Nicole Brecht '96

B.A. '96 (University of Minnesota Morris)Alumni Association Member About Simple-TrendsNicole (Newman) Brecht graduated from the University of Minnesota, Morris, in 1996. She taught high school math for one year and then worked in direct sales for about four years. After taking time to be a stay-at-home-mom for three children, Nicole embarked on owning and operating her own business. Simple-Trends started in 2010 with Nicole sewing and selling fashion exercise headbands. Operating her own business afforded Nicole a flexible schedule and the opportunity to continue to stay highly involved with the children while taking on the challenge of being a small business owner and operator. As the children grew older, Nicole was able to devote more time to the business while still having a flexible schedule for the family. She expanded her products to include mittens. Upcycled wool mittens with fleece lining were first. She enjoyed the process of finding used wool sweaters and repurposing them in