Nicole Noriega: Building Independence, One Idea at a Time
By Daniel Quintero (IG @danielquintero)
At 19, Nicole Noriega speaks with the confidence of someone who already knows where she’s headed. Living in New York City, she studies Business Administration while developing her first beauty brand, a cruelty-free, nail-friendly polish line designed with simplicity, purpose, and an eye for innovation. Her goal: to create something genuinely new in a space that rarely surprises.
Originally from Lima, Nicole moved to New York about a year ago. She started as a barista at Fellini Coffee, the café founded by her brother, Franco Noriega, and quickly became the store manager. “I loved being able to solve problems and take responsibility,” she says. That experience gave her the structure and leadership instincts she now channels into her entrepreneurial path. Today, she also holds a minority stake in one of Fellini’s locations, a symbolic bridge between her beginnings and what’s next. Recently, Nicole was accepted into NYU, a milestone that marks the next step in her evolution as a leader and entrepreneur.
Growing up in a family where food and creativity were part of everyday life, Nicole learned early that opportunities don’t just appear; you have to create them. Watching her mom work with quiet dedication taught her what real commitment looks like. “She’s shown me that strength doesn’t mean being tough all the time,” Nicole says. “It’s about staying true to what you love and not giving up easily.” That mindset has guided her through every step, from school projects to life choices. A few years ago, she volunteered in South Africa, teaching math and English to children in underserved schools. “That experience changed my life,” she recalls. “It made me see how much impact small actions can have, and how important it is to show up for others.”
That same drive for discovery pushes her to live fully. She’s gone skydiving in Africa, swum with sharks, and traveled to Colombia to attend one of Latin America’s most prominent beauty fairs. It was there that she confirmed her entrepreneurial direction and began collaborating with Japanese companies to design sustainable packaging and formulas for her future line.
One day in her shoes
In New York, Nicole’s days begin with coffee — always at Fellini — before heading to class or meetings. Weekends are dedicated to work, saving, and building the foundation of her business. “My parents support me, but I want to put it all in,” she says.
Visionary, curious, and grounded, Nicole represents a generation that doesn’t wait for permission to start. From her neighborhood in SoHo, she’s creating her own definition of success: one decision, one risk, and one morning coffee at a time.
Pictures by @gerardobriceno
