Meet Nicole Casaletto | Comedian and Photographer

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

Hi Nicole, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
I am not one of those people who sets a 5am alarm, or has a habit of making the bed every single day without fail. That may work wonders for some people, but I hate mornings.

I just started my career in comedy, and have also been running a professional photography business for years – all while participating in two book clubs, socializing with friends, and having a full time job. To do all of that, you’d think I was on some sort of strict regime (honestly when I say it all out loud, it sounds like a lot!). I’m also completing a marathon in all 50 states and training for state number 29 right now, which is in Kansas, in October. I’m a slow runner, and have even come in last before, so sometimes it’s hard to get the motivation to work it into my schedule.

So for me, my habits focus on two things: organization, and learning to accept limitations.

Learning to accept limitations, listen to your body, and accept that sometimes you can’t do it all and you’re going to fail (and that’s ok!), is integral. My habits for this focus around daily positive self talk. I’m still learning how to over-ride the negative thoughts when a comedy set bombs at an open mic, or when I skip a workout. But I’m learning that how we talk to ourselves on a daily basis is important. For some people, they could have a mantra or statement they say each day, for me it’s just a gentle habit of recognizing what I’ve done and accomplished, to focus on the positive. It sounds cliché. It is cliché. And had I just initially accepted the cliché, I could have saved a lot of time on therapy.

My second habit is organization. Every day I look at my calendar, and check in with myself. My full time job comes first – I’m supporting myself, and need to stay on top of my responsibilities. From there, I look at what’s ahead for the day, week, and month. I review my comedy plans for the week – what open mics am I doing, or do I want to add? I review my photography schedule – what clients do I need to respond to, what galleries are still in the process of being edited? And then all the rest – where am I with the books in both book clubs, what friends do I have plans with this week, what is my workout schedule like? I put everything on the calendar – even if it’s a “maybe.” This habit keeps me prepared and from over-doing it.

And then of course some nights after work, I may cancel a workout and just sit on the couch and watch episodes of Schitt’s Creek, instead. Cue in the “positive self talk” of accepting limitations and not having to do it all, every single day. Rest – both physical and mental – is important.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For my photography, I took a lot of online classes, and did a lot of trial and error. I just never gave up. My organization and customer service sets me apart. I strive to over-deliver on my skills and promises to clients, and give each session 100%.

For my comedy, I use my own life experiences. I came in last place at a marathon, so I did a set about it. I sat next to a guy on the plane who vaped weed during take off. So I did a set about it. I’ve worked out in L.A. as a “non-skinny” person and had condescending comments made to me, so I did a set about that. I made a list of where to meet men, specifically tried at Home Depot, and it failed. Another opportunity for laughter. I asked my mom “If I do a 23 And Me test if there, will there be any surprises?” and was met with complete silence before some shocking news. So I did a set about it.

I love doing material that is relatable, and makes us laugh about life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have a few favorites! For sure The Hollywood Bowl, The Getty, Cinespia for a movie in the cemetery, the Hollywood Sign Hike, The Crow Comedy in Santa Monica for a comedy show, and biking along the ocean path through the Strand from Playa Del Rey all the way to Hermosa Beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people! I have an incredibly supportive friend base. I have anxiety and self doubt, and I don’t think I’d have broken through those fears without help from others. My best friend Nicolette is my main go-to person that I can say anything to, just be myself, vent, and if needed get wonderful and logical advice from.

Here in L.A., I have been fortune enough to find an amazing group of friends who have supported my start of comedy from the very beginning. I had no idea what I was doing, just went for it, and they were there in the front row, cheering me on with huge smiles. And continue to be there. My friends Mariah, Agatha, Alfonso, Devon, Sara, Angie, Mai, Natalia, Carl, Dave, Zeke, Ashley, and Zach.

I saved a special mention for Kelly Shanley, another location comedian. She is funny, and a wonderfully nice genuine person. I mustered up the guts to approach her, after going to one of her comedy shows. I told her I was interested in starting stand up, and asked if she had any advice. She invited me to a feedback open mic, and has been a friend and mentor since day one.

Combine all of that with The Crow Comedy in Santa Monica, and it’s a perfect storm for awesomeness. Nicole Blaine started The Crow last summer and it’s such a cool venue. Free parking, cool shows, and part of the community. Going to the Boy’s Drool Mics on Tuesdays is where I feel safest to practice new material. I’ve even gotten to host the open mic a few times! It’s an open mic for female and nonbinary comedians on the main stage. I also took Standup 101 and Standup 201 at The Crow and credit those classes, lead by Nicole Blaine, to laying a foundation of standup comedy for me.

Website: https://casalettocomedy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole.casaletto/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NicoleCasaletto