Nicole Triplett | Woman to Watch
- Year: 2025
- Location: WomanUp and Celebrate Kalamazoo
Nicole Roche Triplett is a powerhouse entrepreneur, business strategist, and the first known Licensed Black female winemaker in the state of Michigan. She is the visionary behind The Roche’ Collection, a bold, fruit-forward, luxury wine brand and Twine Urban Winery, a vibrant tasting room and event space located in the heart of Kalamazoo. Known for disrupting the traditional wine world, Nicole began her winemaking journey in her laundry room and grew it into a retail-ready, culturally resonant brand featured 246 Meijer stores.
As the founder of Black Wall Street Kalamazoo (2018) an economic empowerment organization and ecosystem builder dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap. Through strategic partnerships with institutions including Chase Bank, the City of Kalamazoo, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Stryker Johnson Foundation, and the United Way, BWSK has helped hundreds of Black entrepreneurs access capital, develop sustainable business models, and expand their reach. Her leadership during the pandemic was pivotal, directing over 30% of Michigan Restart grant funds to marginalized business owners in the region.
Nicole is a Limited Licensed Psychologist (LLP, LPC) and has operated her private practice, Kalamazoo Counseling Connection, since 2012. She specializes in behavioral issues, marital and premarital counseling, and anxiety, and is known for empowering families through her work.
Nicole’s work has been widely recognized for breaking barriers in the wine industry, advancing diversity in business, and building community wealth. She is a sought-after speaker, advocate, and collaborator, dedicated to creating opportunities and inspiring others to pursue their passions with purpose and resilience.
