Launch Lessons: Nicole Fiore

Photo credit: shortstache

Welcome to Launch Lessons: our series featuring Squarespace entrepreneurs who have built their own businesses through sheer persistence, problem-solving, and passion. These founders are sharing their stories with the next generation of aspiring entrepreneurs with big ideas. If you believe in something, launch it.

Nicole Fiore started roller skating as soon as she learned to walk. A competitor since she was only four-years-old, Nicole went on to win multiple world championships before turning her attention to coaching and choreography. Now, she’s on a mission to share her love and passion for the sport with as many people as possible. With the pandemic shutting down skating rinks, Nicole decided to launch a new online community with virtual classes dedicated to helping skaters learn, grow, and connect with one another. 

SQUARESPACE: What did you find most challenging about the launch of your website or business? 

Nicole Fiore: Doubt and fear come with starting anything new, especially when you are passionate about the subject. Getting ideas out of my own head has always been the most difficult part of starting something. This business was no different. I had so many ideas early on and it was difficult to imagine transferring them to one platform in a pretty yet creative way. Squarespace made this a seamless process.

SQSP: When did you know you were ready to launch your business? 

NF: Well, Covid kind of decided for me. The skating rink I had been teaching at had to close temporarily and I knew I had to do something! I had my website for a while before I really sold or did much of anything with it. I was scared. What if people didn’t care? What if nobody wanted to learn how to skate? I have been skating my entire life, teaching competitive skaters for about 10 years, and I wanted to share my passion with the World in addition to my little corner of it. Skating is for everyone — it doesn’t care about your age, race, or background. Because we couldn’t skate with each other in person, we needed a community online. A community for everyone, at every level. The timing was perfect. It seemed that everyone needed an escape from their lives and a fun activity that the whole family could enjoy. I can’t say I knew I was “ready,” but I knew I had a good idea and I needed to roll with it right away! Ha! Get it?

SQSP: Was there a moment - before or after going live - when you had to shift your game plan? How did you navigate that change? 

NF: Yes! When I started teaching classes online, the Member Sites were not available through Squarespace and it was the biggest thing I was missing. My community had the desire for a place where they could view every video and class whenever they wanted instead of digging through their emails. I put in an inquiry to Squarespace...and then I got the email! Member Sites were being launched! It was perfect timing! As soon as I saw that announcement, I cancelled my plans for that evening (which definitely involved the couch and a movie), and I drafted all of my announcement emails for the new launch! I transformed my website in one night! I added the Member Site and came up with solutions for a smooth transition from my customers’ previous plans. I sent everything out in the morning and had Members joining right away! They loved it! It was everything they had been wanting and more. People were excited and most importantly, they could see how excited I was to be making their experience better.

SQSP: What’s one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring entrepreneurs? 

NF: The world wants to hear from you. Stay passionate about what you have to offer and stay strong when the going gets tough. Lean into your resources and don’t be afraid to ask A LOT of questions! There’s never going to be a right time and it’s never going to be perfect. Perfection is overrated. Now is the right time and it truly may be the only time we have to do this one thing, so go for it! 

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