Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikitia Wilson.
Hi Nikitia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Calhoun City, MS which is a small town in Mississippi that has a population of about 2,100 people.
I graduated class of 2002 from Calhoun City High School. After graduating, I left home on a band scholarship to attend Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville, MS.
During my last year of college, I decided to get a job in Southaven, MS working every other weekend as a Nurse Assistant at an assisted living facility where my sister was the supervising Nurse. At the time, I felt like it was the best choice because I always dreamed of attending the University of Memphis.
Upon graduating from Northeast Mississippi Community College, I decided to move back home for a semester to take some general courses at Northwest Community College that would prepare me to transfer to the University of Memphis in the Fall of 2005. I prepared all summer long to get ready for the big move to Memphis, TN.
About 2 months before the 2005 Fall semester started, I received my acceptance letter in the mail. I was so excited because my dreams had come true.
Fast-forwarding to now, I have lived in Memphis for 17 years. Memphis has always had a special place in my heart because I have family here and when I was growing up, Memphis was always the summer vacation spot to go to Liberty Land and the Memphis Zoo. I am a dedicated employee at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare where I have worked for 10 years in the Corporate Information System Technology department. I am a proud Tiger Alumni of The University of Memphis where I received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Leadership and I graduated from Ashford University receiving a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching and Learning with Technology.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, after moving to the big city of Memphis, I faced many obstacles and challenges that shaped me. As an out of state student, living in the dorm away from my Mother was just enough for me to rethink if I had made the right decision to move. Also, coming from a predominately white town to a predominantly black city was definitely a culture shock. Within that, I have learned a lot about myself and where I come from. Along the way, I faced the financial struggles of a college student working jobs where I was barely making $100 every two weeks.
I never let that discourage me. I kept going to school and working to make it through. After a couple of years, I landed a full-time job with Hilton Corporate while still going to school full-time. This was one of the hardest things I had experienced in my life. Through it all, I was able to maintain both and graduate. I am grateful for the journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Although education was a priority, I never lost my passion for the art of music, beauty, and fashion. I have written and recorded original music as well as worked with award-winning artists in the city. I have 4 singles out on all music streaming platforms. My most recent single release is “Better Without” produced and recorded by Zeporia Gray at R.M.P Studios.
In 2014, I was crowned MS Bella Memphis Black Expo and soon after that, I continued the journey of fulfilling my dreams as a Plus-Size Model in beauty and runway fashion. I have modeled in the Fall Into Winter Charity Fashion Show modeling for Project Runway Season 15 finalist Designer D’An Harrold of Huntsville, AL, the Intro to Paris Fashion Show modeling for Mathis Quientre of Memphis, TN, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Southern Heritage Classic Fashion Show.
I have also worked with the talented celebrity photographer Cat Harper, celebrity Stylist Melvin Styles, and celebrity Makeup artists Rachel Reid and Kent Christian. After embarking on this journey, I have been featured in photos of the day by various plus-size blogs and I have won the Cynthia Bailey Curvy & Fabulous Photo Contest for the month of May in 2016.
In 2018, I was casted as a vocalist, dancer and actress in Selma: A Musical Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr at Hattiloo Theatre. As a cast member, I was able to showcase my vocal talent, dancing abilities, and acting skills. In 2019, I was a featured performing artist for 2Hot Radio in Atlanta for the BET Award weekend festivities. I was also casted as an extra in the BET Plus show Curves created by Memphis native Skyy Blair.
In 2020, I was featured as September Beauty of the Month for Luxe Kurve Magazine. Also in 2021, I launched a podcast with 3 of my best friends titled as the Sit-Calm & Chill podcast that focuses on career, lifestyle, and the. Not only that, I was a featured Artist on the Nigerian radio Planet 101FM where I was interviewed by celebrity host Bitto Bryan to talk about my music and upcoming projects.
What sets me apart from others would be my confidence. Growing up as a taller and bigger kid, I was always picked on because of my size. I believe that was my driving force to always be me regardless of who I was intimidated by my self-confidence.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My mentor, Iletha Washington who has helped shape me and provided guidance needed to navigate through life choices, Gwendolyn Redmond, who is my Godmother I adopted as my Mother away from home who keeps me grounded in my spiritual life.
Kasha Mullins, Ashley Hunt, Zeporia Gray, and Taury Harris are my super supporters and my best friends who are always there when I need them to help get things done as well as a shoulder to cry on. These are lifetime friends to the end. They are the first to review projects before releasing and they always keep me motivated.
Last but not least, my Mother Effie Goliday has been there for me through all my endeavors and has always been my shoulder to lean on. She has kept me grounded in my faith. She is my prayer warrior and has never let me down.
Pricing:
- Single, Better Without You $.99 for download.
Contact Info:
- Website: unitedmasters.com/m/nikitiashecolemusic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikitiashecole/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGHNMwQpUc0g5jJlV1JmTnA
Image Credits
Cat Harper Photography
