From Undocumented Teenager to Brand Strategist, Author Nicole Melissa Palmer says ‘Bet on Yourself’
Photo courtesy of Nicole Melissa Palmar
written by Alya Somar
Entrepreneurship as a woman is no easy task. From chauvinism to undervaluing your worth, to having unwanted limitations placed on the roles women should play, growing a thriving business can be difficult. “Bet On Yourself” by Nicole Melissa Palmer is “a guide to teach women how to understand who they are, know their worth, find their unique voice and effectively communicate value.” Through faith, focus and a willingness to learn, Palmer has grown her brand into a multimedia platform for empowering women from diverse backgrounds. “Bet On Yourself” is a guidebook moulded from overcoming hardship to help other women do the same.
Palmer, who was originally born and raised in Jamaica, had to overcome multiple hardships before her lifestyle brand became what it is today. After migrating to the United States, she found herself as an undocumented teen mom. She would eventually go on to graduate college and move her career forward. Later in life, Palmer faced more obstacles. She faced a complicated second pregnancy that forced her out of work and into bedrest with mounting medical bills, a divorce and moving back in with her mother for financial stability. To support herself and her daughters, Palmer took on several jobs over the years, despite wanting something more for herself.
“I knew I wanted something somewhat different. Yes, I wanted an awesome career. To have a family. I wanted economic freedom and success. But I wanted it all, without stifling my purpose,” Palmer said.
After years of sacrifice for her family, Palmer took the knowledge gained from her work experiences and education and grew her blog into a full-service strategic consultancy that uplifts underrepresented voices. By taking a holistic approach to building the Nicole Williams Collective a marketing and branding business, and maintaining long term wellness, “Bet On Yourself” is a fresh take on entrepreneurship for the modern woman.
Palmer encourages readers to be clear on what their values are before trying to take their business farther. This is so that they have a sense of direction. Without a central purpose of what they want to work towards, Palmer states entrepreneurs are only doing themselves a disservice. Once a clear goal is in mind, confidence and faith in yourself are driving factors in Palmer's formula for success. Sections for notetaking in each chapter help readers to apply the lessons and principles from the book in real life, making this a guidebook and not just a memoir.
Palmer understands from first hand experience that women in business face unique challenges. She has not let this stop her from achieving her dreams. She forces readers to face the reality that “this world we live in [...] doesn’t equally distribute opportunities.” Through her honest voice, experience and testimony, she encourages women to understand and live up to their potential by having faith in their own capabilities, despite the odds.
To buy a copy of “Bet On Yourself” click here.
