Meet Nicole Henry | Vocal Recording Artist & Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Henry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It really was “the cart” that came AFTER the horse that had already left the station! I started my companies because I had already begun the work of the business. So when it came time to invoice or give credit to the ‘company’ I had to come up with the business names…and there it was. In about half a year, I owned two businesses!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
So, I am a recording artist and actress. I’ve released 7 CDs and a few singles of jazz/adult contemporary music – some more straight- jazz, and the rest, more soulful, holiday and acoustic. I’ve also acted in over 30 commercials, maybe 5 theater productions and a few full length indy films. I’m also getting more into voice-over work and hosting. In short, I believe my music and character work has an underlying feeling of hope, joy, optimism and sincerity…I like to be as honest as possible in my work – I believe that is what makes a great artist. I’ve been performing and recording music since 1997, while I was still in college, but full-time, since 2001. I chose to quit my one and only ‘post-college day job’ and become an entertainer because it was calling me. I would say it was easy only because…I wanted to do everything I did. I worked very hard. Very hard. And I stayed hopeful. I sacrificed my life basically. I stayed focused and tried to be prepared and I didn’t whine about what WASN’T working. I kept my faith and that always gets you through. Of course there were challenges, there are still challenges- but that’s why they call it ‘work.’ The entertainment industry is about being ready, being talented, being true to yourself, knowing the right people, and being lucky. Fortunately, the rewards and joy of my actual work/product makes it all worth it. I’ve learned to ask for help more often. I’ve learned to NOT try to do everything by myself. What I am still trying to learn is to use my resources and pay attention to who is or who could be supporting me. Sometimes it’s hard to know who is in the audience or who is watching – but generally those people want to help. You just have to ask. No matter what industry, no one can ‘make it’ alone…. What would I want the world to know about my brand and my story? It’s my job to let my art speak for itself. I can only keep making art…that should say it all.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
OMGoodness…I’m the WORST at planning and hosting…but then we always wind up having a great time. (My friends Pete and Leesa and Garrett are the best!) – LOL I truly love the simplest things…I love nature. I also love to support companies that have been on SoBe for a while…but I also love trying new things. And I appreciate consistency…reliability. But my few S FL faves are: La Sandwicherie; jogging the beach from South Point to about 63rd street; Miami River, (Garcia’s) Vizcaya Gardens; Coral Gables Entrance Ways (Granada; Douglas; Alhambra); Oleta River State Park; Sardinia Restaurant on Purdy Ave.; Half Moon Empanadas (Spicy Chicken); Miami New Drama; Fairchild Tropical Gardens; Front Porch French Toast; M Ensemble; Peter London Dance & Miami City Ballet; New World Symphony; Wall Cast Rhythm Foundation; The Betsy Hotel (art!); The Deuce (Club Deuce); Meat Market; Segafredo; and Michelle Bernstein restaurants.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oooh…this list could get long: Many of use likely have that ONE teacher who told us we were special- and mine was my fifth grade teacher Susan Boyle at Cornwells Heights Elementary. We were having ice cream together as a prize for having 3 years of perfect attendance, and she told me that I was special and had a lot to give to the world. And while I don’t remember what flavor ice cream I got that day :)…I will always remember her looking into my eyes and making me hear her words. Otherwise, there are a ton of local musicians that encouraged my songwriting, guitar playing and then singing…welcoming me into their band that gave me encouragement, support and opportunities- particularly in the beginning here in Miami. There was a strong network I found on Miami Beach that was beautiful. Of course, none of it could happen without the venues and promoters. It’s truly a community. Then I have to say thanks to the audiences back in 2002-03 that kept asking me if they could buy a CD… It was literally in response to their requests that inspired me to cut my first jazz album in 2003. And seven albums later, it hasn’t really stopped🙏🏽

Website: www.nicolehenry.com
Instagram: nicolehenrymusic
Linkedin: NicoleHenry
Twitter: nicolehenryjazz
Facebook: NicoleHenryMusic
Youtube: Nikisings

Image Credits
Will Hunt Paul Hyman Rafael Balcazar *please ask for exact credits