She Turned Other People’s Stories Into a Media Company w/ Nichole DeMario

She didn’t set out to build a media company. She just kept saying yes to the right opportunities.Nichole Demario started in journalism during a time when jobs were scarce and stability wasn’t guaranteed. What began as freelancing and pitching herself to publications turned into something much bigger. Over time, she stepped into a growing role inside a local magazine, helped expand it into a second publication, and eventually took ownership of both. What she’s built today didn’t come from a perfect plan. It came from recognizing opportunity and running with it.In this episode, Nichole shares what it really looks like to build a business rooted in storytelling. From the behind-the-scenes reality of publishing to the moments that have stayed with her the most, this conversation goes beyond business strategy. It’s about the power of real stories, why people downplay their own experiences, and what happens when someone is finally ready to share. Because the moment you stop minimizing your story and start owning it, you create connections, impact, and opportunities you never saw coming. So, if you’ve ever questioned whether what you’ve been through is worth sharing, this episode will challenge that completely.Connect with Nichole:Instagram: @womantowoman.connectInstagram: @momtomon.connectInstagram: @storiedelementsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/momtomommagFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/womantowomanmagWebsite: https://www.sendmediacompanyllc.com/Chapters:00:40 Why Nichole chose publishing03:40 Starting in freelancing and early career moves05:40 How Mom to Mom Magazine began06:40 Creating Woman to Woman Magazine07:40 Taking ownership of both magazines08:40 Why storytelling matters so much10:40 The impact of physical magazines13:40 How the business evolved over time16:40 Pivoting during COVID18:40 The power of adapting under pressure20:40 A story that created real change23:40 Why sharing your story is healing25:40 The story that almost didn’t happen31:40 What people don’t see in their own communities34:40 Why people downplay their stories36:40 How Nichole chooses which stories to tell39:40 Why sharing what you want matters44:40 How her real estate journey started49:40 Lessons from house flipping51:40 Balancing multiple passions and businesses52:40 Where to connect with Nichole This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.