#WCW Necole Hines

At Alora, we love to celebrate women in the community who are doing great things. The aim of this #wcw campaign is to highlight the great things going on right here. People need to be appreciated so that they can carry on their good work.

We want to celebrate these women by styling them in Alora Jewelry and giving them a make over and free photo shoot!

Meet Necole!

Please let us know a little bit about yourself.

My name is Necole and have 3 sons aged 18, 16, & 12. I have lived in Calgary for 10 years and love to connect with the arts community. You can find me enjoying live music, local art, spoken word, or dancing the night away.

How did you get started in your business, Wings n' Tings?

It was at a potluck dinner party in late 2012 where I received several compliments my Jamaican Jerk wings, which got me thinking. Maybe I could create a business around this. When people continued to reassure me that my wings were worth paying for, I figured that I should try to make something happen. I originally wanted to start a food truck, but after some research, I decided to launch at an indoor farmers market. I had already thought of the name “Wings n Tings” at another party so I was excited to turn this dream into a reality.

What is the most fulfilling part of your work?

I love the fact that I get to meet new people by engaging in conversation and building connections. I also enjoy educating my customers on Jamaican cuisine.

How do you balance work, family, and other commitments?

I've learned to place every appointment, booking or event (both business related or personal) into my calendar. And I set alerts for EVERYTHING. I've also reached out to friends or family for support especially when I've double booked myself; (it happens).

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

Some people do know this but I think that most people don't know that I took lessons at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto played piano for 10yrs. I adore classical music and look forward to reconnect with the piano this year.

 

How would you describe your relationship with your family?

My relationship with my family is good. They live in Toronto and area, so we don't get to see each other as much as I'd like.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

I have two accomplishments that I am thrilled about. In 2014, I won an Obsidian Award for Start-Up Business of the year and I just received an invitation from Calgary Stampede to participate as a Guest Chef during this years Calgary Stampede at the Kitchen Theatre.

What is your greatest failure and what did you learn from it?

When I made the leap to work on my business full-time, I was thrilled! However, as time progressed in this new world of full-time entrepreneurship, I quickly learned that my projected sales was not matching up with my actual sales. In hindsight, I realized that I should have kept a part-time job to help with my personal and business expenses. I am proud of myself for realizing that having multiple streams of income during the beginning stages of operating a business is crucial. But I do wish that I had realized that much sooner.

 

What were you doing 5 years ago? What advice would you have for yourself at that time?

5 years ago, I had been laid off from a Stock Photography company. Shortly thereafter, I landed a job with Avenue magazine as a Sales Traffic Coordinator.

Where do you want to be in 5 years? How do you think you will get there?

In 5 years time, I would like to be Co-Owner of a cafe with retail space where 2 like-minded businesses join together under 1 roof.

What piece of life advice would you give to someone who says they want to follow in your footsteps?

I would say to follow your dream because I am a true testament of the phrase that "All Things Are Possible". However, I would suggest that you maintain a stream of income during the early stages.

Do you have general life advice?

I think that it's a great idea to create a routine for yourself for de-stressing. I try to mediate and read daily. I also have surrounded myself with positive literature, quotes and people. I know that this has contributed to my success.

Necole is wearing the latest from our Spring 2015 Collection

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