Nicole "Nic" Sims Email & Phone Number

I've been told my "light shines brightest" as a workshop facilitator and speaker, delivering messages of inspiration and empowerment in a lively and engaging manner. My most recent sessions: "How to Think Like a Chef" at OLLI-UNCW and "Storytelling as a Tool of Recovery" at an LGBTQ+ Recovery Conference were especially well received.

Wilmington, North Carolina, United States

We contract with a variety of businesses to help solve their most pressing problems creatively, with kindness, diligence, and respect. We often focus on helping translate competing visions and aligning business priorities towards common goals, effectively creating pathways to productive conversations amongst disparate groups.

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

• Purchased and transformed a struggling café and revitalized the environment and menu to create a beloved, welcoming, and highly praised neighborhood bistro.• Specialized in hiring and training culinary staff recovering from substance use disorder whose backgrounds, or interrupted professional timelines, made employment in a traditional restaurant environment challenging.• Built deep community ties with limited resources, attracted a loyal customer base, developed, and retained skilled… Show more • Purchased and transformed a struggling café and revitalized the environment and menu to create a beloved, welcoming, and highly praised neighborhood bistro.• Specialized in hiring and training culinary staff recovering from substance use disorder whose backgrounds, or interrupted professional timelines, made employment in a traditional restaurant environment challenging.• Built deep community ties with limited resources, attracted a loyal customer base, developed, and retained skilled employees. Show less

Ann Arbor, Mi

• Designed and implemented human resource processes, records management, document controls, and hiring and review policies for three cafes and a large wholesale coffee roasting operation.• Built a team-focused, growth-oriented environment in which I dedicated energy and resources to helping staff identify their strengths and weaknesses, working alongside them to maximize their potential within the business, and promoted individuals so that they could leave with enhanced skillsets and… Show more • Designed and implemented human resource processes, records management, document controls, and hiring and review policies for three cafes and a large wholesale coffee roasting operation.• Built a team-focused, growth-oriented environment in which I dedicated energy and resources to helping staff identify their strengths and weaknesses, working alongside them to maximize their potential within the business, and promoted individuals so that they could leave with enhanced skillsets and experiences that would further their careers.• Developed, engaged, and maintained strategic wholesale partnerships, developed branding guidelines. Show less

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

• Identified community need for an alcohol-free venue in an affluent university town, established a joyful and inclusive space; led the current “sober curious” hospitality curve and drew positive national recognition for my efforts.• Experimented with the business model as a pop-up in a café, growing it to become a consistent weekend event, while working full time at a digital agency.• Won second place in a Entre-Slam! business storytelling competition.

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

• Joyfully rejoined colleagues at Enlighten as AD, managing every facet of client relationships including strategic planning, portfolio integration, and successful delivery of many types of digital solutions. Client portfolio included Johnson & Johnson, Pulte Homes, and Presbyterian Healthcare Services, among others.• Consistently monitored the overall quality of production and ensured that strategic intent was realized across projects, was responsible for overall account performance… Show more • Joyfully rejoined colleagues at Enlighten as AD, managing every facet of client relationships including strategic planning, portfolio integration, and successful delivery of many types of digital solutions. Client portfolio included Johnson & Johnson, Pulte Homes, and Presbyterian Healthcare Services, among others.• Consistently monitored the overall quality of production and ensured that strategic intent was realized across projects, was responsible for overall account performance, working closely with clients and project managers to track and assess project timelines, budgets, and overall success from strategy through deployment. • Regularly provided strategic, creative, and team leadership for both existing and new business pursuits. • Hired Second City Improv trainers to re-invigorate brainstorming and creative efforts. Show less

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Served a community of more than 500 congregants, governing under the Carver Policy Governance Model.

Detroit Metropolitan Area

Engaged in deep conversation with clients at this boutique agency, discerning meaningful insights from their stories, and working with the creative team to formulate and present business and brand strategies via imagery, taglines, and unique content.

Saline, Michigan, United States

• I left Enlighten to enroll in culinary school, driven by a deep desire to nourish people in my community, particularly overscheduled families who struggled to find meaningful time at the dinner table over healthy, creative meals.• Converted a small bakery into a commercial kitchen on an anemic budget, offering personal chef services, culinary instruction, and culinary events services to a diverse clientele.• Brought joy and ease to family dinners and celebrations of all kinds; always… Show more • I left Enlighten to enroll in culinary school, driven by a deep desire to nourish people in my community, particularly overscheduled families who struggled to find meaningful time at the dinner table over healthy, creative meals.• Converted a small bakery into a commercial kitchen on an anemic budget, offering personal chef services, culinary instruction, and culinary events services to a diverse clientele.• Brought joy and ease to family dinners and celebrations of all kinds; always ensured that people with food allergies or issues thoroughly enjoyed and were able to partake in the bounty served to all. Show less

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

• Began working at Enlighten in 1997 as a production web designer; as the agency grew, I advanced into roles that best suited my work ethic, talents, and personality, ultimately leading to a career in project management.• Developed a reputation as a strong and reliable team leader, managing timelines, scope, and budgets with clarity, purpose, and focus on the most meaningful outcomes.

Taught digital image enhancement and manipulation techniques using Adobe Photoshop software

Ba, English Literature

Activities and Societies: Varsity Volleyball, Intergenerational House, Student Union, Manager of the 'Sco, DJ, Hunter-Gatherer Dining Club

Aas, Culinary Arts

Activities and Societies: Women Chefs & Restaurateurs Huron Valley Slow Food Leadership Award