There’s a certain kind of creator you don’t forget, and it’s not because they shout the loudest or polish themselves to perfection, but because they teach you something useful and make you feel like you’re capable too.
That’s exactly why Nicole Chen, better known as @thenictionary, stood out to us this January.
In a digital space where many creators guard their methods closely, Nicole does the opposite.
She walks her audience through her process step by step, from how she edits her videos to how she builds visual rhythm and flow. Nothing is rushed; nothing is vague. It’s clear, intentional, and generous.
This willingness to share reflects a mindset that values community over competition.
Nicole doesn’t position herself as someone above her audience – she creates like someone standing right beside them, saying, “Here’s how I did it. You can try this too.”
That kind of openness matters, especially in creative spaces that can often feel intimidating or exclusive.
Visually, Nicole is unmistakable.
Her vibrant hair, expressive makeup, and bold styling choices are not just aesthetic decisions.
They feel like extensions of her personality.
Confident, playful, and unapologetically herself. Her content never feels like it’s chasing trends for approval.
Instead, it reflects someone comfortable experimenting, evolving, and owning her creative identity.
But what really grounds her work is intention.
Teaching, Creating, and Lifting Others Along the Way
Her tutorials don’t exist just to perform well.
They exist to be useful, and she slows down where others would speed through (Yes, Nicole, we see you, and we love you).
She explains instead of assuming and even anticipates questions because she is just that thoughtful.
That’s leadership in its best form.
Nicole’s platform doesn’t revolve around spotlighting herself as the final product, and instead it’s about equipping others with tools, confidence, and clarity so they can create in their own way.
Over time, that approach builds trust, not just numbers, and that’s why she feels different.
In an online world that often rewards secrecy, polish, and perfection, Nicole Chen represents something more sustainable and far more refreshing: a creator who leads by sharing, not withholding.
A woman who understands that community grows strongest when knowledge is passed on, and that is why she’s our Woman in Focus for January 2026.
All image credits: @thenictionary