For this week’s Creatives Who Inspire installment we interviewed Nicole Gillis, Founder and Owner of Nicole Alexandra Designs, an award-winning boutique firm dedicated to creating memorable weddings and events. Nicole brings her background in interior design to the events she creates. Her innovative ideas, creativity and attention to detail ensures that each undertaking is executed successfully and seamlessly. Her work has been featured in The Knot, Wedding Wire, California Wedding Day, Style Me Pretty and more. We’ve gotten to know Nicole over the last 5-plus years and are always inspired by her creations and dedication to her clients. We asked her 10 questions and hear about her passion for a loaded charcuterie board!
First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
I read the morning news in bed for about 15 minutes. From there, I usually try to get a 30-45 minute workout in. After that, my Husband and I walk the dogs. When we get home, I get freshened up and ready for the day, which I kick off with by making a french press coffee with cream, cinnamon and nutmeg. Once that is in hand, I settle in and start addressing emails and tasks.
What’s your all-time favorite movie?
Love Actually
What’s one thing you love about the event industry?
I love the creativity that we are surrounded by! From designers, photographers, caterers, musicians, etc. Events are an amalgamation of creatives and the possibilities of what we can imagine and bring to fruition are endless. How cool is that!?
Tell us about your pet(s).
We have a 4-year-old Doberman Pinscher named Rico. He is a ball of endless energy but so sweet and loving. We also have a 10 year old Chihuahua named Roxy. She has been with us since she was a puppy and in her old age, she floats from pillow to pillow. We call her the queen of comfort and she is always ready to snuggle in. She is also the boss….of all of us. 🙂
What does your day-to-day look like right now?
Now that all of our events have moved to 2021 and 2022, we are trying to get ahead of the curve. Most Clients are sticking with the same venue, however, many are planning small civil ceremonies/micro-weddings which will still happen in 2020. We are helping to coordinate these moments, while also working with our new clients. We are fine-tuning floor plans and layout, creating design boards, and curating vendor teams to bring these weddings to life. It is business as usual, but at a slower pace since we do not have any events to produce in 2020. I am finally enjoying my weekends!
What’s your favorite quote to live by?
Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become your character.
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.
–Margaret Thatcher
Describe your favorite meal.
Is Charcuterie considered a meal, LOL?! I love seafood and Italian Food. I am from Nova Scotia, Canada. So, growing up on the Atlantic Coast, we had an abundance of seafood and seafood-based recipes. As for the Italian food, my sister lives in Milan, Italy, and I try to visit at least once/year. Our days revolve around food when I am there! 🙂 I love it all, but Spaghetti Alle Vongole and My Mom’s Seafood Chowder are my favorites!
Where do you look for inspiration?
Everywhere! I have always been a creative person and my mind is always looking for inspiration. I love all forms of creativity and design and pull inspiration from them all, including fashion, interior design, landscaping, plants, flowers, art, textiles and travel. here is so much beauty in the world – when you allow yourself to imagine, be curious and embrace your surroundings, the inspiration will flood in!
Name three things you can’t live without.
Where can we find you?
Read our interview with Deborah James of Bella Vita Events.
Read our interview with Jessica Whitney of ZOē Productions.
Read our interview with Liese Gardner of Liese Gardner Communications.
