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

Hi Nicole, how do you think about risk?
Any successful person or business takes risk at some point. Taking a risk usually means doing something that hasn’t been done before, which means no one knows if it will work. No ground-breaking ideas, businesses, or art were created by staying safe, doing what everyone else is doing, and-or following the crowd. Risk doesn’t always mean success, sometimes it can mean failure, but even failure is temporary if you keep going.

Risks are part of my life everyday when it comes to choreographing and dance. Every time I put my craft out for the public eye I am setting myself up for people to have an open opinion on what I am doing. Unfortunately not all opinions are positive, and that’s okay because I have created a fan base that loves what I do and supports my creativity. Taking risks in my life and career have lead me to a variety of opportunities and success in addition to many moments of growth and self reflection. Bottom line, if you don’t take the risk you’ll never know what could have been.

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.
My art is like no other, I like to be different and stand out. I am not afraid to take risks and wear my heart on my sleeve. It’s hard to pick an accomplishment I am most proud of when blessed with a career that started off like mine. Working with Prince was a dream come true and an experience I will carry close to my heart forever. To not only work with but alongside such a talented, creative, and different artist inspired and motivated me to never hold back with my own creations. That’s what got me to where I am today, taking risks and never holding back. It was definitely not an easy journey but if I could go back I would not change one thing about my experience. With success comes challenge which is why it is so important to have a strong mind and work ethic in addition to self discipline and a structured support system and environment around you. I’ve learned a lot so far and look forward to always continue learning more and would like to say to all of the future aspiring creatives one of the biggest lessons to learn early is to be confident in yourself and your art, if you do not believe in yourself or your work how can others? The most important thing to know is to stay true to your art and yourself because our art is a reflection of ourselves that lives on forever.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First thing’s first breakfast at Blu Jam Cafe so we can get the crunchy French toast and French pressed coffee followed by some shopping on Melrose and Fairfax, can’t forget to stop in Weho with their unlimited supply of cute stores. If it’s a Sunday I am definitely taking us to the Fairfax flea market and then the beach for some fun in the sun followed by some yummy sushi for lunch at Nobu. Sunsets are gorgeous out here so I’ll drive us up to the hills to a nice view to relax by before dinner. We can finish off the night with Korean BBQ at Ayce Gogi and then burn off some calories at a dance class. The night’s not over yet, after class we’ll hit up a hookah lounge with some friends to wind down and end the evening. After a day like that you’ll be ready to hit the hay!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would dedicate my shout out to my younger sister, Natalie Kirkland. She has been my amazing support system my entire life and has never turned her back on me. I can always go to her for advice, love and support and she’s there with open arms ready to back up my dreams and ideas. I am very lucky to have someone from my own family with me on this journey, and I wouldn’t have it any other way, thanks Nat!

Website: Www.nicoleashleekirkland.com

Instagram: @nicolekirkland

Youtube: Www.YouTube.com/nicolekirkland

Image Credits
Photographs taken by Alissa Rose

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