We’re looking forward to introducing you to Nicole “Sassy” Harrison. Check out our conversation below.
Nicole, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
As a creative, I’d say both. There are seasons where I’m clearly walking a path; I know where I’m headed and what I’m building. But there are also seasons where I wander, and that’s not a bad thing. Wandering is when I collect ideas, meet people I wouldn’t have met otherwise, and let curiosity lead me. If I only ever stuck to the path, I’d miss the unexpected turns that usually shape my best work. So I move between the two. I’m steady on the bigger vision, but I give myself room to wander into new possibilities.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Nicole ‘Sassy’ Harrison, founder of SassyFrizzle Designs & Gifts (SFD). I’ve always been creative, and SFD became the space where I could turn that into custom apparel and personalized gifts. It’s still a part of me and my work. Out of that, I also built 820 & Co, where I work as a brand strategist and consultant. Under 820, I’m currently leading brand strategy for a major political campaign, producing an upcoming film, and taking on consulting projects that let me help others shape their vision. Between the two, I get to keep one foot in design and the other in strategy, which is exactly where I like to be.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Two people saw me clearly before I could see myself. My cousin Bobby was the first. He carried himself with a confidence that made me feel seen and protected. Even as a kid, I believed I mattered because of how he treated me. My great-grandmother saw a different part of me. She put me in piano at six, later dance, and eventually I found my way into theater. She opened the door to creativity as a way of life. They’re both gone now, but the impact of those lessons remains. Bobby gave me a sense of worth. My great-grandmother gave me a language for expression. Together, they taught me that being seen is both who you are and what you create.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
My biggest fear has always been success. Failing has been a constant in my life, so I know how to navigate it. But when success shows up, I start questioning whether I deserve it. It feels unfamiliar, almost uncomfortable. That’s the tension I still carry; learning to accept that I am worthy of the wins just as much as I am capable of surviving the losses.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies my industry tells itself is that creativity should happen at Amazon speed. People expect instant results, but good design, strategy, and storytelling take time. The truth is, failure is not the opposite of success. It’s part of the process. The missteps, drafts, and do-overs are where the real ideas are shaped. When we pretend that great work can be rushed or that it should be flawless on the first try, we set everyone up for disappointment. Creativity requires room to breathe.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down every title, name, role, and possessions what would remain is the same person I’ve always been; creative, resilient, and unapologetically myself. Roles change. One season I’m running a brand, another I’m producing a film, another I’m strategizing for a campaign, another I’m serving as a board member in my sorority. But at the center, I’m still Sassy: someone who believes in building, telling stories, and making people feel seen. That doesn’t disappear when the titles do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sassyfrizzle.com
- Instagram: @sassyfrizzle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSassyFrizzle
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SassyFrizzle
- Other: https://youtu.be/FMDYFM9_rwQ?si=TDbXqa_HyfvmusYD
Image Credits
Nicole “Sassy” Harrison – SF Photography
David Bey- BeyFilmz Media
Chandler Reese Davis, Jr – Chan & His Camera
Tasheen Stallings
