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Nicole Rollender

CEO and Chief Storyteller
STRAND Writing Services

What inspired you to join/start your business?

After being downsized from a publishing executive job in 2017, I decided to start my own writing services firm drawing on the years of editorial, content marketing and media experience I'd gained. I wanted the freedom to be creative in my own business and to work with the clients who light me up. Of course, in addition to freedom, I loved the ability to earn the amount of money I chose. Now, heading into my fourth year of business, I'm just as passionate (or even more so) as the day I started and love what I do.

I'm Nicole Rollender. When I’m not racing the backroads of South Jersey's Pine Barrens in my classic fireball red Trans Am with a double espresso, I run STRAND Writing Services—as a creative writer who alchemizes the power of irresistible interactive campaigns, gold-dusted conversion copy and inspired content.

I help online entrepreneurs, growing brands, coaches and consultants turn their competitors invisible, as your seekers crystallize into loyal-for-life buyers... and you make more money.

What challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur and how did you overcome them?

Like any other parent who works from a home-based office, navigating the work/life balance, especially when you're starting out an entrepreneurial journey that requires more time, energy and focus.

What was your most satisfying moment in your career?

Despite winning lots of media and journalism awards during my corporate career, my proudest moment to date has been enjoying the fact that I'm CEO of a business that's grown and is sustainable and scalable.

How do you define success?

Success is writing stellar copy and content that gets my clients more leads, more sales and establishes them as experts in their field. Success is also running my own creative writing services firm and showing my daughter that I'm realizing my dream of entrepreneurship ... and that anything she dreams of is possible for her.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Conjure up your big vision, and then reverse-engineer your way back to today . That way, you can map out your way to that vision so it becomes reality.

What women inspire you and why?

I'm a huge fan of Barbara Corcoran. Despite being a billionaire real estate giant she's still so New York and down to earth. She started her business on a dream like the rest of us. She also says to show up as yourself, since life's too short to be anyone else.

What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?

Have confidence in yourself. If you believe in yourself, you'll make decisions like a CEO.

Describe yourself in three words.

Creative. Passionate. Intense.

Fill in the Blank:

  • When I face a challenge, I... get quiet and think of three things I can do right now, today, to start overcoming it.

 

  • If I could go back in time, I would tell myself… All things are possible when you believe in yourself..

 

  • The one thing I couldn’t live without is… my family.

 

  • By this time next year, I will be… doubling my monthly income and living in even more ease and flow.

 

  • The best thing that happened to me last week was… being asked to read some of my poems at a virtual Dress for Success charity event spotlighting local notable women.

 

  • To get my creative juices flowing, I… play ballads from hair bands and read poetry from artists like Audre Lorde, Jane Hirshfield, Lucille Clifton and Rainer Maria Rilke.
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