We were lucky to catch up with Kirsten Nicholson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kirsten , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I am still learning what it means to be the only one in the room who looks like me. To be honest, I have not gotten completely used to it. There are moments where the weight of it feels heavy, where you wonder if you will be understood, if your voice will carry the same respect, or if you are being underestimated before you even open your mouth. That is a reality I continue to work through.
At the same time, I have seen the effects of being different. Walking into spaces where no one expects to see someone like me has a way of shifting the energy. It challenges people to look at their own assumptions and broaden their point of view. Sometimes my presence alone pushes people to realize that there is not only one way to look, speak, or succeed. It disrupts the narrative, and I have learned that disruption can be powerful.
I have also noticed that being different gives others courage. When people see me showing up as myself in spaces where it might feel intimidating or isolating, it sparks something in them. It tells them that they too can walk into rooms that were not built with them in mind. They can take up space and not shrink themselves down to fit. That ripple effect makes the discomfort worth it.
The biggest lesson I am learning is that effectiveness and success in those moments do not come from blending in. They come from owning who I am and letting that authenticity speak for itself. Even when it is hard, even when I feel out of place, I remind myself that being the only one does not make me weaker—it makes me an example. And while I am still figuring it out, I know that every time I walk into a room as my full self, I am leaving behind a trace of change that goes beyond just me.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
What I do is more than just art. It is a reflection of my journey, my perspective, and my belief that creativity has the power to heal, inspire, and transform. My work weaves together teaching, storytelling, and self-expression. I see myself not only as an artist but also as an inspiration and motivator. I approach my work as something that is alive, something that carries both beauty and purpose.
What excites me most about what I do is the way it connects with people. It is not about creating something perfect, but about creating something honest. I love when someone experiences my work and feels recognized, inspired, or encouraged to embrace their own uniqueness. My art and brand stand out because they do not shy away from duality. They can be edgy yet elegant, raw yet refined, playful yet powerful. That balance is what makes them special.
Right now I am in a season of expansion, both personally and creatively. I am continuing to grow as a teacher and motivator, exploring ways to blend my passion for guiding others with visual art, style, and storytelling. I am also working on creating more content that reflects my brand: glitter, edge, resilience, and transformation. My goal is to build spaces, whether online or in person, where people feel both seen and inspired.
What I want people to know about my brand and art is that it comes from a real place. It is not about chasing trends. It is about honoring authenticity, embracing imperfections, and celebrating individuality. Every part of my work, whether through teaching, art, or inspiration, carries a piece of my story and is meant to remind others of their own power to transform.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are courage, the ability to learn from mistakes, and the resilience to get back up after being knocked down. Courage has allowed me to step into spaces where I felt out of place and still show up as myself. Learning from mistakes has taught me that failure is not the end but a teacher that refines your path. And resilience has been essential because setbacks are inevitable, but what matters most is how you choose to rise after them.
For those who are just starting out, my biggest advice is to never lose your originality. No matter how unconventional or “crazy” it may seem to others, whatever makes you different is actually your greatest strength. That uniqueness is your bread and butter. You also have to get used to being checked, challenged, or doubted, and not let it change the way you see yourself or silence your story. Growth comes from holding onto your truth while continuing to improve, and that balance will take you further than trying to fit into someone else’s mold.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Right now I am studying hair, and my biggest challenge is finding the balance between going all out and showing everything I can do, or holding back and letting people underestimate me. There is a certain power in both. On one hand, there is nothing like the energy of being fully seen and having your gifts recognized. On the other, there is strength in keeping part of yourself hidden, in letting people underestimate you and then surprising them when the time is right.
What I am learning is that my challenge is really about balance. I want to be seen for my creativity, talent, and hard work, but I also want to maintain an element of mystery. I do not think those things have to cancel each other out. For me, the solution is being intentional: knowing when to show my hand, and when to let silence or subtlety do the work. It is still a process, but every step is teaching me how to embrace both sides of myself without feeling like I have to choose one or the other.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/MsHimpro
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms.him_?igsh=dXd6anJkbzVjZW43&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ms.him_?si=Qr-UNAah99TZXNiN
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
