For over 30 years, Nicole Lee has walked the entrepreneurial path – with bold creativity, spiritual grounding, and a commitment to turning challenge into opportunity. As the founder of The Doula of Entrepreneurship, also known as DJ Doula, Nicole blends business strategy with emotional well-being and cultural empowerment. Her mission is clear: to help others shift from fear and emotional paralysis into a mindset of possibility. Through courses, coaching, and tools grounded in holistic self-care, Nicole empowers aspiring entrepreneurs—especially women and single mothers – to move from consumers to creators, from surviving to thriving.
Nicole’s work is deeply personal and spiritual, born out of her lived experience as a salon owner, author, and founder of the nonprofit Warrior Moms. Now based in Asheville, she’s tapped into the city’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and continues to guide others with authenticity and purpose. With offerings like her course How to Eradicate Fear: A Guide for Entrepreneurs, her published books, and one-on-one coaching, Nicole is building a lasting legacy for herself and her children – one rooted in healing, abundance, and transformational growth.
Check out our Q&A with Nicole below.
Tell us about your business and the role you play in it.
My name is Nicole Lee – Warrior Mom of three, self-published author, and founder of The Doula of Entrepreneurship, also known as DJ Doula. My mission is to eradicate negative thinking through emotional wellness tools, entrepreneurial strategies, and empowerment. I help individuals and organizations develop actionable strategies for personal and professional success, using tools that transform fear, anxiety, depression, and toxic stress into creativity and growth.
My services include:
My goal is to guide clients toward becoming healers, authors, innovators, and contributors – not just consumers – within their communities. I help people shift from problem mode to solution mode and build simple, effective frameworks for success.
Where did your career find its start?
My journey began over 30 years ago in the Hair and Beauty Industry. I was a salon owner, managing cosmetologist, instructor, and the President of BOBSA (Black Owned Beauty Supply Association) Ohio Chapter. After retiring from that field, I began writing about what I had learned and self-published my first book, Healing Cosmetologist. That led me to explore the power of intellectual property and storytelling – I’ve now published 12 books and one play. This writing journey led to the founding of Warrior Moms, a nonprofit supporting single mothers through emotional healing and entrepreneurship.
How has your company grown over the years?
The Doula of Entrepreneurship has grown through key partnerships as an independent contractor with organizations like Mountain BizWorks and Black Wall Street. These collaborations have helped me reach a wider audience and serve more entrepreneurs in meaningful ways.
What was the biggest hurdle you had to overcome?
Relocating my family and business from Cincinnati, OH to Asheville, NC was a major transition. The Asheville Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in connecting me to the right resources and relationships in this new community, which helped me reestablish and grow my business.
What’s a little-known fact about your business?
During my father’s passing, as I comforted my mother by rubbing her legs and feet, a pastor told me I had the spirit of a doula. At the time, I laughed it off, saying I didn’t want to “birth babies.” Later, in a dream, the name “The Doula of Entrepreneurship – Birthing Ideas into Physical Manifestation” came to me. And here I am today.
Have you ever had to completely start over?
Yes – multiple times. Moving to Asheville was one of those moments of starting over, both personally and professionally.
How has your idea of success transformed?
My concept of success is rooted in divine guidance and spiritual alignment. I believe in a higher power – God, Divine Consciousness – and that success follows when we align with that power. My formula for abundance is: God + Self + Family + Business = True SUCCESS. You can read more in my article: God + Self + Family + Business.
What’s the greatest business advice you’ve received?
Hire an accountant and a business coach! These two investments have been key to sustaining and growing my work.
What is most important to you and your company now?
Right now, my focus is on offering tools that help others thrive in chaos. My course, workbook, and holistic business coaching program “How to Eradicate Fear: A Guide for Entrepreneurs” are geared especially toward Executive Directors and leaders. My mission remains the same: to guide, listen, and uplift through purpose-driven work.
What do you see as your company’s legacy?
I am currently developing a healing product line that will become a family business with my three children. That’s the legacy I want to leave – a foundation of healing, purpose, and generational impact.
What’s on the horizon?
International partnerships – I see expansion beyond borders and cultures. The message of healing through entrepreneurship is universal.
Anything else you’d like to share?
With the purchase of any of my books, you’ll receive a free 30-minute holistic coaching session. You can order an autographed copy at nicolelee.me/books.
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To explore Nicole Lee’s work and offerings, visit her website at www.DoulaofEntrepreneurship.com, where you can browse her books, coaching programs, and upcoming opportunities. Stay connected and inspired by following her on LinkedIn, where she shares insights, affirmations, and entrepreneurial wisdom rooted in healing and purpose. Whether you’re looking to overcome fear, start a new chapter, or shift your mindset, Nicole’s guidance will help you birth your next bold idea into reality.