Meet Nicole Regan, Chicago social media consultant and the blogger behind Cedar & Rush! After working in the insurance industry and feeling unfulfilled, Nicole followed her dreams and moved to Cedar and Rush- the intersection of her first Chicago apartment! Read more about what she has learned and what advice she has for young women chasing their dreams! 

WHAT ARE YOU UP TO RIGHT NOW?

Hello friends! I am so excited and honored to be a guest on a Piece of Their Story today. Right now I manage my blog- Cedar & Rush – a stylish city guide with a fashion bent. I also help companies strengthen their brand and increase their revenue through social media strategy and marketing.

WHAT INITIALLY INSPIRED YOU TO BLOG? WAS THERE A CERTAIN EVENT/MOMENT YOU KNEW YOU WANTED TO DO IT?

I wish I had a cool story here, but it all started with the cliché “I feel unfulfilled at my job” My boyfriend (now husband) and I had just started dating and we were doing so many fun things in Chicago. It got to a point where people started asking me what they should do or where they should go, so I decided to start a blog sharing fun date ideas. Over the years it has morphed into other lifestyle topics. I always combine two levels of tips with every blog post. For example a cut outfit + a new place to try. Or business advice coupled with my favorite coffee shop. That way it appeals to multiple people and you can get something out of it- even if you don’t live in Chicago.

WHAT'S YOUR DAILY ROUTINE TYPICALLY LOOK LIKE ON A WEEKDAY?

I recently started the Miracle Morning- although I don’t do it every day (I’ve been doing it 3 times a week)- I have found it incredibly beneficial to the productivity of my day. If you aren’t familiar with it, you can catch the overview here. The philosophy is to begin your morning with intention and purpose. Which eventually adds up to huge changes over a long period of time. I get up at 6 AM – chug a huge glass of water, meditate for 10 minutes, say my affirmations and visualize a productive day with ease. After that, I check my client’s morning scheduled social media posts. Next I promote my published blog post on social media. Then I spend the first 2 hours focusing on client work. After that, I check emails. Depending on the day, I may go to the city for blogger/media events; Skype meeting calls; photoshoots or go get my hair done. Yep, I’m the boss so I can do that. If I don’t Miracle Morning it up, I get up at 7:30/8:00am and go straight to the 2 hour work.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK AT YOUR DREAM JOB?

It’s tough and amazing all at the same time! There are two things that really stand out to me. 1) The best thing about going out on your own is you learn so much about yourself and business than you could ever imagine. The biggest irony of all is what I used to HATE about the corporate world, I have a new found appreciation for. Those pesky systems, processes, etc. now make sense and I do them myself. Funny how that works right? Being in charge of sales, marketing, servicing, admin, marketing and creating/implementing processes is A LOT and overwhelming at times. It’s all on you. 2) When you are doing something you feel passionate about (this goes for a hobby, side hustle, etc) you find yourself looking at life through a different lens. For example instead of gossiping and worrying about other people, I like to talk ideas and what I am doing with work or my blog. It brings a new element to your life!

WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU FACED? HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?

My biggest obstacle used to be not pre-qualifying clients/prospects and opportunities ahead of time. Listen up ladies! If you learn how to pre-qualify- this will save you hours of time that you could be spending with friends, family or getting your hair done.

I used to say “yes” to everyone and everything. “Can we meet for coffee? I’d love to talk to you! Can I get a proposal?” When you are first starting out you say something like “absolutely!” and you feel like you are accomplishing things.

Then one day you spend 5 hours meeting for coffee and drafting up a proposal- only to discover the prospect isn’t interested in your services or doesn’t have the budget. If I would have asked a few questions ahead of time, I could have said “let’s talk when you get to that point” and spent time on a prospect who was interested.

Ask questions upfront and be sure you understand the requirements, details, budget etc. before meeting in person. This goes for both blogging and businesses. You will feel better and a lot less stressed.

HOW DO YOU REPRESENT THE TRAIT DREAMER?

Talking ideas and brainstorming is my jam! I can’t turn it off. Even my clients look to me for fun ideas or out of the box campaigns. We all like to be different right?

ASIDE FROM BEING A DREAMER, WHAT ARE THREE OTHER PERSONALITY TRAITS THAT DESCRIBE YOURSELF?

Funny, Creative, Friendly

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

Classic, preppy, with a modern twist!

WHO IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION AND WHY?

Right now it is Jana Williams- her photography is GORGEOUS and her tips are incredibly helpful.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES AND GOALS FOR YOUR BLOG AND YOUR CAREER? WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS FROM NOW?

My hope is to distinguish myself further and narrow in on what makes me different in the blogosphere. It’s become so saturated, so setting yourself apart these days is more important than ever, but easier said than done!  

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG GIRL CHASING AFTER HER OWN DREAMS?

It’s never too late and you are WAY younger than you think!

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Email: Nicole@cedarandrush.com