Meet Nikki Dunlap

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nikki Dunlap. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nikki , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Navigating spaces where I am the only one who looks like me has taught me to embrace my unique identity and story as my greatest strengths. From my time in the Navy to my journey as a music producer and software developer, I’ve learned to turn my diverse experiences into assets. Being both a creative and a tech professional allows me to see problems from different angles, blending artistry with technical precision. My background has instilled resilience and adaptability, empowering me to walk into any room with confidence and purpose. I’ve made it a priority to build connections and be an advocate for inclusion, finding allies, and supporting others who may feel like the “only one” in the room. Challenges are my creative fuel; they inspire my music and push me to find innovative solutions in tech. By staying true to my vision, I strive to create change, tell my story, and pave the way for others. I’ve learned that diversity is not just beneficial but essential, and I use every opportunity to show that by being unapologetically myself.

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

I’m a music producer and composer who loves to explore and create across genres. I’ve worked on everything from crafting beats for artists to composing music for film trailers, commercials, and other visual media. What excites me most about my work is the freedom to experiment and tell stories through sound—whether it’s sampling a classic track from the late 90s or blending unexpected elements to create something completely fresh. I try to create music that takes listeners on a journey, where every rhythm and chord tells a story without needing words.

I’m also a software developer, which allows me to approach creativity from a different angle. I recently transitioned into tech. The blend of technology and artistry drives me to think outside the box and innovate in both realms.

Right now, I’m focused on a few exciting new projects. I’m developing a video EP that will combine my music with visual storytelling, releasing each beat with a dedicated short film. This project reflects my vision to merge sound and sight in a way that resonates with people on multiple levels. I’m also working on some new collaborations that push genre boundaries even further, and I’m exploring ways to integrate my tech skills into music production.

I want my work to be a space where creativity and authenticity thrive, where people feel something deeply, whether they’re listening to a beat or watching a visual story unfold. And most of all, I want to show that breaking boundaries—be it in art or tech—is where the real magic happens.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Resilience has been essential, especially when navigating spaces where I was the only one who looked like me or when facing unexpected challenges. I’ve come to see obstacles not as roadblocks but as opportunities to grow, whether in music production or my work in tech. For those just starting out, I encourage you to embrace setbacks as part of your path forward—each stumble is a chance to learn and come back stronger.

Adaptability has been another critical factor. Moving from the Navy to a music career, and then transitioning into tech, taught me the importance of being open to change and ready to pivot. I’ve found that the ability to adapt keeps you creative and relevant, no matter how the landscape shifts. My advice? Stay curious and flexible. Don’t limit yourself to one path or identity; explore different passions and let them guide you. The ability to adapt will help you find new directions when the journey takes unexpected turns.

Finally, a deep commitment to lifelong learning has been a constant driving force. From refining my music production skills to diving into coding, I’ve always pursued growth and new knowledge. For those at the beginning of their journey, I suggest finding joy in the learning itself. Seize every opportunity to expand your understanding—whether through formal education, self-study, or hands-on experimentation. Stay curious, ask questions, and never stop seeking out new experiences.

These qualities—resilience, adaptability, and a thirst for learning—have shaped my path and helped me navigate the twists and turns along the way. They are invaluable for anyone looking to make their mark and create something truly unique.

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

I believe it’s important to lean into your strengths while also putting effort into improving areas where you’re less confident. Your strengths are what set you apart and allow you to make a unique impact, but developing skills in other areas makes you more versatile and opens up new possibilities.

When I started producing music, I focused on my strength—telling stories through sound and experimenting with different genres. This focus helped me create a unique style and gain recognition in the industry. But I also saw the value in stepping outside my comfort zone. When I chose to learn coding, a field entirely different from music, it was challenging and often uncomfortable, but it taught me to think in new ways and led to opportunities I never imagined, like combining tech with music production to create innovative projects.

I’ve learned that striking a balance is key. Leaning into your strengths helps you build a solid foundation and establish your identity, but pushing yourself to grow in weaker areas can make you more adaptable and open up new paths. If I had only focused on my strengths, I might have missed out on the growth and opportunities that came from developing new skills. At the same time, staying true to what I do best has kept me grounded and authentic.

So, my advice is to embrace both—play to your strengths while staying open to growth in other areas. This combination allows you to create a dynamic and fulfilling career that’s grounded in what makes you unique, but flexible enough to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Portraits of Resilience

Sometimes just seeing resilience can change out mindset and unlock our own resilience. That’s our

Productivity
Perspectives on Staying Creative

We’re beyond fortunate to have built a community of some of the most creative artists,

Confidence
Kicking Imposter Syndrome to the Curb

This is the year to kick the pesky imposter syndrome to the curb and move