Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Soul.
Nicole, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I live my life as a Renaissance Woman. I’m a self-taught, multifaceted creative artist thats not afraid to try and fail in different creative mediums. I’ve always been a self-expressionist, however, in 2011, I won the title of Miss Black New Jersey and the title propelled me to off Broadway stages in New York. Eventually, I created In Carrie’s Closet and In Carrie’s Closet TV, which would mark my debut in the world of content creation and fashion entrepreneurship. All of these avenues served as the catalyst for comedy career today. I relocated to Los Angeles in January 2018 and embarked on stand-up comedy as a means of uninhibited and authentic self-expression. I have a deep passion for community building, so I created Film NOIR Nights LA, a cinematic screening experience that celebrates emerging filmmakers across the diaspora. I hope my journey serves as a testament for other artists to create what they wish to experience.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The struggle is real.
The biggest struggle is and continues to be overcoming self-doubt. Everyone is equipped with god sent ideas, however, executing is typically where we get stuck. After some real life therapy, I’ve learned to quiet my hatin ass inner critic. I know that voice no longer serves my progression as a woman and as an artist. I wrote a whole comedy pilot about my financial struggles. It can be extremely difficult balancing a career that you love with a job that you need to survive. It took a long while, but I’m finally at a day gig that I love, it’s flexible and totally aligns with my vibes.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Film NOIR Nights is my newest passion project. The idea dawned on me this summer after I finished writing my comedy pilot “Broke Brie” and was rejected from several film festivals. That experience nearly broke me. I bounced back with the execution of Film NOIR Nights LA. FNN is a film screening experience that celebrates emerging filmmakers across the diaspora. Unlike other screenings and festivals in the industry, FNN focuses on bringing positive energy to the film community – no ego here. My vision was to create an experience for filmmakers and audiences to connect offline. We launched in August and we’ve grown immensely since then. I’m excited to continue to build upon this much-needed vibe for the culture.
What were you like growing up?
As a kid, I was charismatic and curious. I often got in trouble for excessive talking. I remember my teachers telling me to “call down” or “bring it in.” I ignored them and got in more trouble – haha! My parents nurtured my busy body with dance classes, cheerleading, choir, twirling and modeling school. They noticed my gifts early on and gave me to freedom to be and do what I felt natural. The downside of that freedom is a lack of direction. I had to figure out my journey through trial and error. Nonetheless, I’m so thankful for my families to support in my creative endeavors. It really gave me the confidence to keep pushing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.experienceafrohaus.com/new-events/jamsessionjune
- Phone: 212-390-1591
- Instagram: Powered by @afrohaus_ / Nicole Soul IG
- Other: Find us using hashtag #FilmNOIRNightsLA
Image Credit:
Roy Hyglesias Petit-frere
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