Today we’d like to introduce you to Allie Nicole.
Allie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been a creative person, although I’ve somehow managed to turn that into about five different careers. I’m a singer, songwriter, artist, designer, and entrepreneur, and music was actually my first love.
I’ve been singing since I was two years old. My Grandmother toured the world in the Horace Heidt Show, my Mom was head majorette growing up and became a dance teacher and creative director. Then there was me…a very shy kid, who was just given a special gift, I was afraid of. I actually tried running from it, but God had other plans. I practiced in private and kept it a secret until I one day asked for private voice training. From there, I often found myself in situations where I was put on the spot by others who believed in me more than I believed in myself. One situation led to another and I started singing in church, high school graduation, then in studios, and eventually found my way into the professional music industry. At 19, I was offered my first record deal, and from there I had the opportunity to work with Disney, audition for American Idol and The Voice, and perform national anthems for the Oakland A’s, San Francisco Giants, LA Galaxy, Harlem Globetrotters, and many others. So many experiences, but nothing ever quite landed right to put my own album out.
Eventually, I stepped away from the music industry and spent years building a career in marketing and graphic design, moved from Los Angeles, CA to Nashville, TN. Shortly thereafter, COVID happened. Like everyone else, I was stuck at home, so I picked up something I had loved since I was a kid but hadn’t done in years…drawing. I started creating just for fun, but developed my own bold, colorful, whimsical style, and before I knew it, that little creative outlet had turned into Allie Nicole Paperie. I now have an Etsy shop, have partnered with HomeGoods, created custom pieces and am growing the wholesale side of the business with the goal of getting my work into more boutiques, resorts, hotels, other elevated retail spaces and wherever else it will take me.
And then, because apparently my life needed one more plot twist, music came back around.
After more than 20 years, I’m finally getting the opportunity to record my debut album! It happened because of a completely random, God orchestrated meeting that opened a door I never expected to walk through again. One conversation led to another, and suddenly the story I had waited my whole life to share, came together with such ease. I finished writing the album between last Christmas and February of this year. It’s the most honest, vulnerable and real piece of work I’ve ever done. It was written through a very challenging time in my life and was very healing. So much has been happening behind the scenes to bring this dream into a reality and I’m just so proud and excited to share it. My hope and prayer is it is not only appreciated, but helps heal something in those who take time to listen and finds themselves in the songs.
So here I am working on both, my creative business while stepping back into music and finally making the record I always dreamed to make and thought quite honestly I had missed my chance. I’m proof dreams don’t have an expiration date. So much unknown in this next chapter, but honestly, it feels like all the different pieces are finally coming together and make sense for the first time in my life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road by any stretch! I have battled health issues, financial struggles, trying to get into the right doors and people who see my vision. I have knocked on doors that still haven’t yet opened.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a singer, songwriter, illustrator artist, business owner, designer and entrepreneur. I have always been interested in many things in life. I applied myself and tried things until I could get them. Over and over again until I was happy the result. I hate when I hear the phrase “Jack of all trades, master on none.” I believe that you can be gifted or talented in many areas and why would you cap yourself off or not use the gifts that God gave you. I believe in using them and seeing what He has in store. I am most proud of those gifts that he gave and want to make Him proud and Him by using them. I am proud of my resilience and determination that despite being knocked down more times that I can count, I’ve always gotten back up and fought for these gifts, been persistent, I’m not a big believer in the word No. I just try a different angle when something doesn’t work. I believe these attributes at times sets me apart from others, but there are many people who work hard and fight through those storms too. I think my style sets me apart. My artwork there is a definitely style and niche I have, as well as my voice. I think my style is my own. I have influences of others, but my writing style, ability to be vulnerable and authentic and real can also set me apart more. I am who I am and I will never apologize for being me!
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I don’t know if people really know what I’ve been through and what it actually takes to make things happen to do what you live. Just because you love to do something doesn’t mean it’s easy or always fun. I’m real and genuine as they come. There is nothing fake about me. Some other things that are surprising are that I’m still figuring it all out as I go too. I definitely don’t have it all figured out yet….life. I have a very silly side, love people who can make me laugh and enjoy doing impersonations and accents. Also I considered being an interior designer, until the music bug truly hit me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.allie-nicole.com
- Instagram: TheAllieNicole
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theallienicole/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAllieNicole
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/allienicole
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.allie.nicole
