Meet Nicole Benson

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

Hi Nicole, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk often carries a negative connotation—uncertainty, fear, and potential failure. But I see it differently. To me, risk is a beautiful and necessary way to learn. It’s through risk that we begin to understand how to manage loss, how to truly celebrate victories—big or small—and how to develop patience as we wait for outcomes to unfold.

Risk teaches us resilience. It shows us our capacity to adapt, to pivot when plans don’t go as expected, and to move forward with greater clarity. It forces us to let go of what we can’t control while encouraging a deeper analysis of new opportunities. Through this process, we not only grow—we evolve.

For me, the biggest risks have opened the biggest doors and possibilities. If I hadn’t taken risks in my life, I would be living a much smaller life—one that doesn’t reflect who I truly am. I wouldn’t have pursued music as a singer. I wouldn’t have started to dance. I wouldn’t have studied energy work. I wouldn’t have found the courage to use my voice to inspire others. Risk has stoked the fires of my passion and propelled my personal growth. It’s not just worthwhile—it’s essential.

To navigate risk with more ease, I created a simple personal filter that has helped eliminate the anxiety often tied to decision-making: *“If it makes you happy and it’s healthy, say yes.”* This mantra reframes risk as something positive and empowering, and it works whether you’re making a quick decision or a long-term life change. With this mindset, I’ve grown more comfortable with taking big leaps because I trust myself to manage the outcomes with wisdom and care.

The truth is, if we avoid risk, we avoid growth. Even when we risk everything and it doesn’t work out, we gain something invaluable: knowledge. We learn what works, what doesn’t, and what truly matters to us. We grow our networks, deepen our sense of self, and strengthen our ability to rebuild. And when risk does pay off, the reward is often far greater than we imagined.

Risk demands hard work, patience, resilience, grace, and agility. But it also offers unmatched potential for transformation. In a world that will push us whether we’re ready or not, we may as well lean into the risks that align with our values—and trust ourselves to handle whatever comes next.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Currently, I wear many professional hats—and I wear them with pride and purpose. I am a Project Manager for Imaginology Kids, Director of Mewsic Education at Mewsic Moves, a Board Member for Angels Lyric Opera (Los Angeles), Soprano Section Leader with the LA Korean Musicians’ Association (LAKMA), a solo artist, and a music teacher specializing in voice, piano, and ukulele.

But the road to this robust and fulfilling professional life has not been easy. In fact, I never imagined life could flow this beautifully.

I grew up in Random Lake, Wisconsin—a town with fewer than 1,000 people. My childhood was marked by fear, abuse, and isolation. I was raised in a home that lacked love, warmth, and safety, and I was conditioned to believe that, as a woman, my future was limited to obedience and motherhood. I didn’t fit in, and I didn’t know how to build healthy relationships. The culture around me was deeply conservative, fearful of growth, difference, and individuality. None of it aligned with who I truly was.

Attending Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, was a major turning point. It was a steep learning curve—suddenly I was surrounded by more people, more freedom, and more expectations than I had ever experienced. At first, it was overwhelming, but gradually, I began to feel a sense of liberation. One of the most transformative aspects of college life was being immersed in diversity—of culture, thought, identity, and expression. It helped dismantle the fear I had been raised with around anything “different.” Instead of feeling threatened, I started to feel curious, open, and connected. I began to discover who I was underneath the conditioning, and that shift became foundational to my growth.

After college, I moved around the U.S., searching for a place and pace that felt aligned. That journey eventually led me back home out of family obligation, which proved unsustainable. In 2013, I made a bold move from Wisconsin to Ventura, California, and everything started to change.

I began teaching for Kindermusik with Katie, where I learned the foundations of child development through music. I also started offering private lessons in voice, piano, and ukulele and sang with the Santa Barbara Mission Choir. Very quickly, doors began to open and my career started to flourish. But in the fall of 2016, I became seriously ill—a physical manifestation of long-suppressed emotional and psychological pain. That moment forced me to stop, unravel, and rebuild.

In 2017, I joined a choral tour in Ireland that awakened something in me. I knew I was ready for more. The following year, I moved to Los Angeles. Within weeks, I was singing and teaching again. Just one month later, I performed at UCLA’s Royce Hall. I knew in my soul I was in the right place. Since then, I’ve created solo projects, taught students of all ages, and performed at major venues, including Walt Disney Concert Hall.

In 2021, I discovered a new creative passion: Latin dance. What started as a class quickly turned into a lifestyle. Within two months, I was performing with partner Ryan Smith. I was dancing over 25 hours a week—classes, private lessons, and social dancing. It became a new form of music and expression for me. Eventually, I became a certified Dance for All teacher, trained to teach developmental movement. I now have plans to choreograph and premiere a tango at Walt Disney Concert Hall, set to original music by my friend and composer Thiago Daw’ Nassif.

In January 2025, I experienced another life pivot when I resigned from a long-term education role. I was once again faced with uncertainty. Then I found Imaginology Kids—a perfect match. I stepped into a Project Manager role that aligned with my desire for leadership, creativity, and impact. Around the same time, I became Director of Mewsic Education at Mewsic Moves, a music therapy company focused on neurodivergent individuals and inclusive programming. Most recently, I joined the Board of Directors at Angels Lyric Opera as Director of Social Impact & Leadership Programs.

What I’ve Learned
My journey has taught me some powerful truths:

Take care of your health in every possible way—mental, emotional, physical, spiritual.

Life flows with alignment and a solid foundation.

Set standards, not expectations—it allows for flexibility and grace.

Let go of what no longer serves you so you can create space for what will.

If it makes you happy and it’s healthy, say yes.

If your yes isn’t enthusiastic, it’s not a real yes.

You are not defined by where you come from—you define yourself.

The deeper your inner world, the richer your life will be.

I am here in this world, with everywhere to go. My life is driven by curiosity, creativity, and service. Giving back to my friends, my communities, and the world is central to who I am. I aim to inspire, motivate, and guide—with music, movement, and truth. I am not invincible, but I am resilient—and full of love.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I absolutely love Los Angeles! It’s a city that constantly inspires me with its diversity, creativity, and energy. If I were showing someone around, here’s where I’d take them:

Venice Boardwalk – The people here are absolutely fantastic. It’s a vibrant, eclectic place where creativity and individuality shine. You never know what kind of magic you’ll stumble upon.

The Wellesbourne (Pico Blvd) – One of my favorite low-key spots for incredible drinks and cozy vibes. It feels like stepping into an old library-meets-lounge, perfect for great conversation.

The Getty Center – The views, the art, the architecture—it’s cultural beauty on another level. A must-see for inspiration and peace.

Downtown LA – Grand Central Market is a food lover’s dream. I’d pair that with a walking tour to take in iconic buildings like the **Walt Disney Concert Hall** and **The Broad Museum**. There’s so much history and design brilliance here.

Nightlife – For a fun night out, I love **Clifton’s Republic** in Downtown, **Harvelle’s** in Santa Monica for live music, and of course, some **salsa dancing** to keep the rhythm alive!

Koreatown & Sawtelle – These neighborhoods are full of authentic food, bold flavors, and cultural adventure. Perfect for anyone who wants to eat well and experience something real.

LA Arboretum – A magical, peaceful escape in nature. It’s perfect for a daytime recharge and a deep breath away from the city pace.

Hollyhock House at Barnsdall Park – This Frank Lloyd Wright gem is a design lover’s dream and the surrounding park offers one of the best views of the city.

You can find anything you want in Los Angeles!

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?
My story would not be what it is without the love I received as a child from my grandmother, Eveline Prange. Her warmth, strength, and spirit continue to guide me, even 20 years after her passing. In August 2024, I released a project in her honor—a tribute to the lasting impact she’s had on my life and creativity. [Watch here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgGliuabLYg)

Throughout my journey, I’ve been blessed with extraordinary people who have supported and uplifted me. My college best friend, Denise McAuley, has been a constant source of encouragement, kindness, and truth since 2005. She has always seen the best in me, often before I could see it in myself, and continues to push me to grow.

I am also deeply grateful to Yonatan Elkyam, a brilliant creative and dear friend, who introduced me to energy work. His insights and guidance have helped me integrate energy into both my art and my life, bringing a sense of calm and joy that continues to ground me.

As adults, my cousin Amy Maciolek and I have been building a beautiful relationship. She has shown me that healthy family connections are not impossible. Our shared love for our grandmother Eveline has created a meaningful foundation for us. Amy has quickly become a significant and cherished part of my life.

A special thank you to my incredible self-care team. My therapist has helped me uncover strength I never knew I had and guided me through tremendous personal growth. Dr. Rudy Patel and his outstanding chiropractic team have cared for me with dedication and compassion, helping me maintain the physical well-being necessary to keep doing what I love.

To all of my friends and supporters—you know who you are—thank you for walking with me through the highs and lows. Your love, encouragement, and presence mean the world to me. I’ve gone through so much, and I’ve grown because of you. I love my people, and I will always be grateful.

Instagram: @MissMusicNicole

Youtube: @UnboundLivingLove

Other: https://www.mewsicmoves.com/nicole-benson?srsltid=AfmBOoquhcDwSNsDuyKZgis2X22ZXrbQAEYx6v5LTLS68syffQRfZBju