Check Out Nicole Paul’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Paul.

Nicole, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Nicole Paul, I am the Founder/Creator of Nico Nine Soaps & Skin Care. I make all-natural skincare products. I started my business 3 years ago but have been making skincare products for 5 years. My journey started when I was going through menopause my face broke out with acne and left dark spots all over my face. It’s crazy how something as little as acne can change your life and the way you see yourself. I was confused, embarrassed, ashamed and I didn’t like going out or being seen. I felt ugly, to be honest.  I had never had any problems with my skin other than eczema.

I tried all kinds of products from Neutrogena to Proactive. I even went to see a Dermatologist and the medication I was prescribed dried my skin so bad, I threw it away. Nothing was working and I was getting so frustrated. Then on one Saturday morning, I remember it clearly!!  I was lying in bed feeling down and something told me to try looking online for all-natural home remedies for my face. I began my search and found Pinterest. I was in skincare heaven. Pinterest gave me so many different things to try.

I tried Turmeric, lemons, honey, sugar, toothpaste, and even baking soda paste on my face. Some were good ideas, and some were not, at least not for me. As I was experimenting with all these natural ingredients, I noticed a change in my skin tone and texture. I became more interested in what other all-natural ingredients I could use on my skin. I learned so much about how oils, butter, herbs, sugars, salts, plants, flowers, clays, sea moss, algae, and even mud could help my skin. Plus, all the great benefits these ingredients offered my skin, and the healing properties were a bonus for me.

I learned the importance of exfoliating. Having eczema & exfoliating has helped with the healing process & also soothes and smooths my itchy dry skin. This was not something I did on a regular basis, and I was not that familiar with what it meant for my skin. But, learning to care for my skin the proper way has helped to heal, revive, and renew my skin. I love the glow (some say shine lol…) but either way, my skin looks beautiful and now I love being seen :-).  

One day while at the city market I purchased some all-natural honey soap. When I used that soap my skin had never felt so good and clean. So, I began researching how to make my own all-natural soap.

I found these websites called Bramble Berry by Anne-Marie Faiola and La Fille de la Mer by Ariane Arsenault. I loved what I was watching and wanted to do the same. I ordered my first kit from Bramble Berry 2018. Shockingly I did good, it turned out to be a success. The soap felt so good on my skin and the way the soap lathered was amazing. I knew right then I was hooked. I learned how to make Cold processes, Hot processes, and Glycerin soaps. I really love making soaps. I began making more and more products for my family. Then one day my sister said I should try selling my products. I love that she believed I had something worth sharing with the world.

I finally put myself to the test 2 years ago and sold my first products. The feedback I received was so amazing I couldn’t believe it, they liked it. They are still my customers to this day. I began vending this summer and the overwhelming support I received from the people was more than I could have ever imagined. I truly believe that God has blessed me with this business to be able to give back & do for others. This journey is going to take me to amazing new heights and I’m ready for it.

One last thing people often ask how I came up with my business name. Well, my name is Nicole, and I am my parent’s final 9th child. Funny thing we grew up introducing ourselves by number to some of our parent’s friends because it was so many of us & we still do it today if they ask which one are you. I’m number nine. There you have NICO NINE, gotta love it.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, I’m an introvert and having to put myself out there was challenging for me because I’m not a big talker. That’s something I’m working on. Thankfully, my son, Nick, who is a great communicator and salesman has been a huge help. There have been lots of trials & tribulations. I had to endure. Having to learn from my mistakes of losing money & products was an eye opener to say the least. Trying to start up business is a lot of hard work, demanding hours & dedication. But I believe in time it will pay off & be worth all the tearful days & long nights.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I love what I do, it’s very relaxing. I love the smell of all the wonderful fragrances. Mixing them up, playing around with different scents is cool. I enjoy sharing the information that I’ve learned, in hopes, it will help others with their skin care issues. I make an amazing body butter; it is my #1 seller. That’s due to the all-natural oils and butters I use, which are very moisturizing to the skin. It is great for eczema, acne, dry skin, dry patches, dark marks, scarring and more. I also enjoy making body oils, body sugar scrubs, lip & facial scrubs, lotions, beard oils, soaps, and exfoliating bars. I specialize in how to properly care for your skin. I am most proud of myself and where I am today in my life. I never imagined I would be an entrepreneur and a homeowner. My life is blessed & I have so much to be thankful for. Especially my wonderful family, they have been there since the beginning and continue to support me daily. I love my family.

What sets me apart from others?
I believe what sets me apart from others is how I’m more focused on the education of properly exfoliating & caring for our skin. Some of the different types of all-natural earthy ingredients I chose to use. Also, the mixology of the everchanging fragrances that I love introducing to my customers. I love the fact that I can create new fragrances that people have never heard of or experienced such great smells before. 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love everything about my city. The ever-changing weather, the hilly roads, the food, and the people. The city is beautiful. I love living in Kansas City.

Contact Info:

• Email: nicolepaul@nico-nine.com
• Website: https://nico-nine.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.paul.479/