My Journey: Connecting, Creating, and Empowering

A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to speak at an engagement. While I felt a bit nervous, I was also thrilled to share my journey with a group of inspiring women who are creating meaningful change through cultural experiences.

When I reflect on my journey, I'm struck by how passion, creativity, and community have been the driving forces in my life. With over 19 years of experience in sales, recruitment, and marketing, I've always been driven by a fundamental desire to connect people and help them thrive.

My professional path has been anything but predictable. What started as a career in sales, medical recruitment, and marketing evolved into something much more meaningful—a mission to support and uplift my community in ways I never imagined. One of my proudest achievements has been organizing a car show fundraiser that has raised over $40,000 for local nonprofits over the past five years. (Except COVID year.) Each dollar raised represents hope, support, and tangible change for organizations making a real difference.

The pandemic was a turning point for me. Seeing small businesses struggling with visibility and connection, I launched the Hitting the Streets Podcast in 2019. What began as a local spotlight quickly transformed into a platform for sharing inspiring entrepreneurial stories. By interviewing business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders, I provided a lifeline of visibility during challenging times. Today, the podcast has over 11,000 plays, more than 200 episodes, and a five-star rating on Spotify—a testament to the power of storytelling and community support.

But I didn't stop there. I recognized a critical need for a creative sanctuary where artists could truly express themselves. This vision became the ARTrageous Art Hub—a space that started in a tiny 400-square-foot room and has now expanded to a vibrant 1,200-square-foot creative community. Here, artists, poets, creatives and musicians find not just a physical space, but a supportive environment to explore, create, and connect.

My own artistic journey has been equally transformative. As a photographer since the '90s, I never imagined I'd be entering judged art shows. In 2022, I took a leap of faith and submitted my first cell phone photography piece to the Visual Art Guild of Frisco call for art. The acceptance was exhilarating, and it sparked a new chapter. By 2023, I was honored to win second place and be named Emerging Artist of the Year—achievements that still feel surreal.

Recently, being nominated for a GLOWI award by the Denison Chamber was a humbling moment. Standing alongside incredible individuals who are also dedicated to supporting art and culture made me realize the collective impact we can have when we believe in our community.

Today, I continue to push boundaries—experimenting with acrylic pouring, painting, and digital photography. My art, like my journey, is bold, colorful, and always evolving. Whether through my podcast, the art hub, or my creative work, my mission remains the same: to connect, inspire, and create opportunities for others to shine.

This is more than a personal story—it's a celebration of community, creativity, and the extraordinary potential we all hold when we support one another.

Nichele Wells

Owner & Operator

Hitting the Streets Podcast

ARTrageous Art Hub

May 23, 2025

Through My Lens: A Journey of Growth

One day, while I was at the hub working, I paused. Just for a second. I had been moving prints around, getting things ready for an upcoming three-day show in August and my solo exhibit, when I stepped back and really looked at my photography.

And wow.

Something had changed. My work, these pieces I once hesitated to share, looked different now. Stronger. Sharper. Framed with purpose. I could see how much I’d grown, not just behind the lens but in how I presented what I created. I was learning. I am learning. And it shows.

A few pieces were already on the wall. I stood there, taking them in, and a quiet voice in my head whispered, It looks good. Like... really good. Clean. Professional. Powerful. The kind of work I used to dream of making. And now? It was mine. I did that. I captured those moments.

And then, right on cue, that familiar shadow crept in, imposter syndrome. Funny how it always shows up right when you're supposed to be standing tall and celebrating. When you should be saying, “Look at what I’ve built. Look at how far I’ve come.”

Because here’s the truth: I’ve sold my work. I’ve helped others sell theirs. I’ve supported artists. I’ve built something from scratch that has touched lives and uplifted a community.

So that night, I reminded myself, out loud: Be proud. Be proud of everything you’ve done. Every risk you took. Every small win you didn’t clap for loud enough. Sometimes, you just have to reclaim the mic from that imposter voice and speak the truth over yourself.

You’re a badass.

And that imposter?

They don’t get the mic.

Nichele Wells

Owner & Operator

Hitting the Streets Podcast

ARTrageous Art Hub

January 2, 2026

Wrapping up today with a full heart.

I spent part of the day catching up with friends which was so needed. We laughed about the old days when we worked together, the kind of laughter that brought back how many good times we had. We also talked about a friend and coworker we lost over the holiday. It was unexpected, and it hit hard. It reminded us that time is not promised and that we have to do better about showing up for one another, not just saying we will.

Later, I stopped in downtown McKinney and popped into a few art spaces and a restaurant. I sat with a cup of coffee and a cupcake and just watched. Downtown was busy! People shopping, celebrating birthdays, enjoying drinks on patios, soaking up the good weather and each other. Seeing that kind of community and connection genuinely lifts me up. It pushes me to keep working toward that kind of energy for the Hub... Smiling faces coming and going, people enjoying creativity, and artists being celebrated the way they deserve.

That’s why supporting one another matters so much, especially right now. Small businesses need community. But here's the thing, support isn’t always about spending money. It costs zero dollars to share, engage, refer, and recommend. When a community works together, everyone thrives.

That’s also why I went back and scrapped the services I created last year. They weren’t centered on individuals/business owners who truly want to invest their dollars wisely, not throw money at things that don’t serve them. I want individuals, entrepreneurs, and business owners to feel they belong here and to trust that every dollar spent with me doesn’t just help my work, it gets poured right back into this community.

Lastly, that's on my heart tonight, the arts matter. They matter economically too. Creating jobs, generating revenue, and helping our communities grow stronger. They also foster creativity, empathy, and critical thinking. They connect us across backgrounds and time, preserve culture, support mental well-being, and help us better understand the human experience. That belief is why I’ve chosen to serve on boards and stay involved... The arts aren’t extra; they’re essential.

Anyway if you have read this far, I appreciate you for sticking around reading what was on my mind tonight...

Here’s to showing up better, supporting louder, and growing together.

Chele