Originally published in January 2021
With a background in project management and IT, operations manager Nichelle Wheeler has become Block Club’s Swiss Army knife—doing a little bit of everything and doing it well. In this installment of 37 Questions, a humble nod to Vogue’s 73, we sat down with the avid traveler to talk about her work, her idols, and the last thing she googled (plus 34 other things).
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What makes you nervous?
Being vulnerable—and restaurant menus that are too long
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What keeps you busy outside of work?
Cooking, baking, television, and working out
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What are you proud of?
My education, improving my personal finances, and my close relationships with family and friends
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What do you do for fun?
I love to travel and spend time outdoors, especially camping and hiking. I enjoy sightseeing around Western New York too. There’s always new (or new-to-me) art, architecture, nature, and people.
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If you were a hashtag, what hashtag would you be?
Hmm, #thumbsup or #spellcheck
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What are you looking forward to?
Making plans to visit friends in Ithaca and New York City before the seasons change, then planning a trip somewhere warm in the fall, destination to be determined
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What’s your current pop culture obsession?
I recently watched Schitt’s Creek in its entirety, and I think it might be one of the best shows ever.
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Who’s your favorite Schitt’s character?
As much as I love David, Stevie is my favorite. I relate to her a lot. I appreciate her sense of humor and how much she’s grown throughout the course of the show.
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How do you decompress?
I get my body moving by rowing or biking, or I find a new recipe to make.
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What’s your favorite word in the English language?
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What’s a skill you’re working on mastering?
Stress management (lol) and having a morning routine
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What does your ideal morning routine look like?
Get out of bed (this is the hardest part), brush my teeth, wash my face, drink a glass of water, meditate for 15 minutes, get dressed for the day, and make a cup of coffee. I’d like to get into the habit of charging my phone in another room overnight. Ideally, I wouldn’t pick it up until I’m enjoying my coffee!
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What’s one book that everybody should read?
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
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What do you want to read next?
I’ve collected a variety of poetry books over the past couple of years, so I’d like to dig into those next. I think I’ll start with Ada Limón.
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What inspires you?
Art, Buddhism, and social and pop culture theory
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What did you study in school?
Photography and film with a minor in women’s studies
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What are your favorite brands?
e.l.f. Cosmetics, Ikea, Oxford Pennant
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What makes you happy?
Simple things that bring me out of my head and into the moment like going to an aquarium. If you’ve never watched the Monterey Bay jellyfish cam, you are missing out. Eating French fries makes me happy; they are my favorite food that I try not to eat too often. Cutting open an avocado when it’s perfectly ripe is a proper victory. I’ve always wanted to adopt a greyhound, so whenever I see one, I am ecstatic. True joy is spotting a greyhound out for a walk, especially if they’re wearing a sweater or jacket.
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What are you passionate about?
Social equality, mental health, and puzzles
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Where is your favorite place in the world?
It’s a tie between London’s Primrose Hill and Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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What is your best habit?
Brushing my teeth twice daily (at least)
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What is your worst habit?
Snoozing my alarm clock too many times
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What words do you live by (or try to)?
Do more of what you love.
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Who do you look up to?
My parents and my best friends
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Why?
My parents are the strongest, most caring people I know. They’ve instilled the same values in my brothers and me, been through a heck of a lot, and have built one heck of a family along the way. My small group of best friends is my extended family. Over 20+ years, we’ve supported each other through life’s ups and downs, and our relationships have only grown stronger.
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What does an ideal day off of work look like?
Sleep in, cook brunch, and spend the afternoon outside. In the evening, go out for dinner, drinks, and dessert. A few of my favorite Buffalo spots are Ballyhoo, Billy Club, and Marble + Rye.
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What did you want to be when you grew up?
According to my mom, I wanted to be Britney Spears. Eventually, I moved on from that dream and wanted to be a meteorologist.
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What is the last thing you searched on Google?
“When should I plant propagated plants?”
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So, when should you?
Apparently, once their roots reach one inch in length. My plants were far beyond that, but I planted them, and they’re still alive! So far, so good.
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How do you want to be remembered?
As a helper with a warm and happy soul
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What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Lower your standards for what counts as progress, and you will be less paralyzed.
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What did you do before you joined Block Club?
I was an account manager at a digital agency in Buffalo.
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What did you buy last?
Groceries, beer from Thin Man and Community Beer Works, and a few second-hand pieces from Paloma Exchange
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Where do you want to go?
A national park somewhere warm
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How would you describe yourself in one word?
Spirited
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What keeps you up at night?
My to-do list and what I would do if I could do anything (and how to achieve it)
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If you won the lottery, how would you use the money?
Pay off my student loans, retire, buy an Airstream, give away whatever doesn’t fit inside, and travel the country—then the world!