Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Crenshaw.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m an Army veteran, creative entrepreneur, and multidisciplinary performer whose journey began in fashion. After leaving the military, I started my career as a high-fashion runway model in Augusta, Georgia, later walking in major shows including New York Fashion Week 2015 and being featured in national magazines. As my bookings increased, I relocated to Atlanta, where I continued modeling for prominent designers and organizations and was honored with a Celtic Model of the Year award in 2017.
As the industry evolved, so did I. With a lifelong background in dance, I began incorporating movement into my modeling, which led to performance opportunities across fashion, film, television, and live entertainment. My work has appeared on platforms including BET, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Tubi, and in productions such as Black Lightning and Dynasty. I later expanded into contortion and aerial arts, opening doors to corporate events, festivals, and bookings nationwide.
That evolution led me into entrepreneurship. I launched N. Crenshaw YogaTherapy and Dance, offering movement training, flexibility, and workshops, and later founded Two Butterflies Under the Sun, an upscale catering and cirque-style entertainment company that blends elevated dining with immersive performance experiences. The brand is deeply personal, named after my three children, and built with legacy in mind, with its proceeds dedicated to their future.
Today, my work centers on creating intentional, high-quality experiences that merge artistry, hospitality, and leadership, while remaining grounded in my core values of family, integrity, and purpose.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been smooth. One of my biggest challenges was navigating this industry as an attractive woman while keeping firm boundaries. I turned down opportunities that crossed my morals or standards, even when money or visibility was attached. I chose integrity over opportunity, even when it cost me in the moment.
I also ran into real issues with representation and pay. I watched Black performers especially those who didn’t fit a narrow look, get overlooked or underpaid, and that’s what pushed me to create my own company. I didn’t build my brand to fit the industry… I built it to fix what I saw was broken. Talent and professionalism matter more to me than followers or image, and my people get paid fairly and up front.
On top of that, I was building through major life changes such as relocation, divorce, breakups and often doing it on my own because values and loyalty are non-negotiable for me. At the end of the day, success means nothing to me if it requires compromising who I am.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a dancer, contortionist, and aerialist, and I’m also the owner and CEO of N. Crenshaw Yoga Therapy and Dance, where I teach flexibility training, yoga, Pilates, fitness, and lead workshops for both adults and youth. A big part of my work is helping people build strength, control, and confidence in their bodies, whether that’s for performance, competition, or everyday life.
I also perform professionally and am a dancer with One Badass Show, alongside One Badass Drummer and DJ Deltonia and many other surprise celebrity guests are featured each show, with a recurring monthly show at The Atrium, and performances alongside major artists across the country.
What I’m most proud of is that I’ve built my career without compromising my morals, standards, or boundaries. I make my money with my clothes on, I don’t sell a fantasy, and I’m very intentional about what I put out especially because many of the people who follow and train with me are children. I work closely with young dancers, teaching solo performance acts and safe, high-level stunts they can use in competition.
What sets me apart is my integrity. I lead with kindness, discipline, and respect, and I don’t move off my values for money or attention. People connect with my work not just because of what I do physically, but because of the energy and intention behind it.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see the industry moving toward more intentional, experience-based work—where quality, professionalism, and storytelling matter more than hype or social media numbers. There’s already a shift happening, and it’s only going to grow.
Personally, my goal over the next five to ten years is to step back from being the primary performer and focus more on building and running the company. I want to train and employ other dancers, aerialists, and specialty performers, chefs, servers and more… create real job opportunities, and make sure people are being paid what they deserve.
I see myself more in a leadership role setting standards, creating structure, and building something sustainable that supports artists long-term, not just gig to gig.
Pricing:
- Cirque performers start at $250-300/hr 2hr minimum
- • Premium Catering + Cirque Experience • Starting at $3,500 • Includes premium catering service and two Cirque performers • Pricing varies based on guest count, menu selection, event duration, and performance needs
- Flexibility Training / Fitness Classes • $350 per month for 9 classes • $60 for a single session (90-minute class)
- These are local prices
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/booknickicrenshaw
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Nicki_crenshaw and instagram.com/2butterflies_thesun
Image Credits
TheThomasCollection
