For years, Nina Goodwine worked in corporate and government communications. She was an English major and always had a way with words, so she was doing what she thought she was “supposed” to be doing.
Fast forward to 2020 and COVID-19 shook up the world–and, in the process, showed Nina that life is too short not to do more of what you love. She realized that life can change in an instant, so she decided to take a risk and tap into a creative pursuit.
Today, she’s the founder of Butterbrow where she offers permanent brow makeup and scar camouflage services.
We asked Nina eleven questions to learn more about herself, her work, her personal and professional insights and learnings, and a few of her favorite things.
Here’s what she told us.
1. What is the most important realization you’ve had since being in business?
The biggest realization I’ve had since being in business is that I can’t meet everyone’s needs. I’ve definitely developed the muscle to say no when it’s best for your business and for your customer.
2. What’s the best bit of wisdom to offer to up-and-coming entrepreneurs/professionals?
Don’t be afraid to have multiple streams of income. Social media glamorizes ditching the 9-to-5 and being your own boss, but your day job can fund your dream job. And don’t be mistaken–you’ll be working all day as your own boss!
3. What piece of advice would you give out to people chasing their dream?
Protect your dreams! It’s very natural to tell the people closest to us what our goals are, but not everyone is as supportive as you’d hope. Some people may want to slow you down out of their own fear. Dream big and share those dreams only with people who can carry the weight of your vision.
4. What’s your favorite book (or, the last book you read)?
The last book I listened to was Young Rich Widows by Kimberly Belle on Audible. It’s set in the ’80s New York and has some hilarious voice performances.
5. What’s your favorite Instagram account?
It’s a silly one… @daquan
I focus so much on my business that sometimes I need to completely detach from planning and problem-solving for a minute.
Laughter helps!
6. What’s your post-work wind-down routine?
I try to get off my phone no later than 10 p.m., which is hard because I run my business primarily through Instagram. But I try to put my phone down and watch YouTube videos with my boyfriend.
7. What’s your favorite quick hack to improve focus?
Scheduling work blocks. I have a tendency to procrastinate, so being very specific about when I’m going to work on something is helpful.
8. What’s your favorite recipe?
My mom’s lasagna. I make it every year for Christmas and Thanksgiving. I use the sharpest cheddar I can find to give it some extra bite.
9. What’s one quick tip for how to make meetings more engaging?
I love icebreaker games in meetings, as long as they aren’t too complicated. Having someone willing to stand up and redirect/table conversations can also help, too, since it can be draining when certain conversations overtake a meeting.
(By the way, Launch has an article that includes 100+ icebreaker questions, if you’re looking for inspiration!)
10. What’s one thing you do for your health every day?
Peloton scenic rides or walks on the track near my house when it’s nice out. I’ll turn on some music and dance for a while, too.
11. What’s your favorite way to take a break from screen time?
Playing games!
Taboo, card games, word games, any kind of social game. I love laughing and arguing over what’s an acceptable answer.
How did you come to work at Launch Workplaces?
My boyfriend’s creative agency was at Launch in Gaithersburg before the pandemic. When I went to the website, I saw him in the promo pictures! That was enough to make me want to work here.
If you’d like to keep up with Nina and Butterbrow, you can follow them on Instagram.
And if you’re looking for a professional and fully-appointed workspace where you’ll work around an incredible community of professionals like Nina, contact us to visit your local Launch Workplaces today.
