Meet J. Nicole Williams | Social Worker, Event Planner, Traveler, Author, Self and Peer Advocate

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

Hi J. Nicole, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my business during a time when I was experiencing grief and depression at an all time high. I had to find a purpose to keep getting up and showing up up for those who I loved and who loved me. I wanted to encourage people, especially women to keep pushing and to Get Up, Get Out and Live. However, I still understood there would be times when life would be difficult, we still have to push and lean on others time to time.  In order to get my message across I had to become a walking billboard for my brand. I had to Live!

What should our readers know about your business?
After the tragic lost of my husband who I had spent 21 years with I was lost, lonely and depressed. During the months and first two years following his death several of family members and friends would rally around me to encourage me to get out. I often described my life as a roller coaster during this time. Because I am a social worker by profession I knew and understood the importance of not isolating myself, so I would go out from time to time. However, I would also encourage those I loved to travel, go out to eat, incorporate self-care, enjoy life. I began to evaluate life and how fast a loved one could no longer be here for you to say I love you or show love. I wanted to make sure that I continued to live a life of no regrets of how I treated people and sought to encourage others to do the same.

Eventually I coined the slogan “Live Honey” and added a kiss emoji at the end. Since then I have a created the Live Honey brand and took the steps to have it trademarked. The brand includes an apparel line, stationary, drinkware, etc. I have hosted 3 International Live Honey Trips, 1 Live Honey conference,  and one “Color Me Beautiful” Paint and Mocktails event.. My focus has been for women ages 18 and up to understand the importance of sisterhood, develop an individualized self-care plan, to be comfortable that “NO” is a complete answer and to know it is okay to grieve or be sad for a time period. Ladies, it is okay to put our capes down  and readjust our crowns and care for ourselves. We have to find purpose to still Get Up! Get Out! and Live Honey!

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 for a week I would most likely do a trip to see all of North Carolina. 

I know the question said local, but I am a traveler. It is nothing for me to jump in my car and do a solo trip to the beach or mountains.

Sunday – We would rest to prepare for a road trip across NC
Monday – We would drive to visit Ashville, NC to see the mountains and eat at some of their restaurants and shop. (I love retail therapy)
Tuesday – Spend another day in Ashville sight seeing and enjoying the fall leaves.
Wednesday – We would stop in my hometown – Greensboro, NC – and visit all the colleges I have graduated from. We would go visit Bennett College, North Carolina Agricultural State University (Both HBCU’s) and The University of North Carolina at Greensboro – I would also visit downtown Greensboro to visit the International Civil rights museum and share stories on how as a child I would go there everyday to eat breakfast. During my childhood I was not educated on the Civil Rights movement and did not know that years prior my loved ones were denied the right to sit and eat at the Woolworths Counter, which is where the Civil Rights Museum is located. I would also take her to eat at Cille and Scoe downtown, grab dessert at Cheesecake by Alex and go to one of the local lounges to listen to live music.
Thursday – We went head down 40 east to visit a NC beach – ( Most Likely Carolina Beach)- Water is my happy place. Laying back watching and listening to the waves and how they never end makes me just think about how AMAZING God is. I also LOVE aquariums so we would have to visit while on the the coast.
Friday – I would need a 2nd day at the beach, checking out local restaurants and shops.
Saturday we would head back 40 west and stop and hang in downtown Raleigh,  our state capitol for some good food, music and a fun vibe before the visit wraps up.

** This entire trip will be full of photos/selfies – I do believe in creating memories and capturing the moments.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
To those who are still here with me and those who have passed on that have cheered me on over the years and believed in me even when I doubted myself… Over and over again I say thank you.

I will ALWAYS remember those who remember me!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JNicoleLiveHoney

Image Credits
Perfect Snap Photography