Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Sellars.
Hi Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As a child actor, I learned at a very young age that I loved being a part of the TV and film industry. Following my invaluable experiences on production sets led me to pursue a career in TV. I started working behind the scenes at MTV Networks in New York City in my early 20’s. I learned so much during my time in the promos department and was given so much creative freedom that I quickly realized I wanted to become a professional storyteller. This took the form of becoming a journalist once I left MTV in 2003.
As a general assignment news reporter on Long Island, NY and then an anchor and reporter for top 20 news markets, I quickly learned what it took to survive in media. Quick turn around times and sleepless nights coupled with the intensity of the world around us was the combination that prompted me to transition into something new after nearly ten years.
I started acting again in my 30’s and found TV hosting to be a wonderful creative outlet. I started as a freelance host for NYC-TV and landed a full-time host position for AOL Live! That position exceeded all of my expectations. I had a wonderful creative team and co-host who also shared a love of storytelling.
Fast forward to 2012. My entrepreneurial spirit kicked in and I wanted a business of my own. A brand I could build from the ground up and expand to monumental proportions. TV Hosting Academy was born on the streets of NYC that year. I coached new and upcoming on-air talent privately and in small group settings and even produced their first hosting reels so they could catapult their careers and secure a talent agent.
There are so many incredible success stories that came out of TV Hosting Academy. I’ve trained national news anchors, world renowned hosts and some of social media’s top influencers. Many of whom landed paying on air positions and talent representation within weeks of private coaching!
During the pandemic I needed to pivot, as many of us did. I took TV Hosting Academy online and created the premiere online academy for Hosts and Experts.
TV Hosting Academy offers online courses, one of a kind workshops, a membership plus production/editing services through our affiliates. We even launched a public relations division for our media-trained experts who are ready to take center stage as the go to expert in their field.
Aside from TV Hosting Academy’s incredible trainings and private coaching, we guide talent on how to become more self-sufficient and financially independent by building their brand empire. Being such a strong believer in this philosophy led me to launch my very own makeup line, Camera Ready Collection. Something I’ve wanted to do for well over a decade!
Camera Ready Collection is a cruelty-free, paraben-free and vegan make-up and skincare line that offers incredible natural and hypoallergenic options for anyone who wants to look feel their best on camera…and in life. These amazing products are sourced in Canada and can be purchased online at CameraReadyCollection.com.
Our studio located in Alpharetta, GA is open for private workshops, branding shoots and small events by appointment only.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! I was forced to pivot after I was laid off from MTV. I took it as a sign to try something new, becoming an on-air personality. After working for many TV stations in different markets and being at the mercy of their tight budgets and unrealistic expectations, I had to make a choice. Put the fate of my financial future in someone else’s hands or build something for myself. I chose the latter.
We’ve been impressed with TV Hosting Academy, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
TV Hosting Academy is the premiere online academy for TV Hosts & Experts. TV Hosting Academy specializes in on camera and career coaching for on air personalities, plus media relations services for on-air experts.
What sets TVHA apart from other hosting schools is that it offers niche specific workshops and courses from instructors at the height of their careers, not just on camera classes that gloss over the basics. TVHA also offers an accountability group program called The Green Room membership so students can stay informed, inspired and supported to stay on track. It’s all about longevity in this space, not an overnight success story.
Another unique aspect to TV Hosting Academy is its media relations arm. Once students go through the academy’s on camera training and branding curriculum, students have the option to join the VIP Public Relations program; where they are professionally pitched to national, regional and local media outlets and publications for maximum exposure of their business and brand. Media outlets love the professionalism of their pitch materials and the caliber of our experts.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
In order to become a successful business owner efficient systems are essential. I use Thinkific as my online course platform, Acuity for my appointment calendar, Canva for all my marketing materials, Later to plan out my social media posts, Legal Zoom for most of my legal needs, and Xero bookkeeping software to keep my books in order. You have to know what’s coming into your business and what’s coming out, right?
My favorite podcast is Style Your Mind with Cara Alwill (The Champagne Diet). Cara has been my mentor through this incredible transformation from “host on a hamster wheel” to girl boss who burned the rule book. Thanks Cara!
Contact Info:
- Email: nicolesellars@tvhostingacademy.com
- Website: www.tvhostingacademy.com
- Instagram: TVHostingAcademy
