WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
Women's History Month Spotlight: Aunts et Uncles
Co-founder Nicole Nicholas
This Women's History Month, we were honored to connect with Nicole Nicholas, the co-founder of Brooklyn's beloved Aunts et Uncles. More than just a restaurant, Aunts et Uncles stands as a vibrant testament to community, culture, and the deeply personal touch that women bring to the culinary world.
Nicole's journey, launched in the midst of a global pandemic and shadowed by personal loss, is a powerful story of resilience and unwavering dedication to her vision: to create a space that nourishes both body and soul while honoring the legacy of her community.
In our insightful interview, Nicole shares how her experiences as a Black woman have shaped her approach to hospitality, emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming, "at home" atmosphere. She discusses the vital role women-owned businesses play in fostering community ecosystems, providing safe spaces, and inspiring future generations.
Nicole also highlights the invaluable mentorship she received, underscoring the power of support and shared wisdom. From navigating the challenges of opening a restaurant to her perspective on making history in the culinary world, Nicole’s story is a compelling reminder that women are creators by default, bringing magic and impact to every space they inhabit.
Join us as we delve into her inspiring journey and discover the heart behind Aunts et Uncles.
Nicole's journey, launched in the midst of a global pandemic and shadowed by personal loss, is a powerful story of resilience and unwavering dedication to her vision: to create a space that nourishes both body and soul while honoring the legacy of her community.
In our insightful interview, Nicole shares how her experiences as a Black woman have shaped her approach to hospitality, emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming, "at home" atmosphere. She discusses the vital role women-owned businesses play in fostering community ecosystems, providing safe spaces, and inspiring future generations.
Nicole also highlights the invaluable mentorship she received, underscoring the power of support and shared wisdom. From navigating the challenges of opening a restaurant to her perspective on making history in the culinary world, Nicole’s story is a compelling reminder that women are creators by default, bringing magic and impact to every space they inhabit.
Join us as we delve into her inspiring journey and discover the heart behind Aunts et Uncles.
LUNA: What inspired you to open your restaurant, and what were some of the biggest challenges you faced along the way?
NICOLE: Opening Aunts et Uncles was part walking in my purpose and part having an amazing and supportive partner. The vision was to introduce a fresh perspective on self-care while ensuring that we sustained representation in a community that we hold dear.
We opened in East Flatbush in 2020, after acquiring our lease a year prior. The journey to opening was filled with unexpected challenges. We faced a global pandemic, and on a personal level, I lost my mother to cancer just seven months before we launched. Despite these hardships, the mission never wavered—creating a space that would not only nourish the body but also nurture community and culture.
LUNA: How do you feel your experiences as a woman have shaped your approach to running a restaurant?
NICOLE: In a world where the ideas and contributions of women—especially Black women—are often under-celebrated, it was important to create a space that is more than just a café but an institution that holds, supports, and inspires the community.
There’s nothing like a woman’s touch. I want people to feel good in our space, to feel welcome and at home. In my family, it was always the responsibility of the women to ensure that everyone felt taken care of. My mother, in particular, always made sure people felt seen. At Aunts et Uncles, I honor her by continuing that tradition—making hospitality not just a service but a feeling.
LUNA: How does your restaurant contribute to the local community, and what role do you see women-owned businesses playing in the community?
NICOLE: Aunts et Uncles is a space for community, creatives, and creators alike—a place where people understand what a true neighborhood setting feels like. I often find myself introducing people who need to know each other, fostering connections that go beyond just dining.
Women-owned businesses, in particular, are a powerful statement of what it means to believe in your power and ability to contribute greatness—not just to the economy but to the community ecosystem. When women own businesses, they create opportunities, cultivate safe spaces, and inspire the next generation to dream bigger.
LUNA: Did you have any mentors or role models who helped you on your journey?
NICOLE: I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors along the way. Throughout my journey, countless people have provided me with invaluable tips, tools, and inspiration—each leaving their mark in a different way.
Although he’s my husband, Mike is also my mentor. His resilience and unwavering belief in us keep me from jumping off the ledge when things get tough. He’s been a constant source of inspiration and stability throughout our journey, making sure that no matter what challenges arise, our vision never wavers.
Chef Boris of Risbo was another key figure. Working under him was eye-opening—his leadership and approach to the culinary space left a lasting impact on me. Winsome, co-owner of Round Two in Brooklyn, also played a major role. I watched her navigate numbers, inventory, design, and operations with an incredible level of resilience. She showed me firsthand that when it’s yours, you have to fight for it. That lesson has stuck with me every step of the way.
Each mentor, whether directly or indirectly, has contributed to the way I approach business, community, and creativity. Their guidance has helped shape not only Aunts et Uncles but also the way I move through the world as a business owner.
LUNA: What advice would you give to other women aspiring to open their own restaurants?
NICOLE: No matter how rewarding it may be, this journey is not easy. There’s so much more to it than a beautiful space and a menu. But we all have something special to offer, and the opportunity to share that with the world is both a great gift and a testimony.
My advice? Be prepared for the work. Stay committed to your vision. And most importantly, don’t let fear stop you from pursuing the things that spark wonder and curiosity in your heart.
LUNA: What does Women’s History Month mean to you, and how does it feel to be a woman making history in the culinary world?
NICOLE: Women don’t just deserve a month—it has been a lifetime of contributions around here. We are creators by default, and that creativity shows up in every space we choose to apply our magic.
Being a woman in the culinary world means bringing something beyond food to the table—it’s about culture, legacy, and impact. It’s about honoring the women who came before me and creating space for those who will come after.
NICOLE: Opening Aunts et Uncles was part walking in my purpose and part having an amazing and supportive partner. The vision was to introduce a fresh perspective on self-care while ensuring that we sustained representation in a community that we hold dear.
We opened in East Flatbush in 2020, after acquiring our lease a year prior. The journey to opening was filled with unexpected challenges. We faced a global pandemic, and on a personal level, I lost my mother to cancer just seven months before we launched. Despite these hardships, the mission never wavered—creating a space that would not only nourish the body but also nurture community and culture.
LUNA: How do you feel your experiences as a woman have shaped your approach to running a restaurant?
NICOLE: In a world where the ideas and contributions of women—especially Black women—are often under-celebrated, it was important to create a space that is more than just a café but an institution that holds, supports, and inspires the community.
There’s nothing like a woman’s touch. I want people to feel good in our space, to feel welcome and at home. In my family, it was always the responsibility of the women to ensure that everyone felt taken care of. My mother, in particular, always made sure people felt seen. At Aunts et Uncles, I honor her by continuing that tradition—making hospitality not just a service but a feeling.
LUNA: How does your restaurant contribute to the local community, and what role do you see women-owned businesses playing in the community?
NICOLE: Aunts et Uncles is a space for community, creatives, and creators alike—a place where people understand what a true neighborhood setting feels like. I often find myself introducing people who need to know each other, fostering connections that go beyond just dining.
Women-owned businesses, in particular, are a powerful statement of what it means to believe in your power and ability to contribute greatness—not just to the economy but to the community ecosystem. When women own businesses, they create opportunities, cultivate safe spaces, and inspire the next generation to dream bigger.
LUNA: Did you have any mentors or role models who helped you on your journey?
NICOLE: I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors along the way. Throughout my journey, countless people have provided me with invaluable tips, tools, and inspiration—each leaving their mark in a different way.
Although he’s my husband, Mike is also my mentor. His resilience and unwavering belief in us keep me from jumping off the ledge when things get tough. He’s been a constant source of inspiration and stability throughout our journey, making sure that no matter what challenges arise, our vision never wavers.
Chef Boris of Risbo was another key figure. Working under him was eye-opening—his leadership and approach to the culinary space left a lasting impact on me. Winsome, co-owner of Round Two in Brooklyn, also played a major role. I watched her navigate numbers, inventory, design, and operations with an incredible level of resilience. She showed me firsthand that when it’s yours, you have to fight for it. That lesson has stuck with me every step of the way.
Each mentor, whether directly or indirectly, has contributed to the way I approach business, community, and creativity. Their guidance has helped shape not only Aunts et Uncles but also the way I move through the world as a business owner.
LUNA: What advice would you give to other women aspiring to open their own restaurants?
NICOLE: No matter how rewarding it may be, this journey is not easy. There’s so much more to it than a beautiful space and a menu. But we all have something special to offer, and the opportunity to share that with the world is both a great gift and a testimony.
My advice? Be prepared for the work. Stay committed to your vision. And most importantly, don’t let fear stop you from pursuing the things that spark wonder and curiosity in your heart.
LUNA: What does Women’s History Month mean to you, and how does it feel to be a woman making history in the culinary world?
NICOLE: Women don’t just deserve a month—it has been a lifetime of contributions around here. We are creators by default, and that creativity shows up in every space we choose to apply our magic.
Being a woman in the culinary world means bringing something beyond food to the table—it’s about culture, legacy, and impact. It’s about honoring the women who came before me and creating space for those who will come after.