Lake Norman Woman Magazine July 2021

FEATURE

success story IT’S NOT UNUSUAL FOR A CHILD TO HAVE A ROLE MODEL

in his or her life who they admire and wish to emulate—someone who exemplifies integrity, optimism, hope, determination, and compassion.

That someone for Nicole Buice, clinical operations manager at Research Carolina in Denver and owner of Tickled Pink 4D Ultrasound Studio & Children’s Boutique, was her grandfather, Jake Hayes. “Pawpaw made sure to be involved in everything in my childhood, in all my activities and sports, and he supported me all through my life. He inspired me to never stop trying and to always believe in myself,” recalls Nicole, adding, “To me, he hung the moon and the stars and then some.”

The father figure in a young girl’s life often sets the bar for her future relationships, and there’s no doubt that the benchmark set by Nicole’s grandfather was a high one. However, in Jeremy, Nicole’s childhood sweetheart and husband of 15 years, she found a partner whose kindness, compassion, and generosity matched that of her Pawpaw.

“He has been my support and rock in all aspects of life,” says Nicole of the love of her life.

Growing up in Polkville, Nicole attended Burns High School and nursing school at Foothills Nursing Consortium and then earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing through the University of South Carolina. It was while working nights at a clinic during nursing school that she fell in love with research. “Research is my passion,” explains Nicole, “It is the most rewarding career I could have chosen.”

Just as rewarding, however, is the joy she receives when expecting parents see the 3/4D ultrasound images of their precious baby.

Nicole decided to open Tickled Pink Boutique & Studio and offer ultrasound photography when, after purchasing an ultrasound machine to run women’s health studies, she noticed that the machine sat idle for much of the time. Says Nicole: “It’s so satisfying to be able to provide parents with one of the most magical and amazing moments of their lives.”

The mother of three, Nicole knows firsthand about the magic of being a parent, proclaiming the moment she became a mom as the most powerful one of her life. “Being a mother made me want to be a better person,” she explains. “It made me want to be and provide the best of everything for them.”

NICOLE BUICE RESEARCH CAROLINA / TICKLED PINK 4D ULTRASOUND STUDIO & CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE

Some of Nicole's team at Research Carolina and Tickled Pink 4D Ultrasound Studio & Children’s Boutique

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Of course, juggling her clinical research, the operation of the boutique, and family life has its challenges. Despite the occasional bump in the road, though, Nicole has embraced her journey: “You can’t succeed without trying, and you can’t be successful without failures, that’s how we learn,” she says. In addition to that positive attitude, Nicole relies on her faith when she feels the most overwhelmed. “Without God, none of this would be possible,” she asserts. “He gives me strength and encouragement every day. When I want to throw in the towel and give up, He throws it back at me and tells me to keep going!” w

WRITER DANA JORDAN

PHOTOGRAPHER MOJO STUDIOS