We’re looking forward to introducing you to Nicole Burgess Marsh. Check out our conversation below.
Nicole, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I wake up between 6:45am and 7am, I spend 5-10 minutes reviewing my dreams from the night before and preparing my mindset for the day ahead. Then I feed my dog and take him on a brisk walk around the neighborhood. When I get home, I shower, make a cup of coffee or matcha and read through emails until around 9am, then I prepare for a day of conference calls and meetings.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an actress, an author and a brand ambassador. As an actress, I have done television, film and commercial projects over my 13 year career. I lived in Atlanta, GA for a few years, and performed in several touring theater productions while there. I independently published my novel and short story in 2012 and have been a screenwriter for several independent films, including my own, since 2015. In 2024, I launched a publishing company which publishes a private magazine in Chapel Hill, NC. As a brand ambassador, I partner with beauty and lifestyle brands to build awareness and drive engagement and I have recently partnered with a non-profit which focuses on healthcare, nutrition and education initiatives for children in Malawi.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Wanting to be liked and accepted. For the greater part of my life I was hyper fixated on what other people thought about me. I am originally from New Jersey so when I moved to North Carolina I had a thick northern accent. I also wore these big glasses, was super nerdy and read books all the time. I was teased a lot in middle school for it which didn’t feel good, so instead of standing in my own power, I shrank to make people like and accept me. I had to hide myself for a long time, which wasn’t good for two reasons – the first being that I was betraying myself by putting on a false persona to fit in, and second, it wasn’t fair to people I was befriending because they never got to know the real me. Even when I published my novel, I didn’t do much to promote it because I was afraid of what people would think about me. It wasn’t until 2020 that I realized I’m not here for approval and likes. I have a purpose and it doesn’t matter what people say or think, as long as I am confident in myself, that is all that matters. And by the way, it’s natural and instinctive for people to have a need to be accepted. For me, it became part of my identity, but it has served its purpose and I’ve chosen to release it.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there were many times when I almost gave up. Almost every actor knows the difficulties and struggles in pursuing a career in the film and television industry. Even building and growing a business seems like a never-ending uphill battle. Life can be challenging, and when you’re on a path to greatness, every obstacle in existence will be thrown at you. But I am always encouraging myself and others to stay resilient and to not give up, because who you will become on the other side is priceless.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, what you see is what you get. Though I’ve limited how I present my opinions publicly, my passion for gardening, art, beauty, fashion and philanthropy is expressed quite clearly and honestly.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Your thoughts shape your reality. This is very important – what you think, you literally create. If you are in constant fear, you will attract situations which will make you fearful. If you have a limited mindset, you will live a life full of limitations. It’s that simple. Your world is a reflection of your thoughts and if you change your thoughts, you can change your life. The universe operates on the thought principle. As Descartes said, “I think, therefore I am” – I would expand upon that to say “I think, therefore I am; hence I am that which I think.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nicoleburgessofficial.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleburgessofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NicoleBurgessOfficial/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nicoleburgessofficial
Image Credits
Decoro Images
