2019 "FOCUS ON YOUTH":
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Nicole Wrona:
Owner of Simplicity
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Nicole Marie Wrona, owner of Simplicity, is a gifted fashion consultant, a proud daughter and energetic entrepreneur. Born and raised in the Hudson Valley Region of New York, Nicole has grown to love and appreciate all the valley has to offer.
Nicole graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a political science degree in 2015. In her years working the floor at Simplicity, she realized she had keen eye for design, fashion and merchandising and decided to buy the store. Owning Simplicity gave her the opportunity to combine these tools with her obsession with designer bags, her passion to help local charities, the ability to keep thousands of items out of landfills, and her excitement to create indescribable relationships with consignors and shoppers every day. Nicole's passion for helping the community consistently grows. She sits on the board of HOAM (Hope On A Mission), a local nonprofit that serves the homeless, addicted community every Saturday night. She also has a passion for helping and supporting our veterans. When she’s not at the shop, you can find Nicole spending time with her loving fiancé, practicing yoga, and traveling the world with her mom. |
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About Simplicity: Simplicity is a high-end consignment shop located on Route 376 in Poughkeepsie, NY. The store sells consigned women’s clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry and accessories as well as unique home décor and small furniture pieces - there's something for everyone. At Simplicity you will also find fair trade items and gift options with a positive social impact. Simplicity carries brands such as Headbands of Hope, Unshattered, Mata Traders, Sudara and more. |
Store Front
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Did you always want to run your own business?
I would be lying if I said yes, but I believe the qualities were always there. I'm a natural leader with a hard work ethic. I love being my own boss and the freedoms that come along with it. It is an extremely rewarding feeling when you watch your business grow and can think 'wow this is me.'
What inspired you to start your business?
Simplicity was established prior to me purchasing it. I loved the vision Simplicity had, but I’ve changed it up a bit and aligned it more with my personal beliefs and passions. Working the sales floor at Simplicity and having an amazing boss allowed me to learn the ins and outs of the shop. Through this process, I learned what I wanted to keep the same and what I wanted to change. When I was given the opportunity to buy Simplicity, it was really a no-brainer. How could I not buy a shop that offered me so much and continues to allow women in the Hudson Valley to purchase high end items at a fraction of the cost?
What do you find the most daunting about being a business owner?
What I've struggled with the most is understanding that it’s okay to ask for help. You simply can’t do it all alone, and for me that's extremely hard to do. I've been blessed with great employees over the years, and I try to always hire individuals with strengths that I lack.
What do you find most rewarding about being a business owner?
This is an easy one. I find it rewarding to give back to the community. In 2018, I was able to donate over $14,000 to several local nonprofits. I love having a platform, even though it may be small, to stand up for things that I find important and to truly put energy into making a difference. A good motto: ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world.’
I would be lying if I said yes, but I believe the qualities were always there. I'm a natural leader with a hard work ethic. I love being my own boss and the freedoms that come along with it. It is an extremely rewarding feeling when you watch your business grow and can think 'wow this is me.'
What inspired you to start your business?
Simplicity was established prior to me purchasing it. I loved the vision Simplicity had, but I’ve changed it up a bit and aligned it more with my personal beliefs and passions. Working the sales floor at Simplicity and having an amazing boss allowed me to learn the ins and outs of the shop. Through this process, I learned what I wanted to keep the same and what I wanted to change. When I was given the opportunity to buy Simplicity, it was really a no-brainer. How could I not buy a shop that offered me so much and continues to allow women in the Hudson Valley to purchase high end items at a fraction of the cost?
What do you find the most daunting about being a business owner?
What I've struggled with the most is understanding that it’s okay to ask for help. You simply can’t do it all alone, and for me that's extremely hard to do. I've been blessed with great employees over the years, and I try to always hire individuals with strengths that I lack.
What do you find most rewarding about being a business owner?
This is an easy one. I find it rewarding to give back to the community. In 2018, I was able to donate over $14,000 to several local nonprofits. I love having a platform, even though it may be small, to stand up for things that I find important and to truly put energy into making a difference. A good motto: ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world.’
