We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicolea Pettis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Nicolea thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I’ve always had a deep passion for the creative and artistic world, even though I initially shied away from pursuing it as a full-time profession. The hesitation stemmed from witnessing the struggles and financial instability that often come with a creative career. Instead, I chose the corporate path, securing a steady job while nurturing my artistic side by taking dance and acting classes, and performing when I could squeeze it into my busy work schedule.

During my years in the corporate world, I achieved success and enjoyed a comfortable salary. However, the more I climbed the corporate ladder, the more I realized that I was paying a high price for it. The stress, anxiety, and growing sense of discontent and unfulfillment were taking a toll on my well-being. It was a pivotal moment when I was unexpectedly let go from a job, I had dedicated nine years to. At first, I saw it as an opportunity to take a short break and recalibrate before re-entering the workforce. Little did I know that this break would reveal a profound truth about my true calling.

As I started looking for new job opportunities, I was met with a wave of anxiety and even physical symptoms like heart palpitations whenever I read job descriptions or submitted applications. It was as if my body was sending me a clear message, telling me that the traditional corporate path was no longer right for me. It was during this period of uncertainty and self-discovery that I had a revelation. I asked myself, “How far could I go if I wholeheartedly dedicated myself to my art, instead of just part-time?”

That moment of clarity was the turning point in my life. I recognized that my passion for the arts ran so deep that it couldn’t be confined to just a part-time endeavor. The undeniable urge to make a significant change in my life became apparent, and my body’s response was a testament to the urgency of this decision. It was time to shift my focus from the corporate world to the world of creativity.

Embracing this new path was not without its challenges, but I was willing to face them head-on because I had found my true calling. As I embarked on my journey as a full-time artist, I realized that the fulfillment and sense of purpose it brought me far outweighed the financial security of my previous corporate career.

In hindsight, I can see that my journey from corporate success to pursuing a creative and artistic path professionally was a profound transformation. It was a leap of faith driven by a deep-seated passion that had always been within me but was initially overshadowed by the fear of uncertainty. Today, I’m living proof that following your heart and pursuing your true calling can lead to a life that is not only creatively fulfilling but also personally rewarding beyond measure.

Nicolea, 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?

I am a professional dancer, teacher, choreographer, and actor, specializing in Brasilian Samba and traditional Afro-Brasilian dance. My journey into this world of dance and culture has been deeply rooted in my upbringing and a transformative experience that led me to discover not only my passion but also my mission.

Growing up, I was surrounded by the arts, thanks to my mother’s role as a dancer, choreographer, and actor. It was an environment that nurtured my artistic spirit, but my true immersion into this world began when I became an adult and could afford to take dance classes more consistently. My initial foray into Brasilian dance, however, was sparked by a desire to explore the world and venture beyond my comfort zone.

The spark for my immersion into Brasilian culture was an unforeseen opportunity. I learned that a friend of a friend was going to Brasil to participate in Carnaval, and I asked if I could join them. With just six short weeks to prepare, I threw myself into rigorous practice sessions, determined not to misrepresent the nationally revered dance form, Samba. The stakes were high because I had previously researched Brasil in my academic pursuits and understood the cultural significance of Samba. As I practiced relentlessly, I was not only preparing for Carnaval but also embarking on a profound personal journey.

Brasil welcomed me with open arms, unveiling its breathtaking beauty and rich cultural tapestry. Yet, what struck me most profoundly was the way my own sense of identity and beauty was affirmed in a way I had never experienced before. Brasil, with its sizable Afro-Brasilian population, served as a powerful affirmation of my own Blackness and beauty. This transformative experience ignited a fire within me, and I returned to the United States with a newfound sense of purpose.

I continued my training, delving deeper into the culture, history, and intricacies of Brasilian dance. Eventually, I achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the title of Samba Queen USA. But my mission was not confined to personal achievements; it was about sharing the life-changing lessons and empowerment I had gained through Samba and Afro-Brasilian dance.

In 2019, I took the next step in my journey by becoming a dance teacher. While I teach the technical aspects of Samba, my primary focus is on imparting essential life lessons to my students. I want them to understand that Samba is not just a dance; it’s a mirror through which they can discover and embrace their inner beauty, culture, and presence in the world. Through the rhythm of the music and the movements of the dance, I strive to instill in my students a profound sense of self-respect, respect for others, and unwavering confidence.

What sets my work apart is not just the technical proficiency but the transformative power of dance. I am most proud of the countless individuals I have had the privilege to inspire and empower through my teachings and performances. My work is a celebration of diversity, culture, and self-discovery, and I am committed to helping others find their own path to self-assurance and connection through the art of dance.

In essence, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that when they engage with me and my brand, they are not merely learning to dance; they are embarking on a journey of self-discovery and self-affirmation. Samba and Afro-Brasilian dance have the capacity to transform lives, fostering a deeper connection with one’s own beauty and heritage no matter where you come from. It is my mission to continue spreading this message of empowerment, culture, and inner beauty through the power of dance

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

While I’ve shared the charming aspects of my artistic journey, I want to emphasize that pursuing your passion is far from a seamless, carefree ride. It’s not always a picturesque landscape of roses and rainbows; rather, it’s often marked by moments of doubt, uncertainty, feeling overlooked, and grappling with the nagging sense of not being good enough. The true measure of resilience becomes evident when you navigate through these challenges.

In the world of artistic pursuits, especially in the dance and performance industry, the terrain can be treacherous. As you strive to grow and gain recognition, you encounter situations that test your resolve. I’ve had my share of trials that put my resilience to the test, and although I don’t have a single defining story, I can provide an overview that underscores the tenacity required to forge ahead.

One of the harsh realities of this business is the cutthroat competition. As you begin to gain popularity, win competitions, secure awards or coveted jobs, you may find yourself in the crosshairs of those who will stop at nothing to advance their own interests. I’ve personally witnessed individuals resorting to dishonesty, spreading malicious rumors, and orchestrating schemes to undermine my opportunities, all with the aim of securing a desired gig at my expense. Additionally, I’ve faced situations that were emotionally challenging, such as being selected to help facilitate an audition only to find myself passed over for the job I had contributed to.

There have been countless moments when the financial strain of this career path has tempted me to throw in the towel. The pressure to make ends meet, coupled with the unpredictable nature of artistic work, can be overwhelming.

But what keeps me going, even in the face of adversity, is an unwavering commitment to staying true to myself and the core reasons why I embarked on this journey. It’s about more than just dance or performance; it’s a deeply rooted passion and a calling to share the transformative power of art with others. It’s a mission to honor the ancestors that created this artform as a way of resistance and strength; to empower themselves through tragic life experiences. My mission extends beyond personal gain; it’s about uplifting and empowering individuals through the beauty of dance and culture.

So, while the path may be challenging, and the obstacles may seem insurmountable at times, I draw strength from my own resilience and the meaningful impact I can have on others. It’s a constant reminder that the journey to pursuing one’s passion is not about the absence of challenges but about the determination to overcome them, fueled by a profound sense of purpose. In every setback, I find the motivation to push forward and continue dancing to the rhythm of my own heart.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

It is important to have an entrepreneurial mindset as an artist. Balancing the creative aspects of your work with the administrative and business side can be a challenging yet necessary endeavor. Drawing from my corporate background and current pursuit of a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Cal State University Long Beach I have come across some books that have helped me in managing the business of the arts.

One book that has significantly influenced my management skills is “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. Despite its somewhat manipulative-sounding title, this classic book is all about building genuine connections and fostering positive relationships. This is a particularly valuable resource for artists who, like me, may occasionally grapple with social anxiety when not performing. Learning the principles outlined in this book can help artists connect with people on a deeper level, both personally and professionally. It’s a valuable skillset to have in the industry, where networking and building meaningful relationships can open doors to new opportunities.

Another book I highly recommend is “The Entrepreneurial Artist: Lessons from Highly Successful Creatives” by Aaron Dworkin. This book is a practical guide to achieving artistic fulfillment, both personally and professionally. Dworkin interviews successful creatives from a variety of performing arts disciplines, including music, dance, theater, and film, to learn about their entrepreneurial journeys. He then distills their insights into actionable advice for readers. One of the things that makes this book so valuable is that it is tailored specifically to the needs of artists. Dworkin understands that artists have unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to entrepreneurship. He addresses these challenges head-on and provides concrete strategies for overcoming them.

Contact Info:

• Website: NicoleaPettis.com
• Instagram: @Nicolea.Pettis
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolea.pettis/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nicoleapettis

Image Credits
Gia Trovela Photography Tyler Baker Photography Fara Sosa Photography