Member Focus: Nicole Collins
Nicole Collins Member Focus
We sat down with member, actress, and media personality extraordinaire, Nicole Collins to talk about her roots in Louisiana, her creative journey as an actress and filmmaker, and how Common House has become part of her daily routine.
How did you end up in New Orleans?
“I moved to New Orleans twenty years ago. I was 17, a freshman in college at Dillard University in 2005, I was there for two weeks, and then I had to leave because… well, we all know why. I came right back in January as soon as I could, and I’ve been here ever since; with the exception of four years I spent in Los Angeles from 2016 to 2020.”
“While Alexandria is where I grew up as a child, I became an adult in New Orleans. I have a daughter—she’s 14—and her dad’s family is generations of New Orleanians from the Seventh Ward. School brought me here, but love, culture, family, and belief in the city kept me here. I want to be part of a greater common good, and I believe that can be done here in New Orleans.
What does respect for New Orleans culture mean to you?
“I think when it comes to living here—or anywhere—it’s about respect. If you’re going to come into a place and live and feed off the land, make sure you’re also contributing, not just taking. Respect the people who did have to grow up in these spaces, the people who fought for traditions and customs.”
“Don’t buy a home on Frenchmen and then complain that the music’s too loud. Don't get online ranting about why people from a place are a certain way in a condescending manner without exhibiting understanding and empathy, or while trying to enforce the mindsets of where you came from. It’s about protecting culture. We see every day how it’s at risk of erasure. Within ten years, certain areas are completely different. Sometimes change is good, but are you incorporating the people who were there before? That’s the real question.”
Tell us about your career journey!
“I worked in media for about 10 years. I started at Q93 right here in New Orleans. I was an intern in 2006—I made them hire me in 2007. I would not leave the building until they gave me a job, and they did, as a promotions assistant. I did everything I could because my goal was to get on air, and I did in 2008!
I held my on air slot from 2008 until 2015. I also worked for the NBA for seven years; I started hosting the Pelicans games in 2011 and did that until 2017. I actually hosted the last two All-Star games they had in New Orleans. Media shaped me, however, I knew that my creative journey was outside of media. My energy needed to be directed towards acting and filmmaking, so I pivoted.
“I’ve been acting professionally since 2011. My first role was the same year I had my daughter. I gave birth in March, and by November, I had my first recurring role on Treme. That show gave me my start.”
“My latest TV appearance was Criminal Minds; that episode came out in May. Spoiler alert: I do not live,”
“Right now I’m working on a short film I co-wrote with my daughter, Aadyn. It’s called Pullover. It centers around young girls and their innocence, and specifically about a young girl who’s harassed by an older man even after she says, ‘I’m 13.’ For some people it may seem extreme, but it happens all the time. There was a study that showed 70% of women who report experiencing sexual harassment have encountered this by the age of 13. Over the summer, I was selected as a top 10 winner for Tyler Perry’s inaugural Dream Collective. They flew us out to Atlanta, all expenses paid, and we spent 10 days on Tyler Perry’s Studio lot with intensive training. I submitted with the script for Pullover, and now we’re heading into production this December. In October, we’re raising $11,500 to make it happen. I’m so excited.”
How do you use Common House in your day-to-day?
“Common House keeps me motivated. Maybe it’s the performer in me, but when I’m working around other people, I feel like I’m actually doing the work and getting it done.”
“My mornings start with school drop-off, then I hit the gym. I’m so thankful for that sauna; if I don’t sweat enough during my workout, the sauna makes me feel like I did. After that, I shower and head to Study Hall. I love that corner seat, that’s the best spot in the House.”
“I’ll work here, but I can’t just sit still all day. You might see me roaming the halls, looking at the artwork, or sneaking into the Mother’s Room to meditate. That’s my little secret. The House caters to my senses, it keeps me fueled as both a professional and a creative. And I don’t know what grade of matcha y’all use, but it works for me. It’s like jet fuel.”
Any final thoughts or things you’d like to share?
“I just want to start with gratitude. I’m thankful for this space, and for the people in it. Even if you’re just here focused on your work, that energy is felt, and it makes a difference.
“And finally, I’d love the membership to know about our fundraising campaign for Pullover. Through the month of October, we’re raising $11,500 on Seed & Spark. (link below) It’s a story that needs to be told. It may ruffle some feathers, but it’s meant to spark conversation and make the world safer for girls, boys, women, and people in general. I’d thank everyone in advance for supporting.”