Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki SooHoo.
Nikki, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I kind of fell into acting by chance. I never grew up wanting to be a “movie star” or be on tv, but I ran into some people who offered me opportunities, I was willing to just go for it, and that’s how my journey began. It started as a hobby and developed into a career and passion. I’m so grateful that my calling found me. I never would’ve expected to be where I am today, but I love my life and couldn’t have planned it better. I try to use my platform to inspire others to live out of love, not fear… to take risks and see where life takes you… and to aim to live life as fully as possibly, focusing on what truly makes you happy. I grew up in Orange County, went to Orange County School of the Arts for high school, UCLA for my Bachelors Degree, and Chapman University for my Masters in Business Administration. I’m born and raised a Cali girl who loves to explore all facets of life, especially food and culture.
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?
Acting has its ups and downs and does not have a linear path to success. One day you could be on a 100-million-dollar budget movie and the next day you’re back in the audition room trying to get another job. There’s no time to be comfortable. You always have to keep working, keep meeting people and networking, keep grinding. It never stops. It can play with your emotions too, with a lot of ups and downs of the industry, especially because the best actor doesn’t always get the job. It’s not like in the NBA where the best player usually wins. In the entertainment industry, there are so many pieces to the puzzle, and many of them you don’t have control over. I just try to be the best I can be at the things I can control. I don’t take things personally if it doesn’t go my way and I use an “on to the next thing” attitude. I think about Bruce Lee’s quote, “Be as water,” and I try to move around obstacles and continue forward, not looking back.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’m a film and television actress best known for my roles in the movies: “Stick It,” the gymnastics movie starring alongside Jeff Bridges, “Bring It On: Fight to the Finish,” the cheerleading movie, and “The Lovely Bones,” directed by Peter Jackson. I do a lot of speaking engagements and personal coaching as well. I love helping people reach their fullest potential and find happiness in their life. I live by the quote: Be the Light that lit a thousand candles and as the world gets brighter, it shines back to you.
What were you like growing up?
I still feel pretty close to my childhood self. I loved having fun and making friends. I was pretty extroverted and liked to go on adventures and be creative. My life was packed with activities and hobbies my parents let me do. I think I tried every sport out there, but I focused on dance and basketball. When I got to high school, I was given the choice to go to my home high school where I’d be the starting point guard on the basketball team, or I could choose to go to an arts high school and major in dance. I figured since I was only 5’2,” choosing the arts route was more practical. I also loved doing projects with my friends whether that was making home videos, creating dances in the living room, or trying to start little businesses on the street corner. I loved being busy and staying active.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nikkisoohoo.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikkisoohoo
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nikkisoohoo
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/nikkisoohoo
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/nikki-soohoo-santa-monica
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
