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

Hi Nicole, how do you think about risk?
I believe risk-taking has played a vital role in my journey. I live by the saying, ‘no risk, no reward.’ If you don’t try new things or bet on yourself, no one else will. Confidence in your decisions especially in business is essential. Taking risks has shaped who I am. I’ve lived in four different states, each move teaching me something new and pushing me to grow. My most recent move to Miami, about eight months ago, was another leap of faith. I didn’t have everything figured out, but I trusted myself. That risk is still unfolding, and it’s been one of the most defining decisions I’ve made.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I got to where I am today by being unapologetically myself—driven by grit, hard work, and faith. This journey has been far from easy. Over the past decade, I’ve leaned on God and the people around me to navigate life’s highs and lows. I’ve had to show resilience, strength, and the ability to keep going, even when things felt impossible.

Just four days ago, I marked the 10-year anniversary of my aunt’s passing. She was one of the victims of the Emanuel 9—the nine lives tragically taken during a church service in Charleston, SC. Her loss changed my life, and over the past ten years, I’ve done everything I can to honor her legacy.

Through that pain, I’ve grown—not just academically or athletically, but as a person. I’ve become someone who brings people together from all walks of life. That’s something I’m truly proud of.

One of my mentors once told me, ‘You should monetize your personality.’ That advice stuck with me and led to the creation of Cole’s Corner—a podcast built around authenticity, good energy, and honest storytelling. It’s a space where people can be unapologetically themselves, just like I’ve always strived to be.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know, it’s that my brand is me. It’s unique, it’s real, and it’s rooted in community, connection, and truth.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Even though I’m still fairly new to Miami, it already feels like home—and what’s crazy is, I truly feel like I manifested this life. Before moving here, I used to visit every year to celebrate my birthday. It always gave me that perfect “home away from home” energy: great weather, good vibes, and even better people.

I actually just hosted some of my closest friends for my 31st birthday, and we had the time of our lives. If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d recreate that trip and more. Here’s how it went. We celebrated my 30th in DC so it was only right we all did Miami.
Day 1 – Touchdown & Vibes in Wynwood
As soon as they landed, we kicked things off at one of my favorite spots—Dukunoo Jamaican Kitchen in Wynwood. The food, the music, the energy—it never misses. After dinner, we strolled around Wynwood checking out the art, did a little shopping, and caught a happy hour vibe. It was the perfect start to the week.

Day 2 – Yacht Day, Baby!
Of course, we had to do the full Miami experience, so I rented a yacht. We cruised around Miami Beach with music blasting, the sun shining, and 21 of my friends on board. We danced, laughed, toasted, and really soaked up the moment. It was a movie. The pictures on my Instagram say it all.

Day 3 – Exploring the City
We spent the next day exploring some of my favorite neighborhoods like Miami Gardens, Hollywood, and South Beach. We hit up some great shopping spots—stopped by the Savage Fenty Beauty and SKIMS stores—and got into some fire Cuban food. It was a full-day adventure, and they loved every minute of it.

Day 4 – Fine Dining at Papi Steak
We dressed up and headed to Papi Steak for dinner—and when I say the food and vibe were 10/10, I mean it. The energy was high, the drinks were flowing, and it felt like a scene straight out of a movie. It lived up to every bit of the hype.

Day 5 – Turn Up at Kamp South
We couldn’t leave without hitting the club, so we pulled up to Kamp South in Hollywood. The DJ was on point, the crowd was live, and we danced all night. It was one of those “we outside” nights that we’ll be talking about for a long time.

Day 6 – Chill Beach Day
After all the running around, we needed a breather. We spent the day relaxing on the beach posted up at South Beach, soaking in the sun, catching a tan, and just enjoying the peaceful vibes. It was the reset we needed before wrapping up the trip.

Day 7 – One Last Adventure
For our final day, we tried out a new spot from my list. Great views, great food, great way to end the week. Later that night, we took a walk through Brickell, enjoying the city lights and reflecting on how much fun we’d had.

That week reminded me why I love it here. Miami just hits different—and getting to experience it with the people I love made it even more special. It was everything I hoped for and more

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a special shoutout to my friends and family. They’ve been my foundation—supporting me through grief, personal growth, heartbreak, and the challenges of living in four different states over the past nine years.

Most of my closest friends have been in my life since childhood. We’ve literally watched each other grow—through marriages, children, career changes, and everything in between. It’s a rare and beautiful bond that I’m extremely grateful for.

Being away from home and the people you love is never easy. There have been long days and even longer nights where all I had was a phone call—no hugs, no familiar faces, just faith and a support system that never gave up on me.

I’ve experienced so many different people, places, and life lessons, but I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the lifelong love, loyalty, and encouragement from those closest to me. They truly deserve all the credit.

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColesCornerPodcast

Image Credits
Bagz Ent

Instagram: bagzent

Owner Instagram: louiebagz

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.