Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Ianni.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was 24 when I fell into hosting karaoke for Top Hat Entertainment. I had just graduated from Cal State San Marcos with a Business degree and had resigned myself to being a low-level cog in someone else’s business, in Human Resources or Accounting. Then one day, some co-workers of mine invited me to a going-away party at Acapulco Mexican Restaurant where they had karaoke happening. I have always been able to sing and had performed throughout high school in various stage productions around San Diego County, so karaoke was something I excelled at. I got up to sing Donna Summers’, “Last Dance,” and when I was done, the host asked if I had ever thought about hosting. I worked with Top Hat for a couple of years before branching off and running DIVA Entertainment on my own at 28. Eventually, I grew so big that I had to bring on other hosts and now we have 25 weekly gigs hosting karaoke, trivia and various bar games, such as Family Feud and bingo with 15 employees working all over San Diego County.
Great, 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?
It has definitely not been an easy journey. Owning a business in California requires a lot of blood, sweat & tears. My advice to other women is to focus on things you have control over. Stressing about things you have no control over can distract you from the ultimate goal of success in whatever field you end up in. Also, keep your options open and take chances. I can speak from experience that not everyone will support your decisions, but if you stay true and have faith in yourself, you can succeed at anything.
Please tell us about DIVA Entertainment.
DIVA Entertainment primarily dealt in hosting karaoke and performing various DJ services for weddings, birthdays, corporate events up until Fall 2017 when we added hosting trivia to the services we offer. In April of this year, we merged with our competitor, Gotham Nights Entertainment, and have added hosting bar games to our repertoire. I think what we are primarily known for is the quality of talent found in our hosts. We pride ourselves on having some of the most vocally gifted hosts in town!
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Remember that you are going to fail more than succeed. You can’t let that get to you. Look at it as a learning experience and use it to grow into a better version of yourself.
Pricing:
- Karaoke services for bars, pubs, restaurants, etc. start at 3 hrs for $175
- Trivia/Bar Games for bars, pubs, restaurants, etc. start at 2 hrs for $150
- Please contact for pricing on private events.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 760-483-3482
- Email: divarsion@gmail.com
- Instagram: divarsion
- Facebook: divaentertainment1
- Twitter: divarsion
Image Credit:
Giuliana Maola Photography
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