Meet Nicole DeCicco | Designer & Creator

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

Hi Nicole, how does your business help the community?
Freestyle Travel Shop started as a small side business that I built while unemployed during the pandemic. Around this time I noticed that a lot of people were traveling to the National Parks because spending time outside was encouraged, and really the only thing people were able to do. It was also about this time where we saw unprecedented wildfires and natural disasters in the west and I wanted to find a way to offer support.

In just the first few months of opening Freestyle Travel Shop, we donated almost $1,000 to National Parks, and are on track for at least triple that for 2021. We offer a handmade selection of unique products with National Park and travel related designs – from tote bags, to magnets, to ornaments. With every National Park product sale we donate 10% directly back to the the non-profit organizations that serve the park of purchase. These organizations focus on research, education, and conservation of their parks. We have sold to all 50 states, and 12 countries and have grown an international following of over 34,000 on TikTok.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Freestyle Travel Shop has created a niche market of hand designed and crafted stickers, magnets, decals, ornaments, and tote bags with a design emphasis on travel and the outdoors. We have also expanded to custom products and wholesale – for other small businesses, special occasions and gifts. It took a while to figure out exactly what we wanted to be known for, but  —— beginning this venture….

Beginning this venture was a whirlwind of excitement – and a huge learning curve! I learned new digital drawing software, using a cutting machine, and there was so much research! Figuring out which sticker paper to use, how to sell on Etsy, using new programs, how to promote my products, and so much more. One of the more important things I learned from the very beginning, is that with having my own business, nothing was going to happen unless I did it. That sounds very obvious, and I knew that was a fact of life, but really understanding that success and failure would only happen by my hand.

I wanted to stand out from the thousands of other shops on Etsy by providing a consistent high quality product that was hand drawn and hand made, and never outsourced. I spent the time, money, and effort to test a variety of materials to give the best possible product to customers. Not only that, but with our 10% National Park donation program, customers could feel good about supporting a small business with a cause.

Over time, the product line expanded to include magnets, vinyl decals, acrylic ornaments, wood ornaments, beanies, tote bags, and custom orders. With more products, the holiday season was a frenzy! It was incredible and wonderful but stressful and daunting! I had recently been called back to my job but I made the tough decision to leave so that I could focus all of my time on my own business. I never thought I would have the need to do that, and it was a really tough decision.

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.
The number one thing my boyfriend and I love to do is to go on cruises! Before the pandemic and cruise shut down, weekend cruises were a part of life, just to get out and have fun! We are definitely looking forward to begin cruising again!

We also enjoy taking our out of town friends and family to Margaritaville in Hollywood – its a great place to hang out with a drink in hand with incredible ocean views!

Also can’t forget Etaru at the Hyde Beach Resort – the food, drinks, and outdoor oceanfront patio are amazing! Its also convenient that we can walk to it from where we live!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My boyfriend, Jonathan, was actually the one to suggest that I begin designing and creating stickers. He saw a bunch of other people that were doing it on TikTok, and since I had a decent amount of time on my hands (and an art degree) he thought it might be fun to try it out. He has a management and marketing background so he has been instrumental in keeping me on track and expanding my horizons. It should also be noted that he allowed me to take over the living room and his desk for this venture.

Website: freestyletravelshop.com

Instagram: instagram.com/freestyletravelshop

Facebook: facebook.com/FreestyleTravelShop

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFtBW8FXQhrwcjmyLfO68JA

Other: TikTok: FreestyleTravelShop Etsy: etsy.com/shop/FreestyleTravelShop