Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Jocleen

Hi Nicole, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

You know how singers say they started singing when they were 3 or 4 years old, and it sounds crazy. Well, I’ve been telling stories since at least 8 or 9 years old. My original writing form was script. My older brother was involved in a neighborhood dispute that led to what felt like a witch hunt. In my adolescent mind I was like this feels like a movie. So, I decided to turn it into one. I wrote about five pages before moving on to something else.
That something else turned into writing my first poem in the eighth grade, submitting it to an online competition, and being selected. I was so shocked and confused at my selection that I stopped writing poetry.
Also, around that time I began writing into my favorite magazine, Word Up!. The first time I wrote them they printed it in their letters to the editor section. I thought it was a fluke. The second time I wrote them they printed it again then I got scared. I figured I must be the only child writing in. I stopped writing but I continued to tell stories orally to my best friend. She would request that I tell her a story and I would tell her one at the drop of a dime.
I eventually ended up obtaining a journalism degree and receiving the 2023 Great Plains Journalism Award for Lifestyle Writing. I submitted and was honored when my poem was selected to be a part of Kevin Powell’s Writing Workshop anthology alongside Nikki Giovanni. I self-published 5 books. With Devoted Media Group, I have written and produced over fifteen films (web series, short, feature).

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

I am an African American woman living in Oklahoma. Creatively that has not been easy. Many stories have came out of Oklahoma but very few have reflected the African American experience. That is what fuels me but it also puts me in the category of FIRST. When you’re the first people rarely understand the vision and therefore are hesitant about putting money and resources behind your vision.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

Telling Oklahoma stories is my brand. I’ve used journalism and filmmaking to do so. I’ve been able to tell the casual dating story, the indie hip hop story, the advocacy story, and the black Cowboy story. I wear the heart of Oklahoma on my sleeve and I will always use my talents to make sure that our narrative is seen and heard.

What do you like and dislike about the city?

My city is visually stunning. A lot of effort has gone into the beautification of Oklahoma City. We’re constantly evolving. The opportunities that are available now weren’t here 10 years ago. I used to feel like I had to move to accomplish my goals. Now I feel like whatever I want to do I can do it in Oklahoma.

Pricing:

• https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dont-be-afraid-of-men-and-their-faces-shayla-monroe/1136009669

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ridinglegacyfilms.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolejocleen?igsh=MWRxNXJqdTd5MWF0YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@devotedmediagroup?si=fCiLw6GvAj99Kwuw
• Other: https://cookieboyd.com/