Today, we’re sitting down with Lakithia Nicole, a woman who’s done it all—from topping the music charts to hosting her own talk show. With a career spanning over a decade, Lakithia has transformed herself from a teenage music sensation into a force for empowerment, using her platform to inspire and uplift others.
Q: Lakithia, your career has been a fascinating journey. You started out so young in the entertainment industry. Can you take us back to those early days and tell us how it all began?
Lakithia Nicole: Absolutely. My start in the industry feels like a lifetime ago, but those memories are still vivid. I was about 15 when I first got my big break. Growing up in the South, I was always surrounded by music—whether it was my mom playing records at home or me singing in church. Music was like a second language to me. So, when the opportunity came to record my first single, it felt like a dream come true.
The early days were a whirlwind. I was this teenager with big dreams, and suddenly, I was in studios, performing at events, and even landing a spot on the Japan R&B and Hip Hop charts with a single that hit #3 in 2009. That was a surreal moment. I remember thinking, “Wow, my music is reaching people on the other side of the world!” It was humbling and exciting all at once.
But with that success came a lot of pressure. Being young and in the spotlight can be overwhelming. There were times when I felt like I was losing myself in the process. I was constantly trying to live up to this image of what a successful artist should be, and that can be exhausting, especially when you’re still figuring out who you are.
Q: That sounds intense, especially for someone so young. How did you manage to stay grounded and navigate those pressures?
Lakithia Nicole: It definitely wasn’t easy, but I was fortunate to have a strong support system around me. My family kept me grounded. They never let me forget where I came from, and they always reminded me that fame wasn’t everything. My mom was my rock—she was always there, reminding me to stay true to myself, no matter what.
And honestly, writing music was a huge part of how I coped. It was my therapy. Whenever I felt overwhelmed or lost, I’d pour those feelings into my songs. That’s where some of my most personal and powerful work came from. It was my way of processing everything and finding my voice.
As I got older, I realized the importance of taking care of my mental health, too. It’s something that’s not talked about enough in the industry, but it’s so crucial. I started to set boundaries, take breaks when I needed them, and surround myself with positive influences. That’s really how I managed to stay grounded.
Q: Transitioning from a music star to a talk show host is a big shift. What inspired you to make that leap, and how did it change your career?
Lakithia Nicole: It was a pretty organic transition, actually. As much as I loved making music, I started to feel like I wanted to do more than just entertain—I wanted to make a real impact. Music will always be my first love, but I began to see that I could use my platform for something bigger.
The idea for The Lakithia Nicole Talk Show came to me after a particularly challenging period in my life. I had gone through some personal struggles, and I was looking for a way to channel that experience into something positive. I wanted to create a space where people could come together, share their stories, and learn from each other. The show is all about empowerment—whether we’re talking about mental health, entrepreneurship, or overcoming adversity, the goal is always to inspire and uplift.
Hosting the show has been such a rewarding experience. It’s opened up a whole new world for me. I’ve had the chance to meet and interview so many incredible people—celebrities, entrepreneurs, activists—each with their own unique story to tell. And what I’ve learned is that no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, there’s always a way to turn your pain into power.
Q: Your show covers a wide range of topics, from entrepreneurship to mental health. How do you choose the subjects you want to tackle, and what do you hope your audience takes away from these conversations?
Lakithia Nicole: I’ve always been drawn to topics that resonate on a deep level, not just with me, but with my audience. When we’re planning episodes, I try to think about the issues that people are facing every day—the challenges that don’t always get talked about. Whether it’s mental health, which is so close to my heart, or the struggles of starting a business, I want to bring those conversations to the forefront.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the show’s focus on mental health. We’ve had episodes where we’ve brought in experts to talk about coping strategies, recognizing the signs of depression, and even how to support loved ones who might be struggling. I’ve had people reach out to me after those episodes, telling me that it gave them the courage to seek help or talk to someone about what they’re going through. That’s the kind of impact I hope to have.
But it’s not all heavy—we also have fun, uplifting episodes where we celebrate success stories, share tips for self-care, and just enjoy life. I want the show to be a place where people feel seen, heard, and encouraged. If someone watches an episode and walks away feeling a little lighter, a little more hopeful, then I’ve done my job.
Q: You’ve also expanded into radio with your show LA KEY IN THE AFTERNOON. How does this differ from your talk show, and what do you enjoy most about this new platform?
Lakithia Nicole: Radio has been a completely different experience, but in the best way possible. LA KEY IN THE AFTERNOON is a bit more laid-back compared to the talk show. It’s like sitting down with a good friend for a chat. We talk about everything from self-love to relationships, but there’s also room for spontaneity. We have live call-ins, which I love because it gives me a chance to connect with listeners in real time.
The energy on the radio is different—there’s something so intimate about it. When you’re on air, it’s just you, the microphone, and the listeners. There’s no script, no rehearsals—just real, honest conversation. That’s what I enjoy most about it. I’ve always believed that the best connections happen when we’re just being ourselves, and radio gives me the space to do that.
What’s been amazing is hearing from listeners who say the show has made a difference in their lives. Whether it’s helping them through a tough day or giving them a new perspective on something, knowing that I’m making a positive impact keeps me motivated.
Q: Looking back at your journey—from a young music star to a talk show host and radio personality—what are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned?
Lakithia Nicole: Wow, there have been so many lessons along the way. I think one of the biggest is the importance of staying true to yourself. The entertainment industry can be tough—it’s easy to get caught up in trying to fit a certain mold or live up to other people’s expectations. But I’ve learned that the most powerful thing you can do is be yourself, unapologetically. When you’re authentic, that’s when you truly connect with others.
Another lesson is resilience. There have been times in my career when things didn’t go as planned, or when I faced setbacks that made me question everything. But I’ve come to realize that those challenges are what shape you. They make you stronger, more compassionate, and more determined to keep going. It’s all about how you choose to respond to those moments of adversity.
And finally, I’ve learned the value of using your platform for good. Whether it’s through music, television, or radio, I’ve always tried to use my voice to uplift and empower others. At the end of the day, that’s what matters most to me—knowing that I’ve made a positive impact in someone’s life.
Q: You’ve already achieved so much, but what’s next for Lakithia Nicole? Any new projects or goals on the horizon?
Lakithia Nicole: There’s always something new on the horizon! Right now, I’m working on some exciting new music projects, which I’m really looking forward to sharing. Music has always been my first love, and I feel like I’m in a place where I can bring even more depth and authenticity to my work.
I’m also exploring more opportunities in film and television. Storytelling is such a powerful tool, and I want to continue finding ways to share stories that inspire and uplift. Whether it’s through acting, producing, or writing, I’m excited to see where that path leads.
Ultimately, my goal is to keep growing and evolving, both personally and professionally. I want to continue building on the work I’ve started, creating a legacy that’s about more than just entertainment—it’s about makig a difference, empowering others, and staying true to who I am.
Lakithia Nicole is proof that you can take your passion and turn it into a force for good. Whether through her music, her talk show, or her radio program, she’s dedicated to lifting others up and making the world a better place.
