On this episode of The Seed, I get to chat with my dear friend Nicole Ice, an incredible serial entrepreneur with experience across so many different industries. We kick things off by reminiscing about the first time we met at Birdfish Brewery, where Nicole was advocating hard for her business while still fully immersed in the pet industry.

Nicole opens up about her journey into entrepreneurship, starting with her very first official business—a pet store and all-natural pet bakery in Columbiana. She gets real about the challenges of leaving corporate life behind and stepping into the world of owning an LLC. We dive into the ups and downs, especially how tough it can be navigating the legal and tax responsibilities that no one really prepares you for when you’re starting out in Ohio.

As we explore Nicole’s entrepreneurial spirit, she shares how she’s always had a talent for creating multiple revenue streams—whether it’s dog birthday cakes or hard cider. We touch on the importance of marketing and how her background in sales and graphic design has played a huge role in her success. Nicole also reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic shook up her businesses and how she had to pivot fast to stay afloat.

The conversation shifts as we talk about her newfound passion for comedy, something she began exploring during the pandemic. She shares her experiences with stand-up and how it’s become another outlet for her creativity.

Then, we dive into her film journey, starting with her directorial debut, Gemini, based on a book by local author Jimmy Tafe. Nicole walks us through the process of turning the book into a screenplay and the challenges of making a sci-fi film on a tight budget. She highlights the incredible community support and the successful premiere of Gemini at the Columbiana Theater.

We wrap up by discussing her latest project, Iniquity—a revenge-driven narrative that Nicole wrote herself. She talks about her vision for this film to be the starting point for her production company and emphasizes how crucial funding and the creative process are when it comes to filmmaking.

Nicole’s energy is infectious throughout this episode, and her story is a beautiful reminder that success isn’t a straight line. It’s all about resilience, creativity, and making those pivots when life demands it. Her journey is an inspiring example of how entrepreneurship, mental health, and pursuing your passions all come together. You won’t want to miss this conversation—it’s packed with insights and encouragement for anyone looking to chase their dreams.