Name:  Nina Hollien

Title/Firm: President/Owner, Aura Insulators

Year you founded your company: 2023         

Dollar value or # of projects completed since inception: $10 Million

Tell us about you and your company. 
Aura Insulators specialize in the design and installation of mechanical insulation systems for a range of applications, including HVAC systems, industrial piping, and more. Established in 2023 as a women owned and operated company; certified WBE.

How did you get into the A/E/C industry? 
Although my journey didn't start in the construction industry, my background as a finance professional has been instrumental in shaping my career. With a decade of experience managing over a billion dollars in cash following my BSA from Suffolk University, I've achieved significant milestones in finance. However, my true passion lies in construction, driving my ambition to establish my own business and contribute to the increasing representation of women in this industry.

Creating one of the nation's few woman-owned insulation companies, Aura Insulators, has been a source of joy for me. I'm thrilled to leverage my extensive knowledge and strong management skills in this new venture. These attributes have been key to my success thus far, and I'm committed to embedding them in Aura Insulators' culture. My vision is to create an attractive workplace and nurture a familial atmosphere within the team. By doing so, I aim to build a cohesive team that delivers high-quality insulation services to our clients.

What was most helpful as your company first began competing in the local market? Did anyone help you along the way? 
There were numerous skills and qualities that have proven essential in overcoming the challenges of launching my own business, with two standing out as significant contributors to my success: risk-taking and resilience. Initiating a business venture inevitably involves embracing risks, whether they be financial, personal, or professional. I needed the courage to embark on calculated risks and step beyond my comfort zone—an imperative aspect of pursuing my entrepreneurial ambitions.

Resilience and adaptability are two intertwined skills that have been pivotal. Setbacks are inevitable along the entrepreneurial journey, but possessing the flexibility to adapt strategies and approaches in response to evolving circumstances or market dynamics is crucial for remaining relevant and competitive.

Throughout my journey, I've been fortunate to receive support and assistance from diverse sources, including mentors, advisors, friends, family, and fellow entrepreneurs. Their guidance, encouragement, and insights have been valuable in navigating challenges, making well-informed decisions, and ultimately achieving success in my entrepreneurial pursuits. 

Do you have any advice for someone starting their own business in our industry? 
Trust in your abilities and vision; they are uniquely yours.

Favorite thing about working in the A/E/C industry?
One of the most fulfilling aspects of working in the A/E/C industry is seeing the concrete influence of our efforts on the infrastructural fabric of our cities and towns.

Favorite place you have ever been? Portugal

What fills your cup? Coffee-literally and figuratively.

Who or what inspires you most? 
My inspiration lies in the resilience and determination of women in construction, both on-site and in administrative roles. It's about challenging the misconception that only men can excel in this field and paving the way for gender equality and diversity.