We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Koch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I think a lot about my platform and what I can do with it. Although relatively small right now compared to someone like, say, Selena Gomez, I still strive to use my small influence for good. I was raised in a household where my parents lived by the golden rule of “Treat others how you would like to be treated” and it really stuck with me into my adult life. For instance, look at the racism happening in our country….. STILL. It is 2020. I am disgusted by the hatred displayed by my White community. My mom is Peruvian, so I’m half Hispanic, but I easily pass as Caucasian. Nobody thinks twice, and that has given me a privilege that I must use to be an ally for my Black friends, Coworkers, bosses, and Neighbors. I feel as though it is the LEAST a White individual can do. So while I do sponsored posts because it is part of my job, I try to be an example of good for people who follow me; especially young individuals. Young adults are so impressionable, I know because I am one. So I speak about causes I’m passionate about. I’m by no means perfect, and I, like many others, have a ton of learning to do. But I truly believe that if we continue to spread light and speak up in times of injustice, the world would start becoming a better place.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an actress, singer, small YouTuber, and just recently added “Digital Artist” to that list! During quarantine I picked up a new skill where I basically make digital cartoons of people. It started as something random I wanted to try, later turned into a hobby, and now I do digital art commissions!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Right now I’m quarantined back in Northern California with my family, and because social distancing laws are still in place, I’ve been taking myself on a lot of secluded hikes. I told myself I would go at least 3 times a week, but it’s more like 4-5 because nature is so good for my mental health! I’d probably take that friend on a hike through the Santa Cruz mountains, or for a drive through the City. Restaurants are still closed due to COVID-19, BUT we can still support small businesses; my favorite is called Lucca’s Delicatessen in San Francisco on Chestnut street. They have the BEST sandwiches- and they’re doing order ahead with curbside pickup! Please support small businesses during this crazy time!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have a few organizations I’d love to speak on! Especially during this Pandemic, I think it’s important to take care of each other. We are living in an uncertain and scary time, so here’s how we can all help. First, I want to mention the Black Lives Matter Global Network. By funding their movement, and movements like theirs, you can support the ongoing fight to end state- sanctioned violence, educate people on how to be Anti- Racist, and liberate the Black community. Don’t be silent; be an ally. You can donate at this link: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 Secondly, I want to shoutout NAMI. I am a huge advocate for Mental Health and Wellness. As an individual who deals with anxiety daily, and has experienced mental illness in my family, the resources NAMI provides are so important for people to have. I have personally seen the impact NAMI can have on someone struggling, and it’s incredible. https://www.nami.org/home Speaking of taking care of each other, another organization I love is THORN, Ashton Kutcher’s non profit to end sexual violence against children. More information on that here: https://www.thorn.org/

Website: www.nicoletkoch.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niicole.koch/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzm1P18seSQmw97m5FmIh8Q
Other: If you want to purchase any digital art: https://www.fiverr.com/nicolekoch95/draw-a-realistic-cartoon-portrait?utm_campaign=base_gig_show_share&utm_content=&utm_medium=shared&utm_source=mobile&utm_term=

Image Credits
Janee Green Photography, AV Productions