Jamaican born, Nikki Clarke, holds a Diploma in Social Sciences from John Abbott College and at, McGill University, earned a degree in Film and Communications where she received formal media training for print, television, radio. Nikki also earned an Honours Diploma from Sheridan College in Early Childhood Education. Gifted with acquiring languages, Nikki is fluent in English, French, and Spanish. Nikki was an instructor at Sheridan College, in the Faculty of Early Childhood Education and the School of Business from 1999 to 2009.
In 2006, Nikki started the company, Bead 4 Health, for which she designs and handcrafts organic jewelry for men and women and distributes them online www.Bead4HealthBoutique.com. Self-taught, Nikki began her creating designs for fun. Her pieces quickly got the attention of friends and coworkers who began placing custom orders for her work. Nikki experiments with wood, semi-precious stones, magnets, and freshwater pearls. Nikki was introduced to magnetic therapy after purchasing a magnetic necklace for a neck injury she sustained in an accident. Nikki’s designs have been featured in Planet Africa, Rogers Television, the Ethnic Umbrella, Bless Magazine, Kurves Modelling and Talent 2009 Calendar ,2009/2010 Mr. International Caribbean Calendar and featured on ETALK.Nikki’s peices are available for purchase at various festivals , Etsy, Orangefish , and www.bead4healthboutique.com.
In 2007, Nikki joined the team of the Ethnic Umbrella, Canada’s most diverse community newspaper, as a columnist and public relations manager. In August 2008,Nikki was the recipient of the African Canadian Women’s Achievement Award for her work in the community and excellence in teaching.
Nikki founded internet tv/radio show AND THE BEAT GOES ON in 2008 and the same year started her Publicity/Public Relations Company, Nikki Clarke Inc.
Nikki is also publisher and author of her first design book, Bead 4 Health Collective Volume One, which was sold at various Chapters/Indigo/Coles Stores.
The Nikki Clarke Show was launched October 2012 and can be viewed on www.xsnetwork.com as well Rogers Cable TV 10 in the fall of 2013. Nikki will be starting her Clarke Media Arts program in 2013 offering production and broadcasting training for at risk youth.
Our Q & A with Niikki Clarke
*What inspires you?
I am inspired by my children. They gave me the tenacity to keep pursuing my dreams.
*As a small business owner, what achievements make you most proud?
I host and produce a variety show called the “Nikki Clarke Show” which is aired online on www.xsnetwork.com . The show will also be part of the Rogers TV fall lineup. I design organic jewelry for men and women. The natural line is called Bead 4 Health. I also run an event planning and marketing company called Nikki Clarke Inc.
*What advice would you give to other aspiring small business owners?
Juggling a number of hustles means you have to stay organized. I create a daily checklist of tasks that I can realistically tackle. I have two calendars that I track that I update daily. I used to be able to function on memory alone but not anymore.
To build a strong brand means understanding what your brand is. That’s important. If you are not certain, who will be? Promote yourself with belief and consistency. Consistency builds trust.
Make yourself stand out from the rest. Approach the media with a story or an event that is unique. Writing a clear and concise press release will also help to catch a story editor’s attention. Create a rapport with your media friends. When media accept your invitation to cover your story, make sure they have all the information they need, follow up, and thank them generously.
Authenticity. It is important for me to produce features that connect with the audience from a human interest level. I want to not only entertain, I want to inspire and teach. Television is another kind of classroom for me.
*What new things can we look forward to from your business in the upcoming year?
I would love to grow the Nikki Clarke Show on a major level. That’s a huge passion for me to provide inspiring content for television on an international level.