On Pursuing An Unexpected Path: Nik Sallie Franklin
Leading up to our Summer '18 iteration of WORK, we'll feature select interviews with some of our conference's speakers and thought leaders. In this interview, creative lawyer and consultant Nik Sallie Franklin chats impostor syndrome and pursuing a different path than what's expected. Click here for the full conference schedule.
Who: Nik Sallie Franklin is an award-winning Intellectual Property attorney in Austin, Texas, providing legal services and business coaching to creative women entrepreneurs through her website, NikSallie.com - "The Home of Holistic Hustle." Her expertise includes a unique blend of branding, trademark law and digital marketing within the tech space. In 2016, she was the inaugural recipient of the Texas Civil Rights Project Rising Leader Award and was selected for two consecutive years to lead SXSW Mentor Sessions. She serves as a Council Member within the State Bar of Texas Intellectual Property Section, and is also a member of the Society of Women Entrepreneurs. As a trademark attorney and branding expert, she works with women entrepreneurs to create legally protected, soul-injected brands that manifest their purpose into profits.
What she's currently working on: "Scaling my legal products and services so I can support even more spiritual, creative women entrepreneurs to help them create legally protected, soul-injected brands that manifest their purpose into profits."
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Thoughtful, intuitive and resilient.
Could you describe a moment in your career in which you experienced growth?
Impostor syndrome is real—and exhausting. I used to think because I didn't practice at a huge law firm that I wasn't legitimate enough, and that I didn't have the perfect career path as a lawyer. I let go of perfection, and focused on saying yes to untraditional ways of using my law degree to help others. I realized being an attorney is more than casework, courtrooms and a black suit. Like anything else, I could create the law practice that I wanted, that reflected my unique style, strengths and experiences, one that uplifted women entrepreneurs like me. This mindset shift helped me expand both personally and professionally, and I continue to embrace this growth.
What are your routines and rituals of self-care?
Daily affirmations and prayer, journaling, using crystals, burning sage.
What is your ideal working environment?
One filled with all of my favorite things—scented candles, peonies and greenery, inspiring art, a clean desk and serenity.
How do you approach working with others?
With openness and an expectation that we can learn from each other.
About WORK: WORK is a biannual pop-up space, designed for sharing new ideas and approaches to creative and entrepreneurial work. The event's panels, workshops and speaker sessions explore personal and professional development, marketing, business management and entrepreneurship. Our next conference pops up on July 14 from 10 AM to 5 PM at Rowling Hall in Austin, Texas. ✨Click here for more information.
