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

Hi Tara, why did you pursue a creative career?
It’s difficult to find the words to express this but I pursued an artistic and creative career because I was called to. I tried doing the things my family would approve of, or that seemed more “normal” or “stable” (only to find out that all of that thought process is moot). Every time I would ignore that little voice pushing me towards my purpose, the voice would get louder and louder and if I didn’t listen I would eventually get physically ill so that I had no choice but to listen.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Alright where to start. I’m pasting my bio here for an overview:

Bio:
Born in Washington, D.C., with her family hailing from Haiti, Tara started performing at the age of 3 in Lome, Togo and never stopped. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania, her passion for dance and acting led her to New York City, much to her parents’ dismay, and she’s never looked back. You may have seen her in commercials, performing with Beyonce, or acting in an episode of Godfather of Harlem. Yet, her wellness journey began somewhat unexpectedly through a need to feel ready for the range of job opportunities coming her way. As a Nike trainer, Reiki practitioner, and meditation instructor, Tara’s approach to wellness is rooted in healing and empowerment in the hope of helping clients find lasting health from the inside out. Her programming has been featured in Health Magazine, Self Magazine, Good Morning America, Nike Training Club, among others. When she’s not programming a spicy workout for Megan Thee Stallion, you can catch Tara eating dark chocolate, writing her next film, or meditating with her crystals and essentials oils.

Now back to first person:
I have finally accepted that I am a multi-hyphenate in every sense of the word. I’m also a recovering perfectionist. The pandemic was hard in all aspects and made me really have to question my understanding of health and vitality. Even as I started to have a lot of abundance in my life and I mean magical wonderful dreams coming true, I found myself deliriously exhausted, And part of that exhaustion came from not really believing that I am enough right now as I am, even with my faults. I have value and I can take up as much space as I want and need. I’m absolutely still in the process with all this but I’m finally leaning into my “messy”, I am finally freeing myself of a lot of stuff I no longer need to carry.

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.
ughhhhhh it’s chilly out right now in NYC but let me give this a think- a -roo

First things first – FOOOOOD! Okay maybe because I’m a Nike trainer I’ll make them move their body first. So we’d do a cute workout. Either something in the park or take a friends class. Nothing too crazy. Then food time.

Smorgesburg is fun because their locations are either by the water or somewhere beautiful to walk around in Brooklyn OR I’d take them to this Smoker located in front of BedVyne that makes the best Jerk everything. I never remember what they’re called but It’s always a great vibe.

From there I’d take them on a water taxi or one of those touring speed boats to see some of the iconic NYC skyline.
We’d likely end up in downtown manhattan and I’d stop by this cool Japanese place called Bar Decibal for drinks and snacks.
Next would be one of my fave restaurants depending on folks palettes: Malatesta, Colonia Verde, Haenyeo, etc

From there we can stop by Dumbo house for some cocktails and views. Then depending on the night we can head out to another spot or go back home for firepit in the backyard with music and vibes.

Next day I would do a quintessential NYC Brunch like WinSon, Brown Butter, or something bottomless. From there we could check out an exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum and go to prospect park. Then we’d see some theater or a performance of some kind at BAM, on Broadway, or zip uptown to do one of my favorite Harlem jazz tours with Gordon Polatnick and likely end up at a mind blowing jam session at American Legion Post 398. If we have any juice left in the tank we’d end up dancing the night away at Shrine.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have had a ton of support in my life. My mom for sure. My mentor Shelley Poovey @ BodyAttune Wellness and my partner Ofo Ezeugwu CEO of Whose Your Landlord.

Website: taranicolas.com

Instagram: Taraanicolas

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-a-nicolas-95297652/

Twitter: taraanicolas

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taraanicolas/

Other: https://vimeo.com/421172790

Image Credits
Matt Ramirez Susanne Vogel Curt Saunders Sub/Urban Haiti Cultural Exchange Nike H1 Photography Ricardo Echeverri

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