We were lucky to catch up with Nikki Banner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nikki , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

In high school, I was certain about my desire to pursue an artistic path. At the age of 17, I flew to Los Angeles with my parents to participate in an acting and modeling competition. I performed a monologue and walked the runway for agencies to potentially sign with. I receieved 16 callbacks from various industry professionals, all echoing a similar sentiment. The unanimous advice was clear: to fully embrace this opportunity, I would have to be homeschooled, relocate to Los Angeles, and bypass the traditional college route. However, my parents, at the time, were strong advocates for giving the conventional educational path a chance. I clung to my passion, maintaining one foot in the artistic realm throughout my college years. Looking back, I can’t help but wish I had told my younger self to navigate things differently. I didn’t understand at the time the importance of seizing the opportunity without reservations. Growing up in an environment where the emphasis on attending prestigious schools and securing a conventional 9-5 job prevailed, I now recognize that challenging societal norms and pursuing my passion earlier would have aligned more authentically with my life purpose. I made a commitment to myself that after I graduated, I would wholeheartedly pursue my passion and create my own wave. That is exactly what I did and now here I am:)

Nikki , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

After transferring from the University of Maryland to FAU, I signed with a modeling agency in Miami in 2015. Apart from modeling gigs, I started with music videos then I tried doing background work for movies that were filmed in Florida to see if I enjoyed being on set. I loved it. It was another whole world that I had not expereinced before. I went to a casting to be in the opening scene for Entourage the movie. They ended up using photos they took of me in the scene and the resulting image was featured on every actors social media for promotions for the movie. I started Djing and playing at exclusive private events such as CMA and playing for fashion brands like Armani. Which let me to interviewing artists and hosting at music festivals. The possibilities are limitless.

Post covid, I moved out to California in 2021. Within a few months, I joined the union and embraced a full-time career as a working actor. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities that continue to unfold on this extraordinary path.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My best advice is to put the same content you choose to share to 1 person than you would to 1000. Social media is an illusion. It’s not always a numbers game and it basically your portfolio. So, ask yourself what you want someone to know about you that finds you today. Be consistent and don’t get discouraged because of not receiving enough likes. Social media isn’t really about likes anymore. I would rather follow someone with 1000 followers who is entertaining with good-quality content and isn’t posting just to hit a million subscribers. Or maybe that person with a unique talent. Also, don’t be afraid to share. If you enjoy it post it!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The beauty of this career is the constant variety—no two days are alike. The fast-paced nature of the industry ensures that you never know what might be thrown at you next. Working with a diverse array of individuals adds an extra layer of excitement. You might meet someone one year and find yourself collaborating on a different project a few years later. Witnessing worlds collide and the unexpected connections that unfold keep things exciting.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikki
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/nicolerileyb
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-banner-11233a73/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamnikkibanner
• Other: www.tiktok.com/nikkibanner