Welcome to Astor Agency

Hello and welcome! I’m Nicole, and I’m thrilled to share my journey with you and how I ended up creating Astor Agency, so that I could help fellow small businesses grow and learn from my successes and mistakes over the course of my career as Customer Service Manager, Project Manager, Product Development Director and Supplier Manager. I’ve worn many hats and have a lot to share.

Over the past 10 years, I’ve immersed myself in the world of small business growth. From starting in a modest $500k-a-year company to helping it soar to an $8M powerhouse in four years, I’ve navigated every aspect of building and growing a business.

My journey has been anything but ordinary. I’ve dived headfirst into the complexities of sourcing and producing luxury products ranging from stationery and leather goods to household items, books, and accessories. Along the way, I’ve learned invaluable lessons, honed my skills, and developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in the competitive ecommerce arena.

In this blog, I’ll share insights, tips, and stories from my experiences—from setting up effective customer service strategies and creating compelling product lines to developing brand guidelines and understanding the nuances of sourcing and sampling. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an established business owner looking to refine your approach, I hope to provide you with practical advice and inspiration.

So, join me as I explore the ups and downs of building a successful small business. Let’s embark on this journey together, and discover how we can turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality.