Nicole Elliott
Nicole's journey is one defined by resilience, reinvention, and the courage to rebuild when life takes unexpected turns.
She began her professional career in 2006 in the corporate call center industry, where she developed a strong foundation in customer service, communication, and problem solving. Those early years taught her how to connect with people, understand their needs, and provide meaningful support during important moments in their lives.
But behind the professional growth were personal challenges that would test her strength in ways she never expected.
After leaving an abusive marriage, Nicole spent years battling depression while raising her children as a single mother. During that difficult period, she also experienced a stroke that forced her to confront the fragility of life and make a powerful decision about the future she wanted to create.
Determined to rebuild, she began focusing on her health, her career, and her independence. In 2016, she made the leap into remote work, embracing a new way of living and working that allowed her to take control of her life. As she built her career in operations and customer success, she also began travelling extensively, eventually living the life she once only dreamed about as a digital nomad.
While continuing to grow professionally, Nicole faced another heartbreaking chapter when her mother was diagnosed with cancer. The emotional toll of watching someone she loved fight such a difficult battle brought new challenges and grief. Yet even through that loss, Nicole chose to keep moving forward, rebuilding once again and refusing to let life’s hardships define her future.
Today, Nicole works remotely with selfpublishing.com, where she helps aspiring authors navigate the publishing process. Through her work in customer success and operational support, she plays a role in helping writers transform their ideas into published books and share their stories with the world.
After years of travelling while working remotely and exploring different places across the world, Nicole eventually chose to put down roots. In January 2026, she settled in Melbourne, Florida, where she now continues her work while embracing a new chapter of stability, growth, and purpose with her husband.
Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance. Nicole believes that life does not always unfold the way we expect, but with courage and determination, it is always possible to rebuild, rediscover joy, and create a life that reflects who we truly are meant to become.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience and the willingness to start over when life forces you to. My journey has not been a straight line. I have faced personal hardships, health challenges, and moments where everything I had worked for seemed to fall apart. But each time, I made the decision to rebuild rather than give up.
Those experiences taught me discipline, perspective, and gratitude for every opportunity that comes my way. They also shaped how I approach my work. I genuinely care about helping others succeed, whether that means supporting authors as they bring their stories to life or creating systems that make people’s lives easier.
I also believe success comes from being open to change. When I transitioned to remote work in 2016, it allowed me to create a life that aligned more closely with my values. It gave me the freedom to grow professionally while exploring the world and eventually settling down.
Most importantly, my children are my greatest motivation. Everything I do is driven by the desire to build a better future for them and to show them that no matter how difficult life can be, it is always possible to rise again and create something meaningful.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received came from my dad. He had a very straightforward way of teaching life lessons. He used to tell me, “No matter what you choose to do in life, do it well.” Then he’d add, half joking, that even if someone decided to become an addict or a criminal, they’d better at least be good at it.
Of course, what he really meant was that whatever path you choose, you should commit to it fully and give it your best effort. His point was about discipline, pride in your work, and taking responsibility for the choices you make.
That lesson stuck with me throughout my career. Whether I was working in a corporate call center, transitioning into remote work, or now supporting authors as they pursue their dream of publishing their books, I’ve always tried to approach my work with that mindset. If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing well.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice would be to keep going, even when things don’t unfold the way you planned. There will be times when projects fall apart or opportunities don’t work out the way you hoped. Those moments can feel discouraging, but they are also part of the journey.
When that happens, don’t be afraid to start again. Persistence and resilience are incredibly valuable in this industry. The ability to adapt, learn from setbacks, and continue moving forward will take you much farther than you might expect.
Most importantly, believe in the value of your voice and your work. Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t let temporary setbacks stop you from building the career and life you want.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges, especially for fiction authors, is gaining visibility and turning a debut novel into a sustainable career. It can take time—often publishing two or three books—before an author starts seeing meaningful financial returns. This contrasts with nonfiction, where a book can serve as a platform to grow a business or professional brand more quickly.
The opportunity lies in helping authors understand these differences early, set realistic expectations, and plan strategically for long-term success. With the right guidance, tools, and persistence, authors can build a career that grows with each new book and connects their stories to the right audience.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both work and life are gratitude, resilience, vulnerability, and empowerment. I strive to approach each day with appreciation for the opportunities I’ve been given, while remaining strong and adaptable when challenges arise. I also place great importance on creating environments where people feel safe to share their stories. Helping others express themselves, bring their ideas to life, and feel confident in their own voice is what truly drives and inspires the work I do.