Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, I always had a big imagination. I spent most of my younger years sketching comic characters or producing lofi beats. Eventually, I set the arts aside to pursue a career in education. For three years, I facilitated educational youth programs and events for students between the ages of 5 and 18. At the high school level, I even advised teens on workplace success and mental health. But as that started to take off, so did the COVID-19 pandemic.

Like many others, I lost my job, but I gained an extraordinary sense of identity. I began my gender transition, and documented it for YouTube. There were many transgender creators who inspired me to take the leap, so I wanted to give back in the same way. Meanwhile on Twitch, I was introduced to several LGBTQIA+ streamers. Many were playing one of my all time favorite games, Dark Souls, which I found comforting, despite the overwhelmingly difficult nature of the game. I hopped on the bandwagon, and started streaming it myself.

For the first time, I felt part of a community that valued the authentic me, and one of those community members needed help editing her stream highlights. One client led to another, and soon, my work became well-known throughout the LGBTQIA+ community on Twitch. On a whim, I moved to Los Angeles, then slightly pivoted to my current home in vibrant Long Beach.

Today, I work with many high profile creators taking creative risks, especially in the realm of comedy. I love working with AAPI women like myself, but am adaptable to anyone with a passionate and inclusive mindset.

If you have video editing, thumbnail design, or consulting needs, feel free to email me at nickinilla@gmail.com. I’d love to chat!