We were lucky to catch up with Nia Vines recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Nia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I’ve always been a gifted artist but I never had the confidence growing up. I’d long to be onstage but would be scared to even audition. My first production was in middle school, my teachers advised me to audition and I ended up as the Scarecrow in the Wiz. I immediately fell in love with performing and knew this was the path I was going to take.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Nia Vines and I am a Multi Hyphenate artist. Growing up in Columbus, Ohio I was always around performers. I remember my first job ever was being a Jazz Fellow at the Lincoln Theatre. I grew my confidence singing with a talented group of artists, from there I graduated High School and moved to Chicago to attend Columbia College Chicago. I studied Musical Theatre and Film. My College Experience really helped shape me into the artist I am today.

While facing adversity in the acting world I started to take on new ventures, Directing, Makeup and Costume Design. I knew I was great in front of the camera but a beast behind the camera. Every time I was on set I’d have other actors ask me to help them with their hair, makeup, and wardrobe so that quickly became something that I wanted to add to my arsenal of gifts. I then became an Esthetician and started doing SFX makeup for film/theatre. This really helped me to network and get myself out there. I started costume for Theatre about 2 years ago with Perceptions Theatre, but I started sewing at a young age. My Grandmother Virginia Rollins was a seamstress, she’s taught me so much and I’ve been blessed to be able to share that with others. Costume is probably my favorite thing to do currently.

I got my start at Directing in 2018 at the Chicago Actors Studio, and since then I’ve been Directing and doing Costume Design with Perceptions Theatre. I’m currently a working Actor signed to Dream Team Talent Agency. I really love all that I do and wouldn’t change it for anything in the world, to be able to create for a living is the Dream.

I think being a person with many hats can be challenging at times, trying to navigate what works and what doesn’t. having people ask you “do you think you can do all of that and still be successful” but honestly I think that’s the beauty of it all. I can do all things through Christ that Strengthens me and I’m proof that it can be done. I’m literally doing everything I’ve always wanted. I’m not one thing, and that’s ok! when you see my work it will speak for itself and you’ll see why I choose to label myself as such.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I had a very tumultuous upbringing until I was adopted and that took a toll on my confidence. I use to draw to escape my reality. I remember being shy and timid but whenever I hit the stage all of that went away. I felt seen, heard even. Everything I went through has really molded me into a force to be reckoned with. Sometimes I sit back and think about the what ifs but honestly this journey wouldn’t have been so sweet had I not gone through what I have. as long as I keep going I’m going to make it! that’s resilience!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn that everything is not meant for me. I can be amazing, even the most qualified, but if it’s not meant for me for, then it’s just that. I’ve learned to move on quickly and not expect anything. God will provide in due time.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nia.iam/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nia-vines-5a425084/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClO4DHsH4vtWJzXvB32NRnw

Image Credits

Jabari Khaliq
Brin Hill
Sammy Sutter
Lauren Littlejohn
EJLvisuals