.
I’ve also learned the importance of learning from my mistakes. There’s no such thing as a perfect path to success, but each challenge and misstep has taught me something valuable. With persistence and a willingness to adapt, you can turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.
What I Want the World to Know:
My mission is to empower my customers—whether that’s through helping them take better care of themselves with natural products or showing aspiring entrepreneurs that they can start and grow their own businesses too. I want people to know that starting a business is hard, but it’s possible, and anyone can do it if they’re willing to put in the work. My story is one of perseverance and self-learning, and I hope it encourages others to take that leap and pursue their dreams, no matter how big or small.
I’m dedicated to providing high-quality, natural products that help my customers look and feel their best. Whether you’re shopping for beauty care, clothing, wigs, or household items, I want to be your go-to source for everything you need. I’m passionate about empowering others—both through the products I offer and the knowledge I share with future entrepreneurs.
The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. I’m excited to keep growing, learning, and continuing to build a brand that reflects my values and supports my customers.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Greenville, SC, I would definitely want to show them an unforgettable week packed with fun, culture, and some local flavor! Here’s a detailed itinerary to make the most of our time together:
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown
Morning: Kick off the visit with brunch at Everything Eggroll, known for its creative eggrolls and breakfast dishes. It’s a local favorite!
Afternoon: Stroll through Falls Park on the Reedy to enjoy the beautiful waterfall views and gardens.
Evening: Have dinner at Soby’s New South Cuisine, where we can indulge in delicious Southern dishes, followed by a show at the Peace Center if there’s a performance happening.
Day 2: Local Culture and Shopping
Morning: Start the day with a delicious cup of coffee at Purple Cup Coffee Co., known for its cozy atmosphere and artisanal brews.
Lunch: Stop by The Gourmet Shop for a delightful sandwich or salad and some local treats.
Afternoon: Explore West End and check out small boutiques and shops, like M. Judson Booksellers, a charming independent bookstore and café.
Evening: Dinner at Pita House, a local gem serving up authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Afterward, grab a drink at The Whale, a cozy bar with a relaxed vibe.
Day 3: Outdoor Adventures
Morning: Head to the gun range with Fat Daddy’s Defense for some shooting practice and training.
Lunch: Picnic at Paris Mountain State Park with takeout from The Whistle Stop Café, known for its home-style cooking.
Afternoon: Spend the day hiking at Paris Mountain and enjoying the beautiful trails.
Evening: Dinner at Stone Pizza Company for some delicious wood-fired pizza. Then, we could explore Craft and Barrel, a local bar with a fantastic craft beer selection.
Day 4: Local Markets and Pop-Up Shops
Morning: Check out the Greenville Farmers Market for fresh produce, local goods, and unique pop-up shops.
Lunch: Enjoy some fresh tacos at Tacos & Taps, a fun spot with tasty offerings.
Afternoon: Visit The Children’s Museum of the Upstate if we’re feeling adventurous or simply explore more local shops in Downtown Greenville.
Evening: Dinner at The Anchorage, known for its farm-to-table dishes. Then we could stop by The Velo Fellow for some live music and craft beers.
Day 5: Scenic Views and Relaxation
Morning: Take a day trip to Table Rock State Park for stunning mountain views and some hiking.
Lunch: Bring a picnic from Bacon Bros. Public House, known for their delicious sandwiches and meats.
Afternoon: Enjoy the scenic views from the mountaintop before heading back to Greenville.
Evening: Dinner at Nose Dive, a local gastropub with a fantastic menu. Afterward, we could unwind with cocktails at The 05 for a classy end to the day.
Day 6: Unique Local Experiences
Morning: Head to Sullivan’s Metropolitan Grill for brunch, known for their Southern-inspired breakfast.
Lunch: Check out Kuka Juice for fresh juices and smoothies to refresh us.
Afternoon: Visit Swamp Rabbit Trail for a bike ride or leisurely walk along the river.
Evening: Dinner at The Melting Pot for a fun fondue experience. We could finish off with dessert at Häagen-Dazs, a small shop perfect for ice cream lovers.
Day 7: Farewell and Reflection
Morning: Enjoy a farewell brunch at The Biscuit Head for some of the best biscuits in town.
Afternoon: Take a final stroll through Falls Park to soak in the beauty before departure.
Evening: For a memorable send-off, have dinner at Halls Chophouse, where we can indulge in a fantastic steak dinner and toast to a great week together.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to the incredible people who have been instrumental in my journey with Nikki’s Sugar Scrubs & More.
First and foremost, a huge shoutout to my husband (Fredd) and my two daughters ( Shy & Nyla. Their consistent support and encouragement have been the backbone of this endeavor. Not only do they help brainstorm new products to add to our website and beauty care line, but they also lend a helping hand in the product creation process. Without their love and support, none of this would be possible.
I’d also like to give a special shoutout to Troy Looper of Fat Daddy’s Defense LLC. Troy constantly pushes me to evolve—not just as a business owner but as an individual. His challenge to think bigger and bolder has helped my business reach new heights, and I am incredibly grateful for his mentorship.
Another important shoutout goes to Ebony Terry Gross, whose consistent support and updates on upcoming pop-up shops have been invaluable to my growth. Her encouragement has opened many doors for me.
I want to extend my appreciation to Alice Torres as well. Her unwavering support and encouragement have provided me with the confidence to keep moving forward.
Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to all my family and friends for their continuous love, support, and encouragement. I cannot express my gratitude enough. Each of you has played a vital role in my journey, and I am thankful to have you by my side.
Website: https://www.nikkissugarscrubmore.com
Instagram: nikkisugarscrubsandmore
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NikkissugarscrubNmore
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nikki-sugar-scrubs-and-more-piedmont
Other: TicTok: nikkisugarscrubsandmore
Snapchat: Nikki Sugar Scrubs & More
Whatsapp: Nikki Sugar Scrubs & More
Image Credits
I have the rights to all photos provided.