Meet Nicole “nikki B” Hutchins | Media Executive & Personality

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole “nikki B” Hutchins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole “Nikki B”, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
At first there was not a particular thought process. Yet, there were thoughts of not liking the jobs I had or there was not someone such as a manger or a person in leadership that I wanted to learn from or that looked like me. Although, I did learn what not to do from those jobs and individuals. Since then my thought process has shifted and became more precise. I’ve learned that in order to have what I am looking for I will have to become that person…it will involve a combination of clarity, creativity, critical thinking, risk management, problem-solving and perseverance to bring my vision to life which is always evolving.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Well I have to start and share that my name is Nicole (My Mom would for my birthday would always have something with my name engraved or stenciled on a pencil, cup, notebook etc.) which means victory of the people, (isn’t that powerful and meaningful?) So, all the Nicole’s out there I am confident that you will move differently walk differently speak differently everywhere you go my girl. My Dad (His last name Baldwin) so cool and sweetly gave me the nick name “Nikki B”. He would send birthday cards or a gift box and sign it ‘To: Nikki B,’ that always got ya girl smiling, feeling so special and victorious. A bit more background is that My parents were teenagers when they had me, so I for sure was not planned or they did not know the journey that was ahead of them. Oh but God had a plan! (That gets me excited!). So when you put those two names together you have “VIP w/ Nikki B,” Where we see the victory in people, most importantly we want you to see the victory in yourself – VIP is a play on victory of the people ‘Victory In People’. You see what I did there?!

Now that you know more about the brand you see that my platform and brand is already set apart. I do this by focusing on empowerment and self-recognition. While many media brands concentrate on entertainment or celebrity news, my platform emphasizes seeing the inherent victories in individuals and encouraging them to recognize their own strengths and achievements. This unique perspective fosters a supportive community where people can celebrate their journeys, share their stories, and uplift each other. Furthermore, the main focus is to point individuals to The real VICTORY in my life and theirs which is Jesus Christ. My intention is that I represent Him in everything that I do, in every conversation, every smile, every connection and every encounter.

Professionally I have experienced a fair amount of jobs, and roles that have taught me skills and opportunities that I now use in life and my business. Growing up I had dreams of becoming a flight attendant and a massage therapist. When I was younger I would practice on my siblings if they would complain about neck soreness, shoulder pain or a somethin of that nature (thought I was doing something). They said I used to hurt them (but no I didn’t, okay maybe a little but, I didn’t know what I was doing). Maybe it was best I didn’t become that massage therapist, haha. Now, the flight attendant dream came from loving the idea of traveling and the classic, professional, demure uniforms they wore. I had the first experience of flying when I was about 7 or 8. My Mom put my on a plane to travel back home to Cleveland to be with my Grandmother until she was able to come back. I was so nervous, but excited as well. The flight attendant was kind, pretty and gave me snacks. (Now that I think about it, that was really the first memory of having a dream of becoming anything really).

Now how in the world did I get here in this media space…I still ask myself that question. In all those jobs, and roles on my journey I would always here from people I knew and people I didn’t know, they would share with me “you should be a motivational speaker or a counselor” due to my positive outlook or sharing some sound advice. I would also hear if I am out and about here and there “are you on TV or are you a journalist”. I would hear this often, but never thought much about it (because I didn’t recognize or believe in my own gifts or talents). Then many years later someone asked me to be a guest on their podcast and since then I have tapped into something that has been inside me all this time and I cherish it. Isn’t it interesting, wonderful and marvelous how the Lord brings people and opportunities to you to cultivate that gift and highlight that gift that he planted inside you?! Listen, When something is for you my dear reader it is for you! Nothing can get in the way of that something not even you.

There have been many challenges on my journey, but what is life without challenges? There is no growth if there is nothing to challenge you.

Did you know that a diamond is in the deep and dark and when it is ready, it shoots up to the surface to be found?

Overcoming challenges is a pivotal theme in my journey. Every setback presents an opportunity for growth. The lessons learned—resilience in the face of adversity, the importance of self-belief, and the value of community support—shape not only my journey but also the message I want to convey through my brand. These experiences allow each one of us to connect authentically with others. Sharing that everyone faces obstacles and that recognizing the victory in these challenges is a crucial part of personal development.

What I want the world to know about “VIP w/ Nikki B” is that a celebration of everyday victories is vital to your path. It’s an invitation for everyone to embrace their own journey, to find strength in vulnerability, and to understand that every individual has a unique story worth telling. By spotlighting real-life narratives and fostering a culture of encouragement, I am not just building a media brand; I am cultivating a movement that inspires individuals to see themselves as the remarkable people they are. Through my platform, I hope to remind everyone that there is a VICTORY in each of our lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For sure if it is summer this is how the week will go…Now somewhere in this week we are for sure gonna have a bible study or we will be at Sunday Church Service.

Day 1: We are heading to the beach. But first we would plan to get food, Mexican food is a must, a bottle of wine and some fruit and water to stay hydrated.

Day 2: Sleep in a bit and then brunch at Double Nickle downtown, take a stroll downtown, then take an uber or the bikes or scooters and head over to the science center and Rock n roll hall of fame for some fun browsing and hands on fun.

Day 3: Is a relax day man/pedi with Mimosa’s of course a little shopping then hit up Angie’s Soul Food because by this time we are the girls have to eat lol, and now its time to head back in for a nap.

Day 4: More outside fun with a walk in one the beautiful Metroparks that we have available here in our city. After that evening especially if it is 1st Friday we are headed to the Cleveland Museum of Art for some art and people gazing, some dancing, and good food.

Day 5: We go out to dinner to Marble Room for some luxury cuisine and cool cocktails to end an amazing week spending time together, sharing goals and dreams and what is to come in our lives.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes, absolutely, There are several people in life professionally and personally that come to mind that have supported, encouraged and loved me through my journey. First is my Mom Carolyn, for her resilience, positive outlook, fortification, professionalism, and style. Both of my grandmothers Carrie Bell (who is no longer on earth) would say to me “you are a teacher girlfriend” and introduced me to the Bible (mind changing and heart changing which changes your life) and then there is Susie B as I call her would share with me “don’t take no mess from no one and always have your own”. Also my little sister whom I am very much protective about, who has taught me courage and to always advocate for myself no matter how scared or afraid I am. Also those ladies on my path who are entrepreneurs and created something out of a dream given to them; Dr. Shamarah J. Hutchins of Serene Counseling, Carmen Missy Hall, Life Coach, Nicale English of Callie’s Candles, Christie Davis of Natural Pretty Hair , Areaun Taylor TaylorMade Consulting , Nicole D. Miller of ND Miller Publishing , Glory Jefferson of Opulence Events , Brely Evans Walking on Water, Sherita Carthon of Power Brand, Tanya Foster of Creative Bottoms, Leah & Dre Artist, Marilyn Wright Artist, Daveda Hawkins of B-Elite Pageants, Stacy Kirk of Stilleto Boss Foundation, and so many others that have inspired and motivated me to keep walking in purpose.

Website: https://www.vipwnikkib.com

Instagram: @hey_nikki_b

Facebook: Nicole “Nikki B” Hutchins

Youtube: @VIPwNikkiB

Image Credits
Vincent White of Focus Media Photography