Some people sit and wait for an opportunity to be given to them, while others get up and make their own. Chicago native Nekia Nichelle is nothing if not a go-getter determined to make her way.
She has made her mark as an entertainment/lifestyle reporter, TV host, and pop culture commentator featured on TV ONE, TMZ, Yahoo! News, NewsNation Now, and ABC/FOX/NBC/CBS affiliates; Nekia has turned her attention to building her brand, Her self-run YouTube channel features everything entertainment & lifestyle and has garnered more than 5 million views thus far. With the addition of The N Brand and her Just N Life podcast, it’s evident that Nekia is looking to make an indelible mark on the world of entertainment media.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the media mogul in the making to discuss her brand, what drives her, and her best advice to young media professionals.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Nekia Nichelle?
Nekia Nichelle: Nekia Nichelle, over the years, has developed into more than just a media personality; it is now a brand. After spending several years covering lifestyle and entertainment content, I’m working on creating a digital media empire.
What did you imagine you’d do for a living as a child when you got older?
Interestingly enough, when I think back to childhood, I do not believe I ever had a clear direction. It wasn’t until 2005 that I understood what I wanted to do.
How did you find your way into the world of media?
It all started when I was younger and attending concerts, immersing myself in the entertainment industry. Although I loved being a part of that space, I felt the desire to enter it in a more professional capacity. While living in Orlando, Florida, I knew that my time there was coming to an end, and I found myself repeatedly saying, “I just want to be able to interview celebrities on my platform,” without any clear plan of how to make it happen or what equipment I needed. However, I held onto the spark of that dream. When I eventually moved back to Chicago, fate led me to someone with the necessary equipment, and we created our platform together. This was the beginning of my journey, during which I had the opportunity to interview various celebrities, including Nelly, Angela Bassett, Queen Latifah, Shaq, and the late Donna Summer.
After a couple of years, our partnership ended, leaving me at a crossroads. I had to decide whether to continue pursuing my media passion or take a safer career path. I chose to follow my passion. Once I branched out on my own, I had the opportunity to work in radio as a Traffic Reporter, do lifestyle segments on TV, and make guest appearances on national TV shows. Through persistence, I built Nekia Nichelle into what it is today.
Tell us about your platform and brand, NekiaNichelle.com.
NekiaNichelle.com is the parent company for JustNLife.com, a new online platform offering readers a unique experience by combining entertainment, lifestyle, and inspiration. JustNLife.com is dedicated to providing engaging, fun, and uplifting content that resonates with readers, covering many topics, including personal development, health and wellness, relationships, travel, and more. Additionally, as a digital media outlet, JustNLife.com is committed to inspiring readers to live their best lives, focusing on positive and empowering stories.
In addition to its online content, JustNLife.com offers the Just N Life podcast, which delves deeper into the topics and stories that matter most to readers. As I embark on my Nekia 2.0 era, I have launched The N Brand on NekiaNichelle.com to help others establish a solid online presence and teach aspiring media personalities how to land celebrity interviews with style. At The N Brand, we believe everyone has a unique story. We are passionate about helping individuals bring their stories to life through innovative branding and marketing strategies.
After years of grinding it out as a news anchor and traffic reporter, can you talk about what went into your decision to create your own platform?
After spending more than a decade working the nonstop grind of early mornings and late nights, (all with a constant smile on my face) to fulfill a goal of becoming a national TV host, I was tired AF. My requests for a seat at the table were met with resounding “NOs!” Did I give up on that dream? No way! I ask questions for a living. Some questions are lighthearted (like when I asked Amy Schumer whether she had any alcohol at the beginning of our interview). But I needed to turn my hard-hitting questions inward. I asked myself why I was feeling discouraged. Was it because of societal pressures that made me feel like I hadn’t “made it” by a certain age? And, of course, the constant refrain in my head kept asking, “WHEN WILL I MAKE IT NATIONALLY?” I found my answer after listening to Louise Hay’s Experience Your Good Now. It wasn’t my circumstances that needed to change. It was my mindset. Instead of looking for a seat at the table, I needed to create my own damn dining set!
What is a typical day like for you in running your business?
Whew… chaotic. Much is spent at a computer writing emails, researching, planning the following interview or TV appearance, checking on staff members/interns, and writing proposals. Sometimes I forget or don’t even have time to eat. Running a business is hard! I need help but don’t always have the capital or the voice to express that need. But, although there are hard times, I’m confident things will get easier.
What are some of your unique struggles as a black woman in your industry?
As a member of two oppressed minority groups, I feel there is no margin for mediocrity or error. It’s frustrating when studios deny me an interview with a high-profile white actor because I am a black journalist. Even if I have a significant white audience, I am automatically disqualified from the opportunity because of my skin color. It’s disheartening when you realize how society operates, and there have been times when I’ve shed tears over it. However, I believe this realization fuels my determination to succeed. It motivates me to demonstrate to myself and others that I can still achieve my goals despite the lack of support and respect.
Are there any big misconceptions about the media or entertainment industry that you wish people knew about?
Definitely! I have quite a few points on this topic…haha. However, I think the central problem lies within the media industry. There’s a widespread misconception that you require a substantial platform to kick-start your career. But that’s entirely untrue! While having a more prominent platform can boost your visibility and provide access, you can initiate anything you desire now. All you need to do is take that first step and begin. Thanks to platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and WordPress, you have access to all the necessary tools.
How do you find the time to balance your various projects and your personal life?
Honestly, I have a tough time maintaining a healthy balance. I realize how important it is to block time off, or work will consume me consciously. I’ve been practicing taking at least an hour to write in my journal, manifest or listen to self-help audiobooks. I also try to cut my work hours off at 9 PM. All I know is, at this point, I need a vacation badly!
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
While most of my time is spent in a professional capacity which limits my freedom to express myself, I have a silly and goofy side that I cannot resist. I enjoy a good laugh, even if it’s at my own expense, and it also brings me joy to make others laugh.
Best advice or words of wisdom to aspiring media professionals?
My top advice for aspiring media professionals would be:
• Believe in yourself
• Establish your worth
• Dream big and take small steps toward achieving your goals
• Take action
Essentially, “Discover what makes your heart sing, your soul soar, and your toes do that little tippy tap dance of excitement because you’ve found your THANG.”
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“I’m willing to release the pattern in my consciousness that contributed to this condition. I deserve only good in my life. I allow the healing powers and energies of the universe to flow through me, really changing my life for the better” – is one of my favorite affirmations.
What’s next for Nekia Nichelle?
Currently, I am working on a Branding Workshop. I have collaborated with NEIU to host these workshops to aid those who wish to create or improve their brand. While I’m thrilled to share the knowledge I’ve gained over the years, I’m also a bit nervous as this is new territory. I welcome those interested in participating in the workshop to visit: https://nekianichelle.com/courses-workshops. In terms of my long-term objective, I aim to establish a studio. I have already developed a vision and am working towards its execution.
For more information on Nekia Nichelle, please free free to connect with her on social media at @NekiaNichelle and log onto her websites NekiaNichelle.com and Just N Life.
