Check Out Nikko Austen Smith’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikko Austen Smith.

Hi Nikko Austen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It’s been a wild ride. I had the privilege of being surrounded by inspirational adults and media while I was growing up in Houston, TX and Charlotte, NC. I was consistently encouraged by my family in a way that was instrumental to my growth as a creative being.

I can do as I please in life as long as I work hard, keep gratefulness at the center of my heart, and truly manifest and believe that what is for me is for me.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No road is ever smooth. There are bumps, potholes, and cracks.

I found myself struggling with finding my voice as an artist. What kind of storyteller did I want to be? What kind of stories did I want to tell? What’s imperative to me? What do I stand for?

It took some time for me to realize that my answers to those questions don’t have to follow some preconceived notion of what a Black actor or creative should be making or doing. I can create my own, uniquely beautiful path, and thus, uniquely beautiful content.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I like to participate in a plethora of activities. Both artistic and physical.

Physically, I’m a Blue belt in the Martial Art of Archery (two belts away from black!). I find this training very grounding and meditative. It’s an integral part of my growth as a human being. I am also a dancer in ballet and tap. These forms of artistic expression, I find, are very freeing. As a child, I loved being able to make noise with my feet! As well as contorting my body into different positions.

Artistically, I am a joyful creator. That identity has manifested in me through acting, writing, creating content on youtube, dancing, narrating audiobooks, and modeling.

I’m perhaps known for my commercial work. Most notably in a National McDonald’s commercial, where the girl is growing up over the years and constantly comes back to McDonald’s.

I think what sets me apart from others is my willingness to always be the student. I love learning. The more you learn, the more you earn!

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe in divine intervention, talent, handwork, dedication, prayer, manifestation, and gratefulness.

We can achieve all of our wildest dreams if we would only give ourselves permission to seek out what we actually want. To get clear on our desires. Picture them, and take a step towards them Every. Single. Day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nikkoaustensmith.com/about-me/
• Instagram: @nikkoausten
• Twitter: @nikkoausten
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZSGO5EagBjYie74hzbMv6A