Nikki Hedstrom’s Post

Got back from a trip to the land of 10,000 lakes. Watching the kids tear into gifts, splash in the water, and tackle zip lines at Nickelodeon was a blast. But let's get real for a sec. My body and brain are still in vacation mode. 😴 Took a sneak peek at Sunday's LinkedIn feed, and it's all about the Super Bowl. 🏈 Not really my thing. Though I'm all in for the halftime show. (Mic drop moment when Usher skating on the stage, C'mon now)🎤 Anyway, as I'm reminiscing about our trip, a conversation with my father-in-law comes to mind. After 23 years as City Manager in Winona, MN, he dropped a truth bomb on me: "When new businesses came to town, I could tell which ones would thrive and which ones would flop." Got my attention, big time! So, I asked him, "How could you tell?" Turns out, the ones doomed to fail were tight-lipped, hoarding their secrets instead of collaborating. "Why keep it all to themselves?" he mused. "Sharing breeds innovation. Keeping it under wraps kills it." And that, my friends, is the golden nugget. Yeah, it's tempting to hoard your knowledge, fearing you'll lose your edge. But your quirks, your smarts, your journey? They're not just for you. Now back to my solopreneur desk I go, ready to get my $*hit together. 🤪 P.S. Dreaming of Winona Sugar Loaf view and the hike. Have you ever been there? Photo Credit: FotoSpot #entrepreneurship #lifelessons #personalgrowth #solopreneurship

🌟 Let's play a little end-of-week game of "Get to Know Me!" 🌟 🎉 I haven't always been an entrepreneur; in fact, running my own business was never initially on my radar! But here I am, a couple of weeks past celebrating my "corporate escape" birthday—eight glorious years of being my own boss. Isn't it funny how life can take such unexpected turns? 💰 Even though entrepreneurship wasn't always the plan, I've always had a knack for entrepreneurial activities—from selling beans outside my house to creating homemade perfumes (camellia petals, anyone?). It seems entrepreneurship was in my blood right from the start! 👩🏻💻 Along with my journey, my business has evolved from "Live What You Love Coaching" to "Louise Stephens - Personal Brand Strategist and Thought Leadership Mentor." And let’s not overlook my not so #sidehustle digital marketing business, Social Renegades, which is about to celebrate its third anniversary this September! 🎂 The story behind its inception is a tale for another day. 🙅♀️ Fun fact about my business world dislikes: networking events. They are just not my cup of tea—I'd prefer a trip to the dentist over them! I've realised that it's okay to grow my business in ways that suit me, minus the make-up, heels, and pretending to be someone I'm not. ⏰ Now, switching gears from work, let's talk about routines: I start most days at 7 a.m. but make sure to sneak in some cuddle time with Panda, my coffee, and the latest news before getting out of bed. 🧠 And for a bit of fun, you’ll find me every Wednesday night at the local pub, quizzing it up with friends. I’m your go-to for anything related to Rom Coms, modern Royals, and Religion. Just don't ask me about geography, history, chemistry, or math—that's where I draw the line! 😬 👇 I’d love to know more about you too! What’s one unexpected turn your life has taken? Or what’s a personal dislike that you’ve turned around to your advantage in your work or personal life? Drop your thoughts below, let’s chat! 💬 #entrepreneurialjourney #personalbranding #thoughtleadership #businessgrowth #digitalmarketingmentor

Sleepless Nights and Big Dreams: Navigating the Rollercoaster of Mid-Life Entrepreneurship Happy Friday, connections. As I reflect on the whirlwind of the past few weeks, I'm filled with a mix of emotions. This Mid-Life Momentum journey has been extraordinary, but also terrifying at times. From Seattle to Orlando, I've met incredible entrepreneurs and cooked up exciting ideas in TV and content creation. My real estate business is slowly taking off. But honestly? Some days I wake up in cold sweats, wondering if this was the right move. The anxiety is real. The fear of failure looms large. Yet, what keeps me going is my commitment to family and friends, and the vision of making a real difference in this world through purpose-driven profit. This mission drives me forward, even on the toughest days. I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to be an ear for many on similar paths. Your stories - both triumphs and struggles - remind me we're all in this together. I especially want to thank my wife. She's my rock through the sleepless nights and moments of doubt. It's not easy - it's really, really hard - but that's how I know we're onto something meaningful. To everyone who has reached out: thank you. Your support keeps me going on days when I question everything. Please keep connecting. Share your fears, your questions, your wins. I'm here to listen and help however I can. Are you also navigating uncertain waters in your career or business? Let's support each other. Drop me a DM or comment below to schedule a call. Whether you need branding help, content strategy, or just a sympathetic ear, I'm here. #MidLifeMomentum #Vulnerability #PurposeDrivenProfit #Entrepreneurship #FridayReflections

I was just reflecting on a journey that began 24 years ago, Claire and I attended a conference with thousands of other people! It was our first Network Marketing Event, just 8 weeks after joining the company... Fast forward through years of RELENTLESS dedication, we became one of the company's top 10 earners. Whilst this feels like ancient history now, there are valuable lessons to be learned here! So the question isn't just how we achieved this status, but why? At the heart of our success was a desperation to transform our lives. This desperation evolved into a magnificent obsession, fueling a work ethic that was unparalleled in all my years! I made sacrifices, reshuffled priorities, all with the understanding that this intense chapter of our lives was temporary but necessary for long-term success... My approach was simple yet rigorous: outwork, outstrategise, outperform, and outlearn the majority! This wasn't mere involvement, it was absolute COMMITMENT. And my drive wasn't fueled by personal ambition alone. The weight of having led my family into financial hardship weighed down on me. The second-hand toys for Christmas weren't just a reminder of our situation they were a reflection of my previous decisions and actions. Claire and I vowed to support each other for better or for worse on our wedding day. Faced with adversity, I chose 'better.' Despite my family's unconditional love, I couldn't shake off the feeling of having let them down. So, I dared to dream and worked tirelessly to turn those dreams into reality. Setting HUGE goals was just the beginning. Pursuing them with unwavering determination was the key. Obstacles along the way were merely shadows overpowered by the brightness of my goals. It's often said that it's never too late to achieve your dreams, but I believe that's only partially true. Everyone has a breaking point, a moment when the spirit to start over wanes. Time is a luxury we don't have in abundance. So, my advice to anyone with a dream is to act now. Harness your drive before it fades. The journey to success is not just about dreaming; it's about doing. Let's all make it happen while the fire within us still burns brightly. 🏆 #networkmarketing #entrepreneurship

Let’s dive into the highs and lows of building your empire. What’s been the absolute best part of your adventure? Maybe it’s the thrill of landing that major client, the satisfaction of watching your dreams turn into reality, or the joy of being your own boss and making the rules 🏆. Tell us about those moments that make you want to high-five yourself and do a happy dance in the office 💃! But hold up—let’s not sugarcoat it. What’s been the worst part that has made you question your sanity? We’re talking sleepless nights, hair-pulling stress, or those never-ending to-do lists that seem to multiply overnight. Share the struggles that made you think, “Why did I sign up for this? 🤯" Spill the beans and let’s swap stories! #EntrepreneurLife #BizJourney #RealTalk #BusinessStruggles #SuccessStories #StartupLife #BusinessWins #EntrepreneurialJourney #BossLife #KeepItReal

A husband and wife can never be co-founders! A few years ago, my wife and I decided to venture into a business together & I remember a friend warning us against it. Well, honestly, their point was valid too! A professional and personal life should always be kept separate. When I and my wife started working, our working patterns were quite different. She brought in new ideas, and I was hesitant because I believed in my proven methods. This led to disagreements and different opinions. But fast forward to today—it's been almost 4 years of working together, and here's what I've learned: Keeping personal and professional lives separate is crucial. You can't just blend them together. However, being co-founders with your spouse is possible if you figure out how to balance both aspects. After spending these years working side by side, my wife and I have learned to play our roles independently. When we're in the office, we focus on our responsibilities rather than the fact that we're both co-founders and life partners. This applies to any personal and professional relationship, whether it's brothers/sisters going into business together or a father and son continuing a family business. The key is understanding how to keep personal and professional responsibilities separate, making things smoother in the long run. What are your thoughts on doing business with someone you're related to? #cofounders #entrepreneurship #education #linkedinforcreators

Happy Valentine’s Day to all the entrepreneurs out there! 🥰 While this day is often connected with romantic love, it can also serve as a reminder to embrace the other types of love that enrich our lives, such as the love of a business partners. A #businesspartner is someone who joins you on your entrepreneurial journey and contributes to the development of your company. Having a business partner can provide you with numerous advantages, including: 🤝 Shared Responsibilities: Having a business partner means that you share the responsibilities of investing money and resources, as well as paying for expenses like taxes and marketing. You can also benefit from each other’s skills and expertise, which can make the work easier and let you concentrate on your strengths. In other words, you can cover each other’s weaknesses. 🤯Avoiding Burnout: Running a business alone can be demanding and lead to stress. A partner gives incentives, encouragement, and feedback. They also assist you in navigating challenges, sharing responsibilities, and celebrating your accomplishments. 🤓New perspectives and Expertise: A business partner adds skills, knowledge, and experience to the table that complements your strengths and addresses any weaknesses. You can also gain from their diverse perspectives and ideas, which can lead to increased innovation and creativity. 🕡Time Management: Working with a partner allows you to manage and reduce the number of hours you dedicate to your company work, allowing you to achieve a better work-life balance. Breaks and vacations could be taken without worrying about the company failing its duties. Of course, finding and collaborating with a business partner is not always simple. You must select someone who shares your vision, values, and ambitions and is trustworthy, respectful, and dedicated. You should also have a clear and equitable partnership agreement that defines your roles, duties, and expectations. If you're ready to take your business to the next level, why not test it? You could discover a business partner through your network, which includes friends, family, coworkers, and mentors. Platforms like Kyky Today helps you find the right fit! Here's to thriving together! 🚀❤️ #BusinessPartnership #ValentinesDay #EntrepreneurialLove #kykytoday #teamwork #businessfriends #partnership

I just got back from a true NO-WORK vacation—no phones, no calls, no social media. 😱 For an entrepreneur and founder (especially in Marketing), that’s a BIG challenge! I won’t lie, it wasn’t easy. I struggled. But after this much-needed detox, I’m feeling refreshed, energized, and more enlightened than ever. During my break, I revisited one of my all-time favorite books, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle (highly recommend—definitely check it out!). It got me reflecting (again) on something I wish I had fully understood sooner, and I want to share it with you. Tolle’s teachings about embracing the present moment—truly BEING in the now—made me realize how much I was holding onto the past and constantly waiting for the future. But here’s the kicker: all we have is now. (lol) So what does that mean? Should I lower my ambitions, expectations and just embrace each day as it comes? My initial thought was, "I can't let that happen—I've got big dreams, goals, and a startup that needs me!" But then it hit me: maybe I’m taking myself too seriously. The world doesn’t revolve around me—or my business, no matter how much I’d like it to sometimes. 😅 Sometimes, stepping back helps you move forward. 🌱 What do you think? Are you struggling with this too? #thepowerofnow #entrepreneurlife #vacay

🌟 Embracing the Excitement of Change: My Journey to Full-Time Entrepreneurship 🌟 After the craziness of December, the festive period and all the new things that came in January, I'm starting to build my own new routine. 🚀 Last year was a whirlwind of juggling studies, work, and breathing life into my own venture. But this year, I’m all in – committed to growing my business full-time! 💪 🔄 And it has been a massive shift! The newfound space can be as overwhelming as the busyness once was. 😍 But I'm loving every minute and I couldn't be any more excited about all the great things to come. 🗺 The journey of building a life you don't need to escape from isn’t just a motto on a screen; it’s the living, breathing essence of my days. And I’m here for it, all of it! 🥂 To all the dreamers out there: Let’s make this year ours. Here’s to growth, to change, and to the beautiful chaos of creating our dream lives.🔥 #EntrepreneurLife #FullTimeBusiness #NewBeginnings #GrowthMindset

In 2021, I received a single message that CHANGED the course of my life… 🤯 And it was only four words: “Can I buy one?” 😳 Let me give you the backstory: It was during the Covid lockdown. I was stuck at home, unable to go to college, and I was bored out of my mind. So, I decided to decorate a plastic cup for my own use (I’m an iced coffee addict ☕️) and as a small project to pass the time. My mum took a photo of that cup and posted it on Facebook. 📸 Then, out of nowhere, I received a message from someone saying, “Can I buy one?” So, I made another… and another… and another. It didn’t stop! 😂 So I decided to launched a store, and within the first year, I had 50,000 sales! 🤯🤯 I distinctly remember sitting on the living room floor with just my supplies, my laptop, and my determination to work HARD. 💪 I hand-made every single cup, packaged it up, and posted it myself. 📦 I had no special factory, no prior business knowledge—just a burning passion to run my own business. 🔥 I worked HARD from that point on—countless late nights, long days. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that the small business I started on my living room floor would go on to collaborate with some of my favourite brands, build an online store, and even get stocked in a shop in Covent Garden. 🛍️✨ So, here’s my message to you: ❌ You don’t need loads of money to start a company.
 ❌ You don’t need tons of resources.
 ❌ You don’t need a fancy degree.
 ❌ You don’t need a big office. But you DO need: ✅ A positive mindset. ✅ The willingness to work hard and the drive to learn and improve.
 ✅ Self-belief.
 ✅ Patience. Because at the end of the day, if I can turn a single cup into a thriving business… YOU can do ANYTHING! 🚀💪 Whats your dream? Have you had any crazy small moments that turned into something big? Share below 👇 💕 #Smallbusinessjourney #Entrepreneurlife #Startupstory #Believeinyourself #Hardworkpaysoff #Noexcuses #Fromnothingtosomething #Inspiration #Smallbusiness