Nicole Bolin of Scottsdale on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Nicole Bolin. Check out our conversation below.

Nicole, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’ve started fostering dogs from the county shelter, and it’s been so good for my heart. Seeing their happiness when they leave the shelter and settle into a home where they’re loved has brought me incredible joy.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I run Stencil, a mobile craft studio serving the Phoenix metro area. Two things make us unique. First, we’re completely mobile — instead of guests going somewhere to take a class, we bring the class to them! We host workshops in people’s homes, community centers, restaurants, and workplaces for team-building events. We can bring our crafts anywhere people want to gather.
Second, all of our projects are designed so even people who consider themselves “not crafty” can leave with something they’re proud of. Most of our activities use stencils or templates, so participants don’t need to be artistic to create something beautiful.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad. He was always a hard worker, both in his job and at home. He worked long hours when we were growing up, ensuring me and my brother would be able to go to college. He taught me that you have to work hard for what you want. When he wasn’t working at his job, he was working at home. He was definitely a DIY’er. Every home project was completed by my dad. I don’t ever remember him hiring anyone to do anything. He did it all himself. I learned from that and am the same way – I do everything myself.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For a long time, I feared not becoming as “successful” as I could be. I measured success by my career and how much money I earned. I started working at 11 with a newspaper route, and for most of my adult life I worked nonstop — seven days a week, 12-plus hours a day. Only recently, at 49, have I realized that my fear of falling short kept me from slowing down and enjoying life.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
My husband’s. I’ve always been fiercely independent — every idea, every action was mine alone. I used to think asking for help or leaning on someone made me weak. But my husband is incredibly smart, and he’s the first person I’ve truly relied on for support. I deeply value his perspective.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. Giving my best feels hardwired into me — it’s just how I operate. I have two modes: run at 110% or don’t do it at all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stencilstudios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stencildiystudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StencilDIYstudios
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/stencil-a-mobile-craft-studio-scottsdale
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkLf_e7k7hc4ouKewyj1dPA