An Inspired Chat with Nicole Campbell of Sydney

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Nicole Campbell. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Nicole, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
My mornings always start with journaling. It’s my way of clearing my mind and setting the tone for the day. From there, I split my time between different pursuits: I have a side job that keeps me grounded, I actively look for freelance projects in Sydney as I work on breaking into the local film industry, and I dedicate a part of my day to developing my next project: a feature film that’s still in progress.
Living in Sydney for the past nine months has been an adventure of adaptation and growth, and every day feels like a step closer to where I want to be creatively.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a filmmaker originally from Peru, trained in Los Angeles. I worked as an Executive Assistant at a production company based in Beverly Hills, and later at a Hollywood-based media company producing a podcast. Following that, I collaborated on various independent projects as a freelance filmmaker. One of my most personal projects, Shining Ashes — which I wrote and directed — won awards at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival and Best Short College/University at the Irvine International Film Festival

Beyond filmmaking, I founded Con tu magia, a brand dedicated to creating manifestation journals designed to help people become the best version of themselves and attract the goals they’re aiming for. I also have a background in marketing, which I’m currently working in here in Sydney, while actively pursuing opportunities to break into the local film industry.

The stories I’m drawn to often explore intense social and political issues, while focusing on the profound bonds and complexities within families. I’m fascinated by how characters navigate extreme circumstances, the impact of violence on personal lives, and the ways people struggle to protect innocence and integrity in a challenging world.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I was very insecure and often felt like I didn’t quite fit in. I believed that few people shared my interests, and connecting with others felt complicated. Today, I see that very difference as one of my greatest strengths. I’ve learned that connecting with people is a skill that can be developed, and I’m now confident in doing so.

I also embrace thinking differently. That’s where my best ideas come from, whether in entrepreneurship, storytelling, or perspectives that others might not see. I draw a lot of inspiration from Tim Burton in this sense, as he celebrates being unique and original, which reminds me to honor my own creativity and individuality.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Who hasn’t? I think it’s a normal part of being alive. We all have our ups and downs, moments when we question if we’re going in the right direction or feel completely stuck. I always remember a time in film school where I wasn’t very good yet, I was just learning and I had a breakdown on the set. I started crying because I felt I wasn’t as talented as the others. Everyone else seemed to already be finding themselves, and there I was, just trying to fit in.

I remember calling my mom, crying, wanting to leave LA and go back home, but she told me to suck it up. I’m grateful she did. It simply wasn’t my time yet, and I now see that every choice I made since then has helped me become the creative I am today. That wasn’t even the hardest or only time I felt like giving up . I’ve faced it many times but there’s always this feeling that I’m not done yet, that everything I’ve gone through has meaning, and that something big and great is coming.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I think it didn’t start as who I truly was, but over time, I became her. I created this alter ego for fun, but this version of me embraced attitudes that my usual self hadn’t explored yet. She’s confident and gave me the freedom to discover a new side of myself.

I believe we all have different versions of ourselves, and not everyone knows all of them. Ultimately, we are what we choose to believe we are, and if you ever find yourself not liking the person in the mirror, it’s your responsibility to change that. Sometimes, an alter ego can help in that process.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing? 
Something I would regret not doing is sharing my creativity with others because of self-doubt. Sometimes we forget that the person we should be creating for is not others, but our own inner child. There was a time when I was writing a fantasy novel and constantly worried about what others might think of my protagonist — whether they were strong enough, or whether their choices made sense. I realized I was forcing my character to be someone they weren’t, just to please imagined opinions.

I remembered that I should be writing for myself. For my inner child and making it fun. We often forget that we began our creative journey because we genuinely enjoy it, because it’s something that has inspired and driven us for years. So, I would regret not sharing my inner creative world with others just to try to make a “perfect” story for them. It has to be a story that’s exciting and meaningful to me first.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ncampbellfilms.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venusbunny_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolecampbell16/
• Other: My brand account: https://www.instagram.com/contumagia/
  My brand account: www.contumagia.com

Image Credits
Brando Lattman