Nicole Christopherson, Founder of Work Hard Smile Large
Name: Nicole Christopherson
Company: Work Hard Smile Large
Who is Nicole Christopherson?
Nicole Christopherson is a highly respected and sought-after real estate expert who has been helping couples, families and individuals buy and sell distinctive homes since 2003. While a Southern California native, Nicole recently relocated to Austin, TX, from Newport Beach, CA, expanding her business and services from coastal and foothill properties in Orange County to the beautiful Texas Hill Country. With Nicole’s passion for helping her clients combined with her enthusiasm in inspiring others, she founded Work Hard, Smile Large—a life motto turned into a community driven by hard work and collaboration towards uplifting each other.
Tell us about your company.
Work Hard Smile Large originates from my family's daily mantra. It is dedicated to encouraging female entrepreneurs and leaders to build a supportive community around them and understanding their responsibility to inspire and pour into the youth they influence. Through WHSL events/gatherings, attendees share their business and wisdom on achieving a healthy work-life balance, which looks different for every person. One can only learn and grow from this style of collaboration.
What does being a FoundHer mean to you?
Being a FoundHer means inspiring the next generation of young female entrepreneurs of any age. The inception of Work Hard Smile Large was because of my daughters; the motto stems from my dedication to them and the constant reminder to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Fully aware of my responsibility as a FoundHer, I demonstrate that while maintaining a healthy work/life balance may seem out of reach, it can be possible; it just takes hard work and a smile.
How do you support other female founders and women in business?
At Work Hard Smile Large, the team and I strive to uplift and support other female founders. On WHSL social pages and during events, we reach out to our community of 'boss babes,' highlighting their achievements. Whether hosting a stand at one of our events, partnering with their company or scheduling a social post to our network, these women leaders are welcomed into the WHSL community.
At what point did you make your company a full time gig? How did you know the time was right?
I decided to make Work Hard Smile Large a full-time gig after my family and I relocated from California to Texas. My husband and I noticed our eldest daughter was apprehensive about putting herself out there and making new friends. My other company, NMC Realty Group, was doing well, and I had the itch to dive into my passion project. What better way to show my daughter that you're never too old to make new connections and break the boundaries of friendships today than to be the most inclusive and positive toward all willing to work hard and smile large together! We decided to name it after our family motto/mantra we say every day, hoping to spread the message to a larger community and spark more friendly conversations and collaboration.
What lesson or skill did you take with you from a prior job to help you succeed in your role today?
Through my real estate and educational background, I've learned that we have opportunities to learn and grow from those around us. I've also had vast experience seeing how a positive mindset can help others learn and grow.
Let’s talk social media—who handles it for your company (you, an internal team member, an outsourced solution?) and what is the secret to making it successful? What is the biggest challenge?
Social media is a collaboration between myself and my social team. It takes a village to truly achieve the big goals we set out to accomplish with WHSL. Consistency and creativity come best from the collaboration of ideas, which is why I specifically grew a creative team to support our mission with WHSL. Through trial and error, we have found that the socials that get the most engagement are personal posts. These are as simple as images from a previous event or candids from family time. This can also be the biggest challenge, ensuring we schedule various manageable posts. We rotate, as best we can, from personal to fun tips and educational posts.
How did you land your first client?
I immediately think about my professional career as a real estate broker. My first client was naturally with somebody I already had a relationship with, my hairdresser. This first experience was so rewarding that I realized my business would be built off personal relationships and spheres of influence. This mindset has allowed me to grow throughout my 20+ year career in the real estate industry.
What is something you do differently from the industry standard?
One thing I did differently from the industry standard was leaning into being a salesperson, branching off from other brokers. This helped me to establish my own real estate brokerage in 2014, as a female broker owner.
Did you raise capital? What was the process and avenue you chose to take?
No, everything I’ve done in my career was self-funded, with the emotional support of my family and clients.
What would you do differently if you were starting your business today?
If I were to start another business like my real estate brokerage today, I would definitely make sure I hired the proper support staff and team to help me reach my goals more efficiently! This would of course allow me to help more clients and provide the necessary time to maintain my work life balance.
What are three strategies you use to market your business, grow brand awareness and generate bottom line growth?
Word of mouth – sphere of influence
Social media
Networking
What was an obstacle you overcame to get your business where it is today? Please share the story behind it.
My greatest obstacle was relocating to Texas and expanding my real estate team to a new market.
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