Meet Nicole Lockley | Actress & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with actress Nicole Lockley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
You never give up on your ultimate goal, the bigger picture. Now along the way you may run into circumstances that might cause a pause, a break, a disruption in your path to your ultimate goal, but you never fully give up on it. You do whatever you can to get back on the path to where you’re trying to go.

I will say though, also along the way you may experience situations, career choices, different relationships that warrant giving up, removing yourself. Never compromise your integrity, the respect you deserve, your values, or your mental and emotional well-being for the sake of, what you think, is staying the course. You may have objectives on the way to your goal, but if it ever comes a time that any of those things are compromised, then that isn’t the right direction and you can 100% give up on that thing, to choose a different route. But you’re always on your way to your ultimate goal.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The first time I was on stage was at church, elementary school. It was an easter play produced by Ms. Lucille, my favorite sunday school teacher, called the Train Bound for Hell. Even though I was one of the younger ones in the production, I got to play the lead, Satan! Along with at least 2 other kids, simply because our sunday school classes were so large. I can’t recall the specific feelings I had on stage, I just remember being completely in character. Unapologetically fully embodying the bad guy, and getting applause for it!

Honestly, I doubt that it was actually a good performance, I was only 8 with no prior experience. But it was fun! I got lost in the moment, only playing to the person opposite me. Yet I was still delivering a message, a theme, thought provoking insights to a crowd. That’s how important it felt to me. And from there, a life’s goal was formed. I wanted to be a professional actor.

I stayed involved in church and school plays, while simultaneously exploring and honing my writing skills. At 14 I booked my first ‘professional’ acting gig. It was an anti-smoking commercial, similar to the Truth! commercials, except these were for Busted! The Pennsylvania anti-smoking youth advocacy program. I only saw the commercial air once on tv, but it seemed like everyone at school was seeing it on Nickelodeon, MTV, BET and other channels that pre-teens tuned into. I was the real life Mary Catherine Gallagher. Probably not the best reference character wise, but pursuing your big dreams in a small community- its definitely a great reference. Especially since that was my favorite movie at the time. I probably can still recite the movie by heart.

Around this time I also started doing stand-up comedy as an tells-it-like-it-is fast sometimes inappropriate great granny named Hannah-Mae. Several times a year, from the age of 14-22 I performed at requested events as Hannah Mae either doing comedy. acting in a production, or hosting events as the MC. Some of Hannah-Mae stand-up and even some short skits can be found on youtube.

In high school I didn’t partake in school plays, because my high school only put on musicals. And as my grandmother used to tell me, “[I] couldn’t carry a note even if you put it in a bag and handed it to me.”

I decided to go college for journalism instead of the arts. My favorite, Will Smith, didn’t go to school for acting and he’s doing great! While at Lincoln University, I got involved in the newspaper and community service groups, as well as the school’s church plays. I was getting my degree in journalism, but the ultimate goal was always acting!

When I got out of college I started taking acting classes in Philadelphia, about 25 minutes from home. I met some really great aspiring actors, two great coaches for beginners, and learned so much more about being free while performing. I did a few local plays in and around Philadelphia, all while working full time jobs in writing and other disciplines. But when my boyfriend, now husband, finished his college education it was time to try for bigger things career wise.

In 2014 we moved to Atlanta, with acting on my mind. Within the first month of being in Atlanta I attended a acting conference/seminar in which I had the opportunity to meet with agents. I was ready with my resume and headshot in hand. Gerra Avery with Avery Sister’s was one person I was excited to meet, based on my research. As soon as I sat down and handed her my headshot, she took one look at it and turned it over. She politely listened to me trying to sell myself. When I was finished, she hit me with the truth. I was not ready. My resume wasn’t formatted correctly, and my headshot was not IT! She gave me some advice on getting serious, getting headshot, doing research on studios, photographers, casting directors and more. Although, she did give me a chance to audition for her at her offices. I was nervous and pretty sure I bombed it. But I knew it was just the beginning.

I’ve met some amazing artists, grinding and pursuing their dreams just like me. I’ve taken classes at different studios including Rob Mello Studios, Get Scene, and my favorite Drama Inc. I was submitting my headshot and resume every six months to agents. Paying for new headshots every year or so. I’ve done non-union plays, movies, and web-series’ throughout the city, going to workshops as often as possible, and doing the whole actor networking thing.

In 2018 I realized there was a need for reliable resources for actors. The jig was up, people knew Atlanta was becoming the next Hollywood which meant more opportunists and scammers. So, I created the Atlanta Actors Resource Guide. The first and only of its kind. It’s had several formats including downloadable pdf’s, member only websites, paperback, and now a Kindle read. It includes the names, email address, websites, and sometimes phone numbers of legitimate and researched headshot photographers, acting coaches, acting studios, print services, casting websites and more. Something I wish I had when I first started out.

In addition to providing this for actors, I also current help unsigned musical acts with their communication needs such as website building, press releases, marketing plans and other artist managerial tasks as requested.

Since moving to Atlanta, I’ve written and produced two production entitled Our Brothers Lives Matter and Undecisions Untold, with several other project written.

2020 was a horrible year for everyone. But it had it’s good points as well. I signed with one of the top boutique agencies in Atlanta, my current agency, Privilege Talent. Thanks to a workshop with Get Scene, I finally met and mentally declared Jacob Lawson was going to be my agent. Around this time is when I realized that the more specific you are with your goals and affirmations the better.

Just six months later I booked my first speaking role on a union project. I was to be the mother in flashback scenes for Samuel L. Jackson in The Last Days of Ptolmey Grey on Apple TV+. It was surreal. My first big gig is against this guy. “I can only go up from here,” I thought. Shortly thereafter, I booked Issa Rae’s Rap Sh!t. I was now being flown out of state for work. Almost immediately after I then booked what seems to be my most recognizable role thus far as a mother on the critically acclaimed show Atlanta. This opportunity was just as huge for me as working with Mr. Jackson because I am a fan of the show Atlanta. I would have never thought, when I was watching the season finale of season two that I would be on the premier of season three!

2023 was a decent year career wise for me with several projects in post production including new webseries Beans, Moldheartz Production called The Cleanup, short film Friendzone, and an original short film – Untitled.

I’ve taken so many steps on my journey to becoming the actress I want to be. And next year I plan to dipping my toe back into stand-up comedy, but as Nicole. It’s great that I’ve had some of the opportunities that I’ve had. But it hasn’t been easy. I’ve had roadblocks, stopping points, started business, had babies, got married, got my MBA, lost friends and ‘trusted’ allies, gone through depression, doubt, anxiety. But in the end, with the love and encouragement from my husband, and the support from my friends and family, and the bright eyed belief in the future I see in my kids’ eyes, I’m going to keep going until after I can say I make my living from my acting career.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s so much to do in the city of Atlanta and it all depends on the vibe of the outing with friends.

For my creatives, I love taking them to the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Arts center. They have some really great resources for actors concerning things needed for taping auditions, editing, hosting meetings, staging plays, recording and more. I love this place and tell everyone about it!

Lounges are my choice for evening outings. Barber Bistro and Blaqhaus, both in Marietta are two little spots with good food, hookah’s, and good music!

I also like being outside depending on the weather. So a walk up Kennesaw Mountain, Cheatham Hill Trail in Marietta or Heritage Park in Mabelton and Crawfish Seafood Shack.

I’ve got kids though so HippoHopp and Catch Air are my go to with my 7 year old and 4 year old.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband is my number one supporter and I don’t know what I would do without him. He’s everything I could want in a soulmate and I thank him for always choosing me. My kids are my number one driving force right now. I’ve always wanted to be an actress, but it wasn’t until I became a parent that I had a real reason to keep my drive.
My grandparents had a huge significance in my upbringing, shaping my morals and beliefs. Their unconditional love and support to do whatever my little heart so desired gave me the confidence to follow my dreams.
I’m grateful for my siblings who are unique extensions of my existence that I know are the only ones to fully understand fully where I’m coming from.
The support from my Lockley family, the belief in my dreams from my Morton & SHS friends, mentorship from Lincoln University (significantly Ashley Gabb), the love given from my new and extended families, and most recently the support from my father and his family are actions that help me to never lose sight of where I’m going.

Website: www.atlactorguide.com

Instagram: @actressnicolel

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-lockleyobi

Facebook: www.facebook.com/star.est.1988

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ournapptime

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6390623/