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

Hi Nicole, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I knew at a very young age that I would work in the music or fashion industry. My parents were musicians and I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s when music and fashion was booming. And oddly enough I work in both industries now and have since I was a teenager. I was a dancer myself first working in the best clubs in Miami and wearing some crazy costumes made by a designer. Now I get to be behind the scenes and create it all with my team and some who have become my closest friends.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I opened my business in 2011 in Chicago. As a retired performer I was stuck on what I wanted to do as a career. As I began to go out in the night life world in chicago I noticed there wasn’t too much performers like what I was used to in Miami. So ding ding there was the idea. I called my friend Bengy who owns Zhantra in Miami and she agreed it would be great to have me start another city. I paid a small fee to use the name bc it was so known and I loved the brand. It was an easy start bc I was in the right place and it was the right time. I didn’t have to advertise to find talent or even clients. It grew so fast and it was amazing. My brand is simply to make sure all talent has the proper tools and professionalism to be the best in entertainment. I like to book talent that looks similar in height and dance style and more if possible. Also classy and high end. Majority of all gigs and events booked are referrals which is important and it’s always the best business. I have had clients for over 10 years who continue to book so that makes me so grateful and makes me feel like I’m doing good. I like to have good friendships with my clients and make them feel like I can provide anything needed when needed, even tho a lot is last minute and that can be hard at times but I work great in fast paced stressful situations, lol. But I have learned no matter how hard things can be that everything will work out and to just be myself no matter what. It has got me this far and I have gained more clients and more talent over the last few years and now being in Dallas I’m ready for the next step. So just keep an eye out for Zhantra Dallas! Taking it to the next level and getting more into the corporate world of entertainment. Super excited!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Mmmm this is a hard one! I love Chicago where I just left but also love Miami where basically is where everything started for me. But I would def love to go to Art Basel in Miami since it is packed with the best parties and art shows and the music is just sooo good. And there’s so many restaurants to go to you can’t pick one. And then you have the beach. My favorite place to go in Miami would have to be Space, the best night club in the U.S. and always has the best music. I’m a huge fan of house music. And actually I’m trying to plan this trip for December for me and my best friend from highschool. She won’t know what hit her. Haha

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout for sure to Bengy Cid who taught me all I know about this industry. Her and I danced together before she started Zhantra in Miami. We have been friends for over 20 years. She allowed me to open a branch using her business basically franchising it. Because of this it really helped it grow quickly. And now able to move to Texas and start Dallas. So she runs Miami and New York and I have Chicago and Dallas. Also my husband and family have always been by my side and supported me through all the ups and downs. It can be cut throat at times just like any business.

Website: www.zhantrachicago.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/zhantrachicagoent?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

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