My name is Nicole Spangler and my family and I have lived in Big Lake for 14 years. I grew up in Saint Louis Park, MN and graduated from the University of MN with a degree in Geology. After college I married my husband and after we had our daughter, I became a stay-at-home-mom. After we moved to Big Lake I rediscovered my love for photography. I always had a camera in my hand! I have now owned a portrait studio – Nicole Spangler Photography for 13 years and specialize in uplifting teens, high school seniors, as well as female entrepreneurs. In my spare time I enjoy hanging out with our teenage daughter, traveling, and snuggling with our dog.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband and I have a teenage daughter and a dog named Jessie. My daughter is my biggest form of inspiration.
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
We have lived in Big Lake for 14 years. I have owned my photography business for 13 years.
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
When we moved to Big Lake, I was a stay-at-home mom with a small photography hobby. As our daughter grew, I grew my business and opened my very own portrait studio in Big Lake. I quickly learned that my passion was working with teens and women. I enjoy uplifting them and making them feel worthy by providing them an unforgettable, fun experience.
After 7 years of enjoying my Big Lake studio, I outgrew the location and I made the decision to move to a larger space in Downtown Elk River in April of 2022. Stop in and say hi if you are in the area!
Q: Have you ever had a nickname? What is it and why were you given it?
Growing up, my mom and friends always called me “Nik” or Nikki”. Now I prefer to be called Nicole or Nik.
Q: What is your favorite TV Show, Movie, Book? (Please list as many as you’d like!)
My favorite tv show is The Handmaids Tale and we are currently enjoying The Last of Us. I am also a huge Friends junkie. My favorite book is The Road by Cormac McCarthy.
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and have one beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza and Diet Coke. How awful is that!?
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
Last summer, my daughter and I spent a month in Europe. Now I have a travel bug! I want to continue traveling and seeing the world. I have always loved the North Shore as well. We try to spend time up there at least once a year.
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
The next item on my bucket list is to travel to Italy.
Q: What would you buy/do if you won the lottery?
I would travel to Europe again, donate to teen suicide prevention charities, and invest a lot of it.
Q: What has been a challenge you have had to overcome? (Life, School, Work, etc.)
During Covid, I had to shut down for a bit. I had to get creative with ways to market, interact with clients, and photograph sessions. Being a very small business during that period really highlighted what wonderful clients I have. The support they showed me was so heartfelt.
Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Sometimes I wish I wasn’t as sensitive as I am. But I tell myself it’s a feature not a bug.
Q: Who has been a hero in your life?
My mom raised me by herself while she put herself through nursing school. The sacrifices she made in order to provide me with a happy childhood taught me about responsibility, fairness, hard work, and sacrifices. I think the way she raised me prepared me to be a good mom and a successful business owner.
Q: What is something even your family and friends may not know about you?
I am really awful at remembering names. I need to work at sharpening this skill!
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
Being a mother. It is the best thing I will ever do in my life.
Q: What are a few of your favorite businesses / restaurants in Big Lake?
P.S. I Love You Occasionally, Willy’s on the Water, Kensho Salon, Lupulin Brewery, Magic Mushrooms in the Crystal Garden
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
I love the amount of female owned businesses who have opened in Big Lake. Watching them thrive has been so fun! I also love that Big Lake is attracting more creatives and artists.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Get out and enjoy the local small businesses in our town!
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
Dexter Hanson: Development Specialist at Central MN Mental Health Center. He is in my local Chamber group and he is always so positive and friendly. He does a-lot to support mental health in youth and adults.
