We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nikki Berry a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nikki, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
My journey of being a singer started a long time ago as a little girl in Beaumont, Texas; but life changing events propelled me to pursue singing professionally. I began to realize that life was too short not to follow my dreams and passions. After hearing different confirming messages of honoring your gifts and properly using the time you have left on this earth; I decided it was my time to become a recording artist. I remember being in my kitchen one day and saying to my husband Derick Berry, “honey I’m going to record one song before this year is over”. Imagine his astonishment; because we only had six weeks left in 2016! I didn’t know how I would do it or even where I would record; but it didn’t matter, I was determined and sure it would happen. The belief I had in God and myself pushed me to record not only one song but three and I released my first EP “Nikki Berry The Intro” March 2017. I just celebrated my five year anniversary of being a recording artist!
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?
Nikki Berry is an inspirational singer, recording artist, songwriter, actress and author who began her musical journey in Beaumont Texas. She began writing music in 2008 after experiencing some difficult times in her life. Her music encouraged her to push through and never stop trusting in God; so she decided it was time to encourage others!
The development of her unique style is the result of a lifetime of musical influence. Growing up in church as an active choir member and worship leader; meant Nikki was always surrounded by Christian music. She is a graduate of Prairie View A&M University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. She also received her Associate of Theology degree from the Koinonia Theological College in 2020.
God has given her a gift to write and sing; so she has decided to honor God and pursue her calling! Nikki Berry released her first debut project “Journey To Restoration,” with her first two singles hitting Billboard’s top Indicator and Sales Charts. In 2020 she was considered for 3-Stellar Awards, nominated for 6-Rhythm of Gospel Awards, 3-Kingdom Image Awards, 3-Gospel Choice Music Awards, 2-Gospel Image Awards, & received a Texas Music of Excellence Award for Best Female Soloist. Nikki’s new single “Grace & Mercy” was released April 9, 2022 and is quickly rising to the top of the Billboard charts. She released her first book entitled; Journey To Restoration: 40 Day Prayer Journal, in January 2021. The book was an Amazon Hot New Release Best Seller at #3. The book has launched her motivational speaking career bringing the Importance of prayer to people all around the world. Her candle line, The Restoration Line of Candles, is encouraging prayer, meditation, healing and relaxation; sparking a complete Journey To Restoration Experience! Her acting career is also flourishing; being cast in two live theater productions, upcoming movies, and television drama series. Nikki will be hosting her first conference the summer of 2022 entitled “Restoration Weekend” at the Woodlands Resort outside of Houston, Tx.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspects of being an artist for me is the personal positive impact my work has brought to the lives of others. When I realized that my artistry was bigger than me, it really changed the game for me. People were waiting on what I had to offer and they have shared how the songs & book encouraged them during difficult times. The testimony’s I’ve heard from how the single “Restore” spiritually lifted someone out of depression, to how the single ” Higher” pushed people to a higher way of thinking and being, to how the book was a journey of healing are the greatest rewards. My mission is to encourage and inspire people; so to witness those things happening is a priceless reward to me.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Yes Indeed! The book “Go Big Or Go Home” by: Bishop Leroy J Woodard Jr.; who is also my Pastor, pushed me to think bigger and trust God for the abundant things that I can’t even see or imagine. Bishop T.D. Jakes has encouraged me through several books; but I’d have to say “Don’t Drop The Mic” has impacted my business the most. It left me with a call to action to never forfeit my assignment; which is to deliver a message of hope, healing & encouragement through my voice. Lastly; the book “Find Your Tribe & Break Bread” by Latasha Weatherspoon-Bailey, guided me to evaluate my circle and evolve in such a way that has truly allowed me to enjoy the fruits of my labor with my amazing team!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nikkiberrymusic.com
- Instagram: @nikkiberrymusic & @therestorationline
- Facebook: @nikkiberrymusic
- Twitter: @nikkiberrymusic
- Youtube: @nikkiberrymusic
- Other: TikTok: @nikkiberrymusic
Image Credits
Edward Daniel Ferguson (Early Hue Production) Kerry Joseph (Magic Touch Photography)