Stop Striving To Be Someone You’re Not
A conversation between Nicole Hopkins, guest; and Devaughn Williamson, host.
Nicole's journey is one of faith, perseverance, and purpose. She’s been through tough times—moments of doubt, financial struggles, and seasons where she questioned if she should quit. In the mortgage industry, where the market is unpredictable and people constantly tell her it's a bad time to be in the business, she’s had to fight against fear and negativity. But she’s learned to guard her mind, surrounding herself with worship music and staying laser-focused on the path God has called her to.
She compares herself to a racehorse with blinders—focused only on where God is leading her, not distracted by what’s happening around her. That faith-driven focus has carried her through career transitions, like leaving a stable, six-figure job in private wealth banking to step into something less predictable. To the outside world, that move seemed crazy, but Nicole knew in her heart it was right. Even when she faced financial ups and downs, she held onto peace, knowing that obedience to God always brings provision.
Beyond her career, Nicole’s heart for people is evident. She didn’t grow up in a Christian home, but a dance teacher, Miss Rachel, showed her the kind of love that made her realize Jesus was real. Now, she’s paying that forward—not just in her corporate work, where she invests in her clients' lives beyond just numbers, but also in her personal life. She’s raising her niece, Aaliyah, full-time, something she never saw coming but now sees as part of God’s plan.
Long before Aaliyah needed a home, Nicole felt led to find a house with an extra bedroom. She thought it was for students she mentored, but God had a different plan. That’s the beauty of faith—God prepares us for things we don’t even see coming. And just like Nicole was impacted by her dance teacher, Miss Rachel, who showed her love and introduced her to faith, Nicole is now doing the same for Aaliyah and the students she mentors.
Nicole highlights the vital role of mentors and friends who remind her of her worth and keep her grounded when self-doubt creeps in. She recalls moments of desperation, even applying for jobs at gas stations to make ends meet, only to be rejected. This highlights her resilience and her commitment to trusting God, reminding herself of biblical teachings that encourage faith and perseverance.
The conversation shifts to her passion for investing in others, particularly through her involvement in youth programs. She believes in leaving the world better than she found it, driven by the impact mentors have had on her life. For Nicole, serving others brings purpose and joy, contrasting with the selfishness that can arise when one is not engaged in helping others.
Nicole also discusses her expertise in finance, stemming from a desire to help those struggling financially, shaped by her upbringing where her parents prioritized helping others despite their own financial challenges. She emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and the often stigmatized nature of discussing money. Her goal is to create a safe space for people to share their financial struggles, fostering a sense of community and support.
When asked what advice she would give to the younger generation, Nicole centered it on two big themes: financial hope and the power of serving others. First, she encourages anyone who feels stuck financially to reach out—there’s always a way out, and she’s living proof. No matter how deep the hole, there is a way to come out of it, and she offers to help guide people through it.
Secondly, for young professionals, she emphasizes that striving for awards and recognition won’t bring the fulfillment they expect. Nicole shares how she spent years chasing accolades—like being named on “40 Under 40” lists—but it wasn’t until she stopped focusing on becoming someone and instead focused on serving others that doors began to open. She worked with major platforms like Hulu and The Skim, but it was never her goal to be famous. The key was positioning her heart to serve, and God opened doors for her.
Nicole’s story highlights how trusting God and investing in people, rather than striving for personal success, leads to true fulfillment. It’s a reminder that when we stop chasing accolades for our own glory and focus on making a real difference in the lives of others, the things we seek will come naturally. And, through it all, faith and trust in God’s plan is crucial—He opens the right doors at the right time.
If Nicole’s story moved you, consider sharing it with someone who needs encouragement. And I encourage you to partner with Faith Ignite to help bring more stories of hope to the world. Together, we can spread messages of God's faithfulness to those who need it most.
Devaughn Williamson President, Faith Ignite Inc
