Years ago, Nicolene Francis – better known as Nici – discovered what makes her heart beat a little bit faster. Making women feel special by creating, and selling affordable accessories. Fast forward a few years, and she’s the proud owner of a beautifully unique one-stop-shop she believes has its very own heartbeat.
Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, the seeds of one day owning her own business were planted at a young age. But having the ability to sell ice to an Eskimo, Nici Francis had always dreamed of becoming the marketing manager of a big company. And so she got the qualification to back her goals.
“I kicked off my working life at a big telecommunications company. But it didn’t fascinate me and I just wasn’t getting the hang of it. I was so unhappy, and it was so unlike my bubbly self to feel that way day in and day out.”
Whenever the job would get the best of her, she’d visit the local arts-and-crafts shop selling all kinds of handmade goods, just to feel a little bit more like herself again. One day, just as wooden beads were making a comeback in the jewellery scene, Nici noticed the quirky and colourful t-shirt necklace.
“I liked it a lot! But I couldn’t help thinking … how could I make these prettier, and sell them for less? Right then and there, Nici’s Accessories was born. I opened the Nici’s Facebook page, quit my job eight days later, barely three months into working for a boss.
“The same day I quit my job, I approached the first person I saw in our apartment complex and asked her if she wants to make jewellery with me. She said no, but offered to ask her sister’s daughter, who started working with me a few days later.”
At the time Nici didn’t know how she was going to pay her bills, let alone her first employee. But if there’s a will, there’s a way, right? In Nici’s case – there’s always a way! And needless to say, she made it happen.
It wasn’t long before she added all kinds of jewellery, scarves, purses and handbags to her list. Before long her living room business moved into their garage, followed by the small garden wendy house. One wendy became two, and two became three.
“I remember a time when I used to hang the jewellery on palm trees outside the wendy houses to display to our customers, who used to park up to three blocks away to be able to come and visit. During this time, I opened two very small additional shops across Pretoria.
But it just wasn’t working out and I had to close them again. And, as we were making plans to knock down the three original wendies to make one big shop, Covid arrived.”
But since Nici has always believed in building a relationship with her customers, the orders kept coming in like crazy, despite the economic crunch. And, thanks to her loyal supporters, Nici’s Accessories persisted. From there, the shop moved once or twice due to limited space and parking, only growing bigger and better.
Today, now at the Byls Bridge Promenade Centre in Centurion, Nici’s business is flourishing. Pop in and you’ll find all kinds of accessories to zhuzh up your look, from head to toe. Clothes, shoes, scarves, hair accessories and jewellery galore! And all kinds of locally sourced home décor, and kiddies’ goodies too. As Nici puts it… “something for everyone, from crawling to cane walking.”
But don’t think the usuals go there just to keep up with the latest fashion trends. For many their outing simply isn’t complete without catching up with the fab founder herself. This, coupled with a warm hug, friendly smile and a contagious laugh, just gives Nici’s that personal touch.
“I love chatting with my customers. For me, it’s so much more than just a job and making money. And that’s why I don’t want multiple Nici’s Accessories shops. For now, I just want to improve the one I have now. That’s why I’m excited that the shop will be expanding into the space next door in the very near future.
“I want the shop to be a beautiful, tranquil space where women can come and just … be. A place where I can touch lives, share the love, and laugh and cry with our customers. I believe Nici’s has her own heartbeat and personality. She’s just one-of-a-kind!”
It’s no wonder Nici often goes to the shop in her pajamas to get a head-start before it opens. We mean, who wouldn’t want to prepare for a day’s work with such aesthetically pleasing surroundings?
And, when she says one-stop-shop, she means it. Nici’s also boasts with an onsite beauty bar – with facials, massages, waxing, mani’s and pedi’s. The sugar on top? You get to fill up at Nici’s Eatery with a well-deserved coffee, some breakfast, lunch, something light, or something sweet.
A self-confessed shopaholic, she feels that retail therapy brings her loads of happiness. From clothes, jewellery and décor to sneaker shopping… pair after pair after pair of white sneakers if she’s being honest.
When Nici isn’t shopping, working or dancing about with her 20-odd staff members, you’ll probably find her at home, laughing with them around a braai.
“I have an incredible team and I love them to bits! Each person brings something different to the table, and together they create such a pleasant atmosphere. I just love being around them, and being there for them, not just as an employer, but as a friend, and hopefully a mentor too.”
But it’s not only the shop that brings her joy – she just loves spending time with her husband, Philip and family. And, come to think of it, a nice-smelling bubble bath and a big glass of wine to end off a busy day also never hurt anyone.
One thing is for sure – this bubbly blonde with the sassy sneakers knows how to take a leap of faith. It just goes to show that with a little hard work and determination, anything is possible! Details: @Nici’s Accessories on FB and IG
Nici’s top fashion picks this winter…
Did Nici mention the importance of supporting local? Well, she is now! She deems these sneakers the perfect personalised accessory to round off most outfits. Available in various different colours, it’ll be hard to pass up when visiting her shop.
Add a stylish twist to your wardrobe with one of these gorgeous leopard print bomber jackets. They pair easily with denim, and leggings, and will even take your semiformal, or cocktail attire up a notch. What are you waiting for? Get roaring with a jacket that never goes out of style!
Nici just loves this mini dress in rust. Nipped and tucked in all the right places, this dress is guaranteed to make you feel feminine. For the colder months, she suggests pairing the dress with leggings or thermal tights, a chunky scarf to add stylish warmth or a neutral coat or jacket for some effective insulation.
Text: ALANICKA LOTRIET. • Photographer: HILDA MANS. • Make-up: HEIDIE FOURIE. • Hair: JANINE LATEGAN.
