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

Hi Amber, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Being an artist allows me the space to be self expressive through my thoughts emotions and ideas in a unique way. I want to make a positive impact on the world and to inpsire others in their lives to excel. I am allowed to have freedom and independence as an artist. As an artist I love the fact that I can connect with other artists from all walks of life . My end goal is to give back to the community and create opportunities for others.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I originally wanted to play basketball for professionally for the WNBA, I just knew I was going to be the next Lisa Leslie haha. I was very proficient in not only basketball, but volleyball, track&field as well. It wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I had discovered that I was passionate about theater arts. I attended Valley Community College to obtain my associate’s degree in theater arts and learned a lot of skills by being on set. I’ve had the privilege of training with some of the best acting coaches that I still utilize every time that I am on set.

Besides being an actress, I decided to get more into producing. I Launched my media company Valleygurl Productions LLC back in 2022 and produced my first project “Trayizon”. Trayizon is my first series that I created back in 2020 which is now available to watch on Tubi and Amazon Prime.

Being an artist in the industry can be difficult. I have faced many hardships as an artist which includes my tattoos and being taken seriously as an actress. By being apart of the LGBTQ+ community as an actress can bring both opportunities and challenges. It can provide a platform to represent and adovcate for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. LGBTQ+ actors and actresses have the potential to inspire other and bring visibility to underrepresented identities. Some of the hardships are discrimination, typecasting, and limited opportunites for the LGBTQ+ roles. It’s essential that the entertainment industry to create more inclusive environment where LGBTQ+ indivduals are respected and given equal opportunites.

I learned to keep striving for excellence and not let anyone discouarge me from achieving my overall goals. As long as you keep pushing through and having a positive mindset is all that matters.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Being the adventurous individual that I am, I would definitely ensure my bestfriend has the time of their life!! Los Angeles is full of so much culture and excitment. First thing that I would take my bestfriend is to explore Downtown Los Angeles area, there are several art galleries to go to. Attending L.A. Live is absolute must!! hopefully we would able to catch a concert or Lakers basketball game. Last but not least hitting up the Santee Alley to shop until we drop is mandatory haha. I’ve always seem to find some unique items from the Santee Items. Perch is a nice restaurant and bar!, you can look over the city of Downtown Los Angeles.

Next I would take my bestfriend to Hollywood of course! there would we look at the hollywood stars on the sidewalk, check out the chinese theater and more! you can’t forget the city sightseeing tour bus! haha. I really good food spot and bar is Mama shelter! they have really good food and drinks there. we can’t forget some of the clubs! Playhouse and The Avalon are definitely some spots I would take my bestfriend to go clubbing.

Depending on the weather, we would go check out the beaches in Santa Monica, Venice Beach (to name a few). We go bike riding and chill and watch the sunset. Next we would be going to Beverly Hills and Mid- City and do some more shopping!

Saved for the best for last! West Hollywood!. I would take them to every bar there is on Santa Monica Blvd haha. You can never go wrong with going to the Abbey (good food and drinks) and also Deliahs.

My bestfriend would be going back home exhausted from all the fun we had!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many mentors that I am honored to have in my life as I continue my journey as an artist in Hollywood. One in particular is the late great acting teacher Ivan S. Markota. Mr. Markota taught me the true meaning of resilence. As you know being an upcoming artist definitely has its challenges. I was inspired to keep pursing my dreams of being an actress becasuse of him. Every time that I start to feel discouraged I think about Mr. Markota and keep pushing through. Last but not least he taught me the importance of branding and how imperative it is to network and show professionalism at all times.

Director and Actor Mark E. Ridley and his lovely wife Mrs. Ava Ridley are not only just a mentors, they are considered family as well. I remember when I was filming my first project “Trayizon”,I was an emotional wreck. I litterally had no clue how I was going to pull things to things together. The Ridleys have taught me how to have patience and to always find a solution in situations instead of freaking out haha. I learned a lot about what it really takes to create a film and how there are so many factors when it comes to producing. I can always count on The Ridleys to keep me grounded and I love them so much for that.

Last but not least, the person who even gave me the idea of being an actress, my mother Lawanda Colvin. My mother initally was embarking upon the hollywood industry career during the 80s/90s era. Interesting fact, she was actually up for a role in the hit sitcom “A Different World”. I’ve always been inspired by her determination and her ability to be creative. I got my spontaneous ways from my mom. I hope to make her proud.

Website: www.ambernicolle.com

Instagram: @ms.ambernicolle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valley87gurl

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ms.ambernicolle

Other: imdb.me/Ambernicolle https://www.youtube.com/@Ms.ambernicolle

Image Credits
Sean- Michael Ryan IG: @goldn_chamr FB: Sean-Ryan Michael Karim Saafir Photography IG: @karims123 FB: Karim Saafir Photography Zachariah Schmitt IG: @zachariah_shoots

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