Meet Nikki Brianne

We were lucky to catch up with Nikki Brianne recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nikki, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

My confidence and self-esteem were cultivated through introspection and a deep sense of self-awareness. Growing up, I didn’t receive affirmations about my worth or guidance to develop confidence, but I always felt an innate awareness of who I was. I spent a lot of time alone, reflecting and reasoning through situations until I developed my own philosophy. This was born from recognizing that I thought differently from everyone around me—I had a natural inclination toward logic and sought measurable truths.

What grounded me was observing the consistency of nature, like the sun rising and setting. These undeniable realities became the foundation of my understanding of the world. I realized early on that I couldn’t always trust people’s words because, often, they didn’t fully understand what they were saying or lacked deeper insight. I observed this not only in everyday interactions but also in religious and educational systems, which often felt misaligned with what I knew to be true.

This realization led me to forge my own path. My logic and reasoning always made the most sense to me, far more than the narratives presented by the world around me. Because of this, I learned to trust myself completely. I paid attention to nuances—nonverbal cues, subtleties in words, and the spaces in between—and understood things in a way that felt unique. My confidence grew from this inner trust, knowing that I could rely on my own perception and understanding to navigate life.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story and vision!

I am Nikki Leake, a holistic educator, cinematographer, freelance photographer, and creative entrepreneur. My work blends wellness, artistry, and storytelling with a commitment to inspiring others through education and visual narratives. As a student of Digital Cinematography at Full Sail University, I am advancing my expertise in visual storytelling, video editing, and media production to create impactful and authentic content.

As the founder of I AM LOCS INC., I’ve developed a groundbreaking approach to hair care called Lochemy. This method integrates ancient practices with sustainability for a modern approach to loc care. My newest course, Lochemy for Kids: The Science of Locs and Nature, introduces children and families to the science of locs while connecting them to nature and self-care practices. This course is designed to educate and inspire, fostering a lifelong appreciation for environmental harmony and self-awareness.

Beyond my work in holistic education, I am passionate about visual storytelling. My digital photography gallery, The Promised Land, showcases breathtaking landscapes and my transformative experiences, including a cross-country journey from Alaska to Florida. This body of work highlights the beauty and diversity of the world, captured through the lens of a cinematographer and photographer.

What excites me most is the opportunity to connect with people through both my educational initiatives and my visual art. Whether filming a project, curating a gallery, or designing a course, my focus is on creating meaningful and impactful experiences.

Looking ahead, I’m dedicated to expanding my work as a cinematographer and visual artist. This includes developing additional online courses, producing cinematic projects, and creating photography collections that resonate with diverse audiences. Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey. I invite you to explore Lochemy for Kids and The Promised Land to see how my passions come to life.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three Most Important Qualities, Skills, and Areas of Knowledge
Reflecting on my journey, three key elements stand out as transformative: resilience, creative vision, and strategic adaptability. Each has shaped my path in profound ways, allowing me to embrace challenges, create meaningful work, and inspire others through my unique lens.

Resilience
Resilience has been the foundation of my journey. From launching I AM LOCS INC. to navigating the challenges of freelancing and pursuing a degree in Digital Cinematography, I’ve learned that setbacks are often stepping stones to greater success. My pilgrimage from Alaska to Florida was a powerful reminder that endurance and perspective can transform even the most demanding experiences into opportunities for growth.

Advice: Cultivate resilience by embracing challenges as learning experiences. Develop habits like mindfulness, reflection, and a strong support network to help you persevere through uncertainty.

Creative Vision
Whether I’m creating a cinematic story, capturing the world through my gallery The Promised Land, or designing educational courses like Lochemy for Kids: The Science of Locs and Nature, my creative vision allows me to transform ideas into impactful realities. The ability to connect art, education, and nature into cohesive narratives is what sets my work apart.

Advice: To develop your creative vision, immerse yourself in diverse experiences. Travel, read, and engage with different art forms. Don’t be afraid to experiment, fail, and refine your perspective—it’s through this process that your authentic voice emerges.

Strategic Adaptability
My ability to adapt to new environments and challenges has been instrumental, particularly in balancing multiple roles as a holistic educator, cinematography student, and freelance photographer. Strategic planning, whether for business growth, creative projects, or personal development, has allowed me to stay aligned with my purpose while evolving professionally.

Advice: Build adaptability by setting clear goals while remaining flexible in how you achieve them. Learn to pivot when circumstances shift and view change as an opportunity to innovate rather than a barrier.

Final Thought:
To those just starting out, trust in your ability to grow and evolve. Focus on building a foundation of resilience, nurturing your creativity, and staying open to the lessons life has to offer. The path isn’t always linear, but it is always rich with potential when you approach it with passion, curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that has profoundly shaped my development is The Science of Being Great by Wallace D. Wattles. It’s a timeless guide to self-improvement and personal mastery, offering wisdom that resonates deeply with me both personally and professionally.

One of the most impactful lessons from the book is the principle of giving more in use value than you take in monetary value. This idea inspires me to consistently deliver exceptional value in everything I do—whether it’s through my photography, cinematography projects, or educational initiatives like Lochemy for Kids: The Science of Locs and Nature. By prioritizing the tangible and meaningful benefits I provide to others, I’ve found not only professional success but also a profound sense of fulfillment.

Another transformative nugget of wisdom from the book is its emphasis on the power of thought and action. Wattles writes that greatness begins in the mind, but it is realized through intentional, inspired action. This idea has been a guiding force in my life, encouraging me to align my vision with purposeful steps, whether that’s embarking on a cross-country pilgrimage, capturing the essence of nature through my gallery The Promised Land, or balancing my studies in Digital Cinematography with my entrepreneurial pursuits.

Lastly, the book’s reminder to approach life with gratitude and a spirit of service has been invaluable. It’s a daily practice that keeps me grounded, motivated, and aligned with my deeper purpose—to create and inspire in ways that bring joy, harmony, and a sense of connection to others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nikkibrianne.com
• Instagram: @i_am_nikki_brianne
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamlocs
• Other: https://www.iamlocs.com, https://ethereal-law-school.teachable.com/p/lochemy-for-kids-the-science-of-locs-and-nature, https://nikkibriannephotography.darkroom.com/collections/the-promised-land-america

Image Credits

I have many professional photos. All my photos were shot by me. Nikki Brianne