We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Whitney Nichole. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Whitney below.
Hi Whitney, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism comes from a deep-rooted belief that anything I dream of is possible. This belief has been with me since I was young, even when I didn’t quite understand its power. Growing up, I was told that pursuing music wasn’t a “real” career and that I should aim for something more conventional—like being a doctor or a lawyer. I internalized that message for a while and even went to Yale with plans to follow that path. But when I found myself working in a law firm, prepping for the LSAT, I realized I was chasing someone else’s version of success, not my own.
Deciding to step away from that path and pursue my passion for music was a bold move, but it was also the first step in trusting myself fully. That leap of faith set the foundation for the optimism that has fueled me through every challenge since. Building three businesses from scratch, without VC funding or investors wasn’t easy. There were moments—like in 2020 when I had to pivot my vocal coaching business overnight during the pandemic to sustain 20+ employees—when the odds felt stacked against me. But I’ve always believed that if I stay focused, work hard, and remain open to creative solutions, I can turn even the most difficult situations into opportunities.
Optimism for me isn’t just about blind hope; it’s about resilience, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt. It’s knowing that setbacks are part of the journey, not the end of it. It’s believing that I have the power to create my own reality, no matter how unconventional or impossible it might seem to others. That mindset has carried me through so much, and it’s what keeps me moving forward every day.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m so excited to share more about what I do and the businesses I’ve built over the past decade. At the heart of it all is my passion for helping singers unlock their potential and fall in love with their voices. My work spans three businesses, each with its own unique role in supporting singers of all backgrounds and experience levels.
First, there’s Songbird Studios (songbirdsf.com), my vocal coaching business. We offer both in-person and online vocal coaching, serving singers in the Bay Area and beyond. What makes Songbird so special is our commitment to creating a supportive, inspiring environment for singers to grow. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a professional vocalist, we meet you where you are and help you achieve your goals. It’s incredibly fulfilling to watch our students build confidence and transform their voices.
Next is the Singing Straw (singingstraw.com), an innovative vocal training tool I developed to help singers achieve stronger, healthier, and more balanced voices. The Singing Straw is a simple yet revolutionary product that has resonated with singers around the world—we’ve sold over 30,000 sets in countries across the globe. I love hearing from singers who tell me how the S/S has completely changed their approach to singing and vocal health.
Finally, there’s my online course business, which takes the Singing Straw to the next level. Our flagship program, the Love Your Voice Course, combines the Singing Straw Method with actionable exercises and techniques to help singers realize their full potential. This course has been a game-changer for so many singers who’ve dreamed of improving their voice but weren’t sure where to start.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to empower singers to truly love their voices. Singing is such a personal and vulnerable experience, and helping someone feel confident and joyful in their sound is such a rewarding process.
Looking ahead, I’m focused on continuing to expand these businesses to reach even more singers. I’m currently developing a singing app that will give users access to hundreds of vocal warmups and workouts based on the Singing Straw method. It’s all about making vocal training accessible, effective, and fun for singers everywhere. Whether it’s through one-on-one coaching, innovative tools, or immersive online courses, I’m committed to helping singers find their voice and share it boldly with the world.
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?
Looking back, three qualities have been absolutely essential in my journey: belief, a thirst for knowledge, and a spirit of collaboration. Each has shaped the way I’ve built my businesses and approached challenges, and I think they’re valuable lessons for anyone starting out.
Belief (in yourself and your dreams):
Belief is the foundation of everything. There were so many moments along my journey where I could have doubted myself—when I stepped away from a “safe” career path to pursue music, when I launched my businesses, or when I had to pivot overnight during the pandemic. But I held onto the belief that anything I dream of is possible, even if others may not see it or understand it. My advice? Protect that belief in yourself like it’s the most valuable thing you own. Surround yourself with people who support your vision and find ways to keep your mindset strong, whether it’s through affirmations, journaling, or celebrating every small win along the way.
Constant thirst for knowledge:
I’ve always been eager to learn more—whether it’s about vocal health, business strategies, or the latest tools and technology. That drive to learn has kept me adaptable and helped me stay ahead of the curve in industries that are constantly evolving. I choose to always stay humble and never fall into the trap of thinking I know “everything” about a topic. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to embrace being a student for life. Take courses, read books, ask questions, and seek out mentors (inside and outside of your industry). The more you learn, the more you evolve, and the more equipped you’ll be to navigate inevitable challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that come your way.
Collaboration and respect for others:
No success happens in isolation. Building my businesses taught me the power of collaboration—not just with partners and employees, but with customers as well. I deeply believe there’s room for everyone. Someone else’s success doesn’t take away from your own; in fact, it can inspire and drive you to reach even higher. Success isn’t a zero-sum game—it’s an ecosystem where we all rise together when we support and learn from one another. My advice? Listen more than you talk, genuinely care about the people you’re working with, and celebrate the wins of others. Respecting and valuing everyone you work with creates trust and loyalty, which are key to long-term success.
These three pillars—belief, hunger for knowledge, and collaboration—guide me every day, and I believe they can for anyone embarking on their own journey. Trust yourself, stay curious, and lift others up along the way. You’ll be amazed at what you can create.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Oh this has got to be my husband, Niall. From the very beginning, he’s been my biggest supporter, encouraging every crazy idea I’ve had and never once questioning the possibilities. What’s been even more special is that he’s truly been a partner in the journey—not just cheering me on from the sidelines, but diving in, learning, taking courses, and evolving alongside me.
Niall has played a huge role in building Songbird Studios, the Singing Straw, and the Love Your Voice Course. His leadership, innovative ideas and creative background as a photographer have been incredible assets, but even more than that, his unwavering belief in what we’re building together has kept me grounded and motivated. It’s not always easy for two creatives without traditional salary jobs to chase big dreams, especially with a family to support, but we’ve worked hard every single day to turn those dreams into a reality.
I feel so lucky to have a partner who sees the potential in every idea and is willing to do the work to bring it to life. His support has been invaluable, and I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without him.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitneysings
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/singingstraw
Image Credits
Credit: Niall David Photography (nialldavid.com)
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