Nichole Tharp
My career has been anything but linear—and that’s exactly what shaped me into the woman and professional I am today. I’ve learned how to adapt, rebuild, and take action when life demands change. I began my career in the medical field as a traveling ultrasound technician, but after becoming a mother, I realized the long 12–17 hour shifts no longer aligned with the life I wanted to create. That decision sparked a major shift—one that led me into the world of e-commerce and dropshipping.
Over the next decade, I grew into a Senior Account Manager and team lead, gaining extensive experience in business strategy, operations, and helping companies scale. In January, corporate restructuring and budget cuts resulted in my layoff. Instead of viewing it as a setback, I chose to treat it as a turning point.
I launched two online brands: COCO B’s, a curated lifestyle shop featuring pet products, giftable items, home décor, and everyday upgrades, and Charminico’s, a travel brand built around smart organization solutions like pack-and-hang suitcase closets designed for mothers, professionals, and frequent travelers.
While entrepreneurship has been a rewarding journey, it also deepened something even bigger in me—my passion for helping people create stability, security, and freedom. That is what ultimately led me to pursue a career as a financial professional.
Today, I’m focused on helping individuals and families take control of their financial future through guidance, education, and planning. Whether it’s building a strong foundation, preparing for retirement, protecting loved ones, or creating a legacy that lasts, my goal is to help others feel confident and empowered in their financial decisions.
I know firsthand what it feels like to face unexpected change—and I also know what it takes to rebuild stronger. My mission is to help others create the life they deserve, protect what matters most, and build a future they can be proud of.
• Interpersonal Communications
• AAS, Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Cardiovascular
• Licensed Financial Education
• Phi Theta Kappa
• National Deans List
• National Honors Society
• President's List
• Member, Amazon Author Central
• Member, Canva Creator Community
• Meta Business Suite Creator / Meta Professional Dashboard Member
• Amazon Associates Affiliate Partner
• SCORE Entrepreneur Community
• March of Dimes
• Informal business mentorship
• School fundraising participation
• Donating products to community events
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to building long-term stability—no matter what circumstances arise. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that adversity doesn’t just test you, it shapes you. Being laid off forced me to confront uncertainty head-on, but it also strengthened my ability to think strategically, take decisive action, and rebuild with purpose.
That experience reinforced one of the most valuable lessons I carry today: real success is created through discipline, planning, and consistency—not temporary motivation. Building and operating two online businesses has shown me the power of structured systems, intentional daily habits, and staying committed even when results aren’t immediate.
This same mindset is what fuels my work in financial services. I believe lasting financial security is built the same way—through education, preparation, smart decisions, and consistent action over time. Success isn’t accidental; it’s built with strategy, protection, and the willingness to keep moving forward, even during uncertain seasons.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was: “Always have a plan—and always have a backup plan.”
It reminded me that confidence comes from preparation. That advice has stayed with me through every career transition and is a major reason I’m passionate about helping others build financial security and protect their future.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don’t Fear Reinvention
Careers are rarely linear. Growth often requires change, and change can feel uncomfortable. Reinvention is not failure—it’s evolution. The willingness to pivot when something no longer fits is often the catalyst for greater satisfaction.
My advice is to focus on building confidence through knowledge. Learn the fundamentals, ask questions, and never be afraid to admit what you don’t know yet—because that’s how you grow. Also, be consistent. Success in this field comes from discipline, relationship-building, and showing up even when results aren’t immediate.
Most importantly, don’t shrink yourself to fit into the room. Stand firm in your value, lead with integrity, and remember that helping others build stability, protect their loved ones, and create a legacy is powerful work.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the financial services industry right now is the gap between where many people are financially and where they want to be. Many individuals and families lack confidence in their financial knowledge, feel overwhelmed by planning decisions, and aren’t sure how to navigate complex financial goals like retirement, insurance protection, or legacy planning. A challenge for advisors is meeting people where they are—educating without judgment and translating complex concepts into simple, actionable steps.
At the same time, that challenge creates one of the greatest opportunities: the chance to empower clients to take control of their financial future with clarity and confidence. There’s a growing demand for personalized guidance that goes beyond products and focuses on long-term life goals, holistic planning, and peace of mind. Technology and digital tools also make it easier to educate, track progress, and connect with clients in ways that weren’t possible before.
For me, that means using empathy, strategic thinking, and education to help people not just grow wealth, but protect what matters most—creating financial security, reducing stress, and building lasting legacies.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Resilience, discipline, and family are the values that guide me most—both professionally and personally. Being laid off forced me to face uncertainty with clarity and determination, and it strengthened my ability to adapt quickly, think strategically, and rebuild with purpose. That experience reminded me that success isn’t built on motivation alone—it’s built through discipline, consistency, and the willingness to show up even when the path feels uncertain.
I also deeply value integrity and responsibility. Whether I’m building businesses or guiding others through financial decisions, I believe trust is earned through honesty, transparency, and genuine care for the people you serve.
Family is at the center of everything I do. Early in my career, the long hours as a traveling ultrasound technician often kept me away from my young son, and that was a turning point that pushed me to create a life with more balance, presence, and intention. Today, we stay active together through sports and karate, and I prioritize shared experiences that strengthen our bond.
Each year, I make it a priority to take my son, husband, and mother on a trip because I believe travel is one of the greatest gifts—it expands perspective, builds appreciation for different cultures, and creates lifelong memories. Ultimately, everything I work toward is rooted in creating a secure, meaningful life and a legacy my family can be proud of.
Locations
Entrepreneur
Lorain, OH