Meet Nicolle Campbell | Owner, The Actor’s Scene

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicolle Campbell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicolle, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
Putting others before profit.

Before opening my business, I worked for a company that put quantity (#of customers) before quality and caring about their customers/staff. I learned very quickly the ugliness that philosophy generates in company culture. Employees are consistently stressed trying to meet quotas, teamwork is almost nonexistent as each person is struggling to please bosses, new programs are created not for the benefit of the customer but only for the bottom line of a company.

Starting out on my own, I vowed that my focus would be providing the best product, and focusing on caring for people—staff and customer—and the money will come as a result. Profits are not our main objective at TAS. Helping others gain confidence and discover their value through the vehicle of acting is our first priority. Success is a byproduct of that philosophy.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I took a risk opening the studio. I was single and had no one to help me, nothing to fall back on. But I took a chance and believed I could do it. I didn’t listen to naysayers. Instead, worked hard, asked for help from other professional women and learned along the way. I focused on making connections both in the industry and with my customers. Connections turned to friends and soon I had a support system surrounding me. It wasn’t easy, I had to support myself and the business and the first two years were hard. But I didn’t give up and I always believed in myself. And that’s one reason I feel it’s so important to instill that belief and confidence in the kids who come to the studio.. They come to learn acting but leave with so much more. And it’s the most satisfying feeling in the world to know you are making a difference in other’s lives.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Atlanta has one of the best Aquariums in the US. It’s always high on the list of attractions. And it doesn’t hurt that I love dolphins and you can have an up close encounter with them there. Of course there are so many amazing restaurants many of which have been featured on the food network. The Flying Biscuit and Mary Macs where you can have a true southern food experience is a must. And a trip up to the blue ridge mountains would be in order. Especially in the fall to see all the amazing colors of the fall leaves and the blue haze surrounding the mountains as dusk falls.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many who have contributed to my journey. DebraLyn Findon of Discover Management and Joy Pervis of J Pervis Talent have been important mentors in my career always selflessly giving of their time and expertise and supporting the studio and my own management career. And Aimee Peters who was my first coach and now best friend. She started with me and kept my vision focused on connection and relationships. And then there is Elizabeth Alcaraz who started as a student, moved to intern, coach and now is Operations Director. We share TAS’s vision of making sure all kids and adults who walk through our doors know their value. All these ladies have such special meanings in my life and career and have contributed so much. I love them all.

Website: TheActorsScene.com

Facebook: @theactorsscene