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

Hi Nicole, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
From a young age, I loved being creative but realized as I got older that I enjoyed the different aspects of building a business. While in college, I elected to take a few classes in entrepreneurship and eventually added it on as a minor to my Bachelor of Science in Advertising Degree at the University of Florida. I’ve always been fascinated by the opportunities that owning your business can bring about.

The idea for my business was planted after having close to 10 years of experience in public relations, advertising, event planning and marketing. While working with some of South Florida’s best lifestyle brands, I developed a passion for working with business owners and strengthening their brand presence through the power of traditional media, social media and digital marketing. It was satisfying to see a company reach new levels by bringing awareness to an audience through strategic efforts.

Typically, when I started working with a business, they already had their branding set up and may have even been in business for a few years. There was one thing I always felt was missing— brand strategy. Oftentimes, I found myself wanting to help on the brand strategy and visual identity piece of the business because it was the foundation for all other marketing efforts. It felt like there was a disconnect between what the business owner wanted the company to become and what they were portraying through branding.

In 2020, right before COVID, I got the opportunity to assist in bringing a new business to life. What originally started out as a “fun” interior design project for a new fitness concept, GluteHouse, ended up turning into so much more. I worked with the owner to develop the feeling of the brand not only in the physical space, but in the digital world as well.

That’s when n/volve collective was born. It was fulfilling to see GluteHouse come to life from the pre-launch period to launch day and, more recently, during the expansion. When I lost my job during the pandemic, I knew it was my time to go out on my own in order to continue helping entrepreneurs and business owners strategically develop a company in order to become a powerful brand.

n/volve collective was born from my strong desire to create and eagerness to help individuals communicate visually using the right strategy.

What should our readers know about your business?
n/volve collective is a brand development studio that helps business owners and entrepreneurs communicate effectively through custom brand strategy and design. I use my extensive knowledge on communication, strategy and public relations when creating and designing.

As a former publicist, marketing executive and events director, I’ve worked with some of South Florida’s best luxury lifestyle brands – including Art Miami, an international restaurant chain, various spirits and wines, acclaimed hotels, local boutique gyms, Frost Science Museum, and the Miami Marlins. All of these experiences provide me with a unique perspective on what works and what makes sense.

I’m most proud of the work I’ve done with GluteHouse and seeing the exponential growth the business continues to have. Even through a pandemic, the fitness studio became more than just a place to workout. It’s a safe space for women to learn the techniques of strength training and receive the positive effect that feeling strong brings to all aspects of their lives.

With all of my clients, I truly enjoy developing strong relationships, looking at the big picture, developing a plan, and finding solutions that surpass my clients’ expectations.

Originally my business started out as my side hustle, so it has not always been easy. I believe most entrepreneurs find themselves on an emotional rollercoaster ride dealing with imposter syndrome, especially when they can see all of the goals they want to reach but just aren’t there yet. Now, after being out on my own, I’ve discovered how to conquer my mindset while practicing patience and realized the importance of being part of a community that uplifts you when you’re struggling.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Miami, I would start the day off at Tinto y Cafe in Coral Gables and then give them a mini-tour of my favorite spots in that neighborhood including Giralda Plaza.

We’d spend the rest of the day taking in different sights and stopping at various places in Coconut Grove including Monty’s, Bayside, Mr. C Rooftop, Level 6, Key Club, etc.

At some point during the week, we’d venture to the Perez Art Museum and enjoy brunch there. That same afternoon, we’d walk around Wynwood, enjoy coffee in the Design District before heading to my favorite restaurant of all time for dinner – Mandolin.

On the final day of the trip, we’d spend the morning in Key Biscayne at the beach near the lighthouse and stop at Brickell City Centre for some shopping before heading to Amara at Paraiso to watch the sunset.

There are just TOO many good places in Miami, it would be tough to take her everywhere so we’d have to plan a round 2!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
From early on in my career, I always had the encouragement of my incredible family, friends and peers during tough times. They are my biggest supporters and taking the plunge in starting my own business wouldn’t have been possible without them or the guidance of my faith.

I’d also really love to recognize my amazing high school teachers from Palm Beach Central that planted the initial seeds of doing what you want in your career and finding your own path to success. Mr. Meyers, Mrs. Peggs, Mr. Grerydanus and more were very influential in building my self-confidence and encouraging me to reach my full potential.

BossBabe is also an online community that I’m so grateful for. It’s an incredible group of ambitious women looking to achieve their dreams and build the lifestyle they envision. I’ve learned so much from other women, but also from the masterclasses and blueprint that is provided when you are a member.

Website: https://www.nvolvecollective.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nvolvecollective

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleelizabeth/

Image Credits
Photos: Anton Kirindongo Brand Design: n/volve collective

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.