Meet Nicki Kris | Singer, Songwriter, and CEO

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

Hi Nicki, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea for Sisters In Music (SIM) was born out of a deep passion for supporting and empowering women in the music and entertainment industries. As an artist myself, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges that women face in these spaces—whether it’s a lack of representation, limited access to opportunities, or the need for stronger support networks.

My thought process behind starting SIM was simple: I wanted to create a community that fosters collaboration, amplifies women’s voices, and provides real opportunities for growth. It wasn’t just about highlighting talent—it was about building a platform where women can support each other, break barriers, and drive meaningful change in the industry.

Beyond music, SIM has evolved into an organization that promotes unity and advocacy through various initiatives, including educational programs, networking events, and charitable efforts. Our mission is to uplift and celebrate women, not only as artists but as professionals, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.

At its core, Sisters In Music is about fostering a culture of inclusivity, empowerment, and mutual success. What started as an idea has grown into a movement, and we are committed to continuing this journey of making a difference in the lives of women in the industry and beyond.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
At Sisters In Music (SIM), our art isn’t just about music—it’s about empowerment, collaboration, and advocacy for women in the music and entertainment industries. What sets us apart is our commitment to fostering a supportive community where women can thrive, break barriers, and create lasting impact. We’re not just an organization; we’re a movement that uplifts and amplifies female voices in a male-dominated industry.

On a personal level, I (Nicki Kris) have always believed in the power of music to inspire, heal, and connect people. As an artist, songwriter, and producer, I’ve experienced the challenges women face firsthand—whether it’s breaking into the industry, getting equal opportunities, or being taken seriously in creative and executive roles. That’s one of the reasons I co-founded Sisters In Music with Natalie Jean—to create a space where women don’t just survive but thrive.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how SIM has evolved from an idea into a thriving platform that connects, educates, and inspires women across different areas of the industry. Seeing artists and professionals come together to support one another, collaborate on projects, and find opportunities they wouldn’t have had otherwise is truly rewarding. We’ve organized events, hosted networking opportunities, and created initiatives that help women take their careers to the next level.

The journey to where we are today hasn’t been easy. Like many women in music, I’ve faced challenges—whether it’s navigating industry biases, breaking through gatekeeping barriers, or ensuring our voices are heard. One of the biggest obstacles was establishing credibility and resources in an industry that often overlooks or undervalues female-led initiatives. But through perseverance, collaboration, and a relentless belief in our mission, we’ve overcome these hurdles.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is that community is everything. Success isn’t just about talent or hard work; it’s about building relationships, supporting one another, and creating opportunities for collective growth. No one succeeds alone, and SIM exists because of the incredible women who believe in its mission and continue to push for change.

Outside of SIM, I pour my heart into my own music career, crafting songs that tell powerful stories, evoke emotions, and inspire others to chase their dreams. I’ve been fortunate to work with some incredible collaborators and see my music resonate with fans around the world. But at the core of everything I do—whether through SIM or my personal artistry—is a passion for creating, connecting, and making a difference.

What I want the world to know about Sisters In Music is that we are here to make a difference. We are dedicated to amplifying female voices, breaking down barriers, and creating a more inclusive and equitable industry. We believe in the power of music, the strength of community, and the importance of giving women the platform they deserve.

For anyone out there looking for a place to connect, grow, and be empowered—Sisters In Music is here for you.

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.
If my best friend were visiting the area for a week, I’d make sure they got the full North Carolina experience—music, food, history, and adventure! Here’s how I’d plan the ultimate itinerary:

Day 1 – Welcome to Raleigh & Holly Springs!
We’d start with a morning coffee at Sola Coffee Café, which has great gluten-free options, a must for someone with a gluten allergy like myself. Then, we’d take a stroll through Moore Square and City Market to check out local shops and street art. For lunch, we’d stop at Taverna Agora, a fantastic Greek spot with plenty of gluten-free dishes.

Instead of heading back into downtown Raleigh, we’d explore Holly Springs! A must-do is visiting Bass Lake Park, where we can walk the scenic trails or rent kayaks for some time on the water. For dinner, we’d go to Osha Thai Kitchen & Sushi, which offers fantastic gluten-free Thai dishes. If we’re up for a laid-back evening, we’d grab some gluten-free cupcakes from Crumb & Cream and enjoy a relaxing night at home catching up.

Day 2 – History & Culture
We’d start with a visit to the North Carolina Museum of Art, which has beautiful exhibits and outdoor trails. Then, we’d check out the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences because, let’s be honest, dinosaurs never get old! Lunch would be at Irregardless Café, which is a Raleigh institution with incredible gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly options.

To balance out the museum time, we’d spend the afternoon in Apex, exploring its charming downtown area, including the Rusty Bucket for some fun shopping. For dinner, we’d head to Scratch Kitchen & Taproom, where we can enjoy a delicious meal made from scratch, with plenty of gluten-free options and a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for winding down after a fun-filled day.

Day 3 – Outdoor Adventure & Holly Springs Fun
Time for some fresh air! We’d go hiking at Harris Lake County Park, a local favorite with beautiful trails and picnic areas. Lunch would be at Pimiento Tea Room in Holly Springs, which has a great selection of gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly dishes.

In the afternoon, we’d do something fun—maybe axe-throwing at Epic Axe for a little friendly competition, or checking out a local event at Holly Springs Cultural Center, whether it’s live music, a performance, or a community festival.

For dinner, we’d keep it casual and grab takeout from Bass Lake Draft House, enjoying a laid-back evening with some girl time at home—maybe a movie night, catching up on music, or just relaxing with some good conversation and laughter.

Day 4 – Day Trip to Durham & Chapel Hill
We’d start a tour of the American Tobacco Campus. Lunch would be at NanaSteak (which, despite its name, has fantastic seafood and vegetarian options). After that, we’d explore Duke Gardens for a relaxing afternoon.

In Chapel Hill, we’d visit Franklin Street, check out Cat’s Cradle for a show, and grab a late-night bite at Lime & Lemon Indian Grill, which has amazing gluten-free curries.

Day 5 – Beach Day!
A quick road trip to Wrightsville Beach is a must! We’d spend the day soaking up the sun, taking a relaxing walk along the shore, and maybe even renting a kayak or paddleboard for a little adventure. For lunch, we’d grab a fresh seafood meal at Boca Bay, where they offer plenty of gluten-free options.

After a beautiful day by the ocean, we’d head home for a cozy night in with some home cooking.

Day 6 – Shopping & Local Gems
We’d dedicate this day to shopping and exploring local gems. We’d visit Raleigh Denim Workshop and the boutiques in Lafayette Village before lunch at Primal Food & Spirits, a fully gluten-free restaurant where I can enjoy anything on the menu!

For something more laid-back, we’d head to Holly Springs Towne Center for some shopping and maybe a movie at AMC DINE-IN Holly Springs 9.

Day 7 – Brunch & Spa Day
We’d wrap up the trip with a relaxing spa day at The Umstead Hotel & Spa, followed by an incredible brunch at Herons, which accommodates gluten-free diners beautifully. Before heading to the airport, we’d stop at Videri Chocolate Factory for some artisan chocolates to take home—because every trip should end on a sweet note!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely! Sisters In Music wouldn’t be where it is today without the incredible support and dedication of so many people. First and foremost, I want to recognize my co-founder, Natalie Jean. From the very beginning, she has been an integral part of shaping SIM’s mission and vision. Her passion for supporting women in music and entertainment has helped drive our growth, and I am incredibly grateful for her partnership.

I also want to give a heartfelt shoutout to our board members and team members who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring our mission to life. Their dedication, creativity, and unwavering belief in what we are building have been instrumental in SIM’s success. It truly takes a village, and I am beyond thankful for each and every one of them.

Beyond our immediate team, I want to recognize the amazing women in the SIM community—artists, producers, industry professionals, and advocates—who continue to uplift and empower one another. Their resilience, talent, and drive to break barriers inspire me daily.

A huge thank you also goes to our mentors, supporters, and collaborators who have guided us along this journey. Whether through encouragement, sharing wisdom, or providing opportunities, their contributions have been invaluable.

Finally, I have to acknowledge the artists and creators who inspire this movement. Their voices, their stories, and their determination fuel the work we do. Sisters In Music exists because of and for them, and we are committed to continuing our mission of empowerment and advocacy.

To everyone who has played a part in this journey—this shoutout is for you!

Website: https://www.nickikris.com/, www.sistersinmusic.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickikris/, https://www.instagram.com/sistersinmusic1/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sisters-in-music-inc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NickiKrisMusic, https://www.instagram.com/sistersinmusic1/

Other: Nicki Kris – Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Nickikris

SIM Podlink: https://pod.link/1551197376

Image Credits
All single shots of Nicki on the previous page: Please Credit Natasha Sioss