I was sitting along with a few other crew members during a casting call for a web-series and in walks a dancer and model that I had been following on Facebook for about two years. I have an appreciation for dance. I took ballet, tap and gymnastics until I was 13 years old. So, there has always been an affinity there. I wish I had stuck with it but art and theater took over. Anyway, back to the dancer/model that walked in. She had a vibrant smile, strong but gentle presence. After doing well with her audition she was cast. We built a rapport on set together and we wanted to continue that off set as well. Working out and being healthy was one of the many things we talked about aside from the entertainment industry. But due to my torn muscle in my ankle, I couldn't workout with her like we planned.
However, over the past year and half we've been able to connect more. Her acting is thriving and it's beautiful to see. I love seeing that a shapely and broad shaped woman is being casted the way she is. Her shape is familiar to me because I have broad shoulders myself and when I was taking gymnastics my muscles were built especially in my legs and shoulders. It was great for gymnastics but I wasn't lean enough for ballet. I developed an insecurity over it when I was younger. But seeing her made me proud. I wondered how did she embrace her body structure the way she did. And with acting you typically are suppose to be "small/lean with curves" but she isn't and I love seeing that. Who is her or she?...she is Nikki LaShae.
Nikki LaShae is a talented stage and screen actress. She has an extensive professional background in dance, modeling and presenting. Theatrically, Nikki has caught the attention of both the national and international media with her exquisite and stellar performances and has been casted in a few major films for her talent of dance. Although it's her latest project "Le Vie De Magnifique De Charlie" that has been officially selected for
the 2017 BronzeLens Film Festival in Atlanta and it was also named on the "must-see" list for Shadow and Act - that's bringing a much needed spotlight.
As a model, she's graced many renowned fashion publications worldwide. With such natural beauty, a vibrant personality and charm, Nikki is a natural for presenting/hosting live and recorded ceremonies and events. I have really enjoyed getting to know Nikki more and more. And this Q&A was just the excuse I needed to get to know more about her...checkout it out below!
Q & A
1. Were you named after someone?
No, 2. Are you originally from Atlanta? Originally, from Jackson, MS. 3. What or Who inspired you?
My grandma! She has been the most pure example of love and strength I have ever witnessed! As a double amputee and mother of 10 children, tending to her garden and cooking full Thanksgiving dinners. Her spirit of independence and perseverance have been paramount in my life. 4. You mentioned that you didn't grow up in an environment that really supported your passion for the performing arts. How did you get involved with it and where did you get your support from or how did you stay encouraged? I started as a classical musician, I had this natural interest in becoming a musician and chose the clarinet because all the girls chose that instrument lol. I really wanted to play the drums. I taught myself guitar and piano. I later wanted to study dance but didn't have that support so I began studying online-the terms and watching quicktime videos. I got my first job at Wendy's then began paying for my own ballet classes and my mom would let me drive her car there. I was a very self-motivated child. I think that in a way, it was me reinventing my world. My home life wasn't easy, peaceful, or happy. So I immersed myself in things that made me feel free. Acting is the most free I've ever felt. 5. So, you said you learned to play a few instruments. What do you play and do you still play them to this day ?
I play piano, guitar, and clarinet. I've fallen off but have this desire to repair that broken relationship lol.
6. What has been the hardest part of your journey so far?
The hardest part of my journey has been self-doubt. Lack of confidence will kill your creative spirit and dumb down your ability. Once I overcame that, I began to shine! Now, the challenges are maybe being a shapely woman of color. You get categorized, but it lights such a fire in you to be undeniable, I can't help but thank them for it. 7. What would you tell your younger self when it comes to where you are now in life?
You are more than enough. Everything you need is already inside you. Everything you want wants you too and is waiting for you to see that. Choose you, babygirl-first and foremost.
8. What do you want to be known for?
Being an AMAZING actress (storyteller).
9. Describe your ideal role, genre and film?
My ideal role is playing a character in a sci-fi/action film that instills lessons within that context. It'll be interesting, engaging, and leave a positive impression...it'll make people THINK.
10. You also mentioned that you are loving this movement or mind set that women are evolving into lately. Can you tell me more about it?
I'm loving the growth I see in the "sisterhood" movement. Women, especially women of color, are loving themselves more as how they are naturally. Women in general are growing out of the confines of society of looking or behaving a certain way.
11. What's one piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to purse a career in the performing arts?
Know WHY you are doing this before you get into it. Make sure you are firmly rooted in WHO you are so you don't get lost in what's not important. Understand that every script you get is somebody's story and you shouldn't take that for granted.
Now for some fun questions.
12. How would you describe your fashion style?
Sexy, eclectic, ethnic.
13. What do you do to relax after modeling/filming?
I have a nice red wine, turn on netflix, or enjoy laughs with good friends.
14. What is a must have item for you when on set ( modeling or film)?
MUST-HAVE my music! Music is a good tool for me when my mind is busy and I need to settle emotionally. Also, there's so much going on on set, it protects my "space".
You can follow Nikki on instagram @nikkilashaedotcom
twitter @nikkilashae or nikkilashae@gmail.com
"You get categorized, but it lights such a fire in you to be undeniable, I can't help but thank them for it." - NIKKI LASHAE