Nicole Kapnison and Joshua Schriber, two entrepreneurs who have carved out unique niches in the bustling business landscape. Nicole, a restaurateur with a passion for healthy, wholesome food, and Joshua, a metal fabrication artist, have not only built successful businesses but have also woven themselves into the fabric of their community. Their stories, while distinct, share common threads of family legacy, dedication to craft, and a deep-rooted love for their hometown.

For Nicole Kapnison, the restaurant business isn't just a career—it's a birthright. "I'm a restaurant girl, born and raised," she proudly says. Growing up in Albuquerque, Nicole spent her childhood in the kitchens and dining rooms of her family's establishments. Her playgrounds were the busy floors of restaurants, and her after-school activities centered around learning the ins and outs of the hospitality industry.

Nicole's family tree is deeply rooted in the restaurant business. Her grandparents, Greek immigrants, established themselves in New Mexico's culinary scene. Her maternal grandparents owned restaurants near Santa Fe's plaza, while her paternal grandfather, Nick Kapnison, became a legend in Albuquerque's restaurant world. From Coney Island to Nick and Jimmy's, the Kapnison name became synonymous with good food and warm hospitality.

Today, Nicole carries on this legacy with her own ventures: Meraki Coffee+Market, Dorothea Fine Greek, and Nikle Co. Spirits. Each business reflects her commitment to quality and health-conscious offerings. "All of my restaurants and my spirit company follow the ethos of no chemicals, no additives—just real, wholesome, homemade food that makes you feel good," Nicole explains.

Her approach to business is deeply personal. "I love being able to serve customers food that I feed my family," she says. This philosophy extends to her spirits company, where she ensures no chemicals or sugars are added to the products.

Nicole's journey into the restaurant business wasn't without its challenges. She admits to reluctantly attending college, knowing all along that her true passion lies in owning a restaurant. This inner conflict between societal expectations and her personal dreams ultimately led her back to her roots in Albuquerque, where she purchased her first restaurant at the age of 26.

While Nicole's path seemed predestined, Joshua Schriber's journey to entrepreneurship was more circuitous but no less rooted in family tradition. Joshua is the creative force behind Schriber Designs, a full-service custom metal fabrication studio that has been transforming homes and businesses across the Southwest since 2016.

"Building things comes as second nature," Joshua said. He comes from a long line of craftsmen—his great-grandfather founded Schriber Sheet Metal in Dayton, Ohio, in 1902. This legacy of working with metal seems to run in the family's blood, with many relatives contributing to the family business over the decades.

Joshua's path to metal fabrication wasn't direct. He grew up surrounded by makers of all kinds—his father was a designer and builder, his uncle was an esteemed woodworker, and his stepfather was a physicist who moonlighted as a craftsman-style woodworker. These influences shaped Joshua's appreciation for craftsmanship and design.

The true start for Schriber Designs came from an unexpected source—a challenge from Nicole, who owned Nob Hill Bar and Grill at the time. "She desperately needed new stools and tables and was complaining how she couldn't find any quality-made furniture," Joshua recalls. He offered to make her over 30 bar stools, 10 tables, and various other pieces—all from their garage in Tanoan.

That ambitious project laid the foundation for what would become Schriber Designs. Today, the company specializes in steel and glass doors, windows, and partition walls, creating pieces for homeowners, designers, builders, and architects throughout the Southwest.

Joshua's talent for metal fabrication has not only transformed homes and businesses but has also become a family affair. His oldest son, Isaiah, now works as the lead fabricator at Schriber Designs, carrying on the family's legacy of craftsmanship to a new generation.

Nicole and Joshua's personal and professional lives intertwine in Tanoan, where they've made their home. For Nicole, Tanoan has been a constant in her life since she was 12 years old. "Minus my time in college in San Diego, I haven't lived outside of Tanoan," she says.

Originally from Santa Fe, Joshua has embraced Tanoan life for the past eight years. Together, they've created a home that reflects their shared values and passions. Their blended family includes Joshua's three children from a previous marriage—Isaiah, Jonas, and Gabriella—and four beloved dogs.

The couple's commitment to their community is evident in their involvement with local events and charities. Nicole hosts markets at Meraki Coffee+Market, showcasing local makers, and organizes charity events like "Pics with Santa," benefiting Lap Dog Rescue. Their businesses have become integral parts of the neighborhood, with Schriber Designs' custom doors gracing at least seven homes in Tanoan alone.

Their life in Tanoan is deeply intertwined with the community. Joshua's daughter, Gabriella, is a La Cueva High School senior and has been a cheerleader for all four years of her high school career. The family's support for local sports extends beyond Gabriella's cheerleading; they've been enthusiastic fans of all the school's sports over the past four years. Their community involvement also includes time spent golfing and swimming at the Tanoan Country Club, where Gabriella works as a lifeguard during the summer months.

Nicole and Joshua prioritize family time and personal interests despite their busy professional lives. They've found ways to blend their passions with their work. For Nicole, this means creating restaurants that align with her values of health and quality. For Joshua, it's about infusing artistry into functional metal pieces.

Nicole and Joshua also make time for personal growth and fitness. They're often found at various gyms or workout classes around town, maintaining a healthy lifestyle that complements Nicole's focus on wholesome, chemical-free food and drinks in her businesses.

Their perfect day involves a slow morning with their dogs, breakfast at Meraki, time outdoors—either by the pool or on the golf course—and a home-cooked dinner. They cherish the moments when their family can come together, often around food. "Most of our traditions revolve around food—having a meal together, cooking, going to breakfast at Meraki, or Friday dinner at Dorothea," Nicole shares.

As they continue to grow their businesses and contribute to their community, Nicole and Joshua remain grounded in their values and appreciative of their journey. Nicole dreams of someday owning a bed and breakfast in Italy, where she could shop for fresh produce at local markets and host retreats centered around amazing food and wine.

While their businesses keep them tied to Albuquerque, Nicole and Joshua appreciate the beauty of their surrounding area. They enjoy day trips to the Valley, exploring Los Poblanos or Corrales, and occasional outings to Santa Fe. True to their local spirit, these outings always involve supporting local businesses, whether a restaurant, store, or coffee shop.

In the end, what stands out about Nicole Kapnison and Joshua Schriber is not just their businesses but their genuine love for what they do and the community they serve. As Nicole puts it, reflecting on what she's most grateful for: "Josh—honestly, he's my saving grace, my right hand, my shoulder to lean on or cry on, always forcing 6-second hugs. He's pure love, a pure heart, and a pure human, and I feel so lucky to be able to share this life we've created."

As they look to the future, Nicole and Joshua remain committed to their crafts and their community. Joshua continues to transform homes across the Southwest with his custom metal work, while Nicole explores new ways to bring healthy, delicious food and spirits to her customers. Their story is not just one of individual success but of a partnership that strengthens their personal and professional lives.