The Story of The Nickle Tree

When Jill was just five years old, a hurricane swept through her world and turned everything upside down. With power out and routines disrupted, she and her sister were sent to stay with their grandmother on Willow Street in New Orleans—a place that would quietly plant the seeds of her future.

Her grandmother’s home was no ordinary house. The front rooms were a family-run clothing store—dresses, suits, veils, and lace lining the racks like whispers of other people’s stories. This was Jill’s first introduction to retail and the wedding business, though she didn’t know it at the time. All she knew was that the women in her family had a way of making things work, even in the face of a storm.

To keep the girls entertained during those slow, humid days, her grandmother and aunt set a small succulent on a weathered metal table out back on the porch. Every morning, the plant sparkled with nickels tucked gently beneath its leaves—tiny treasures left behind like fairy coins. “It’s a money tree,” they said with a wink.

But to Jill, it was The Nickle Tree.

That magical little plant became more than just a game. It was a symbol of resilience, generosity, and imagination. In the middle of chaos, her family found ways to turn survival into something joyful. From folding linens and greeting customers to watching how women made decisions about the most important day of their lives, Jill soaked up every detail like sunlight on a porch swing.

That one stormy month sparked her lifelong love for storytelling, hospitality, and the quiet power of service. The Nickle Tree wasn't just a plant—it was a philosophy. That even in hard times, something simple and small can bring hope, wonder, and connection.

Years later, The Nickle Tree would become the name of her business, a place where stories grow, healing happens, and people rediscover the treasures hidden in their own lives—just like those nickels under the leaves.

Because sometimes, the roots of your calling begin in the most unexpected places.

On July 18, 2024, Jill started telling stories of mystery and inspiration on Tic ToK! To follow her on Tic Tok or YouTube, simply search The Nickle Tree!!!