Meet Rachal Nolen | Theater Venue Owner

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

Hi Rachal, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am born and raised in Memphis Tennessee. My childhood was as if I was an adult from the age of eight years old. My upbringing made me self confident and also extremely independent. Today I struggle with being less masculine in ways. I was raised mostly by my dad so, so many things that women naturally have men do for them I was taught to do for myself as if it was the normal thing to do. By my dad raising me so tough crying was not truly an option for me although I was a girl. In a sense my dad could only raise me the way he knew how which was as if I was a son not a daughter. It has an odd way of balancing me out, although I at times get joked on by my friends for being like a “dude.” Overall my upbringing formed my foundation to wanting more out of life than just what I thought was only intended for women to do. I’m a young entrepreneur who walked out on faith with two children! Anything is possible.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My profession is complex. I do so many things that tie back together. I am a public speaker, which I mostly speak for positive fathers and healthy relationships with their children. I recently transitioned my company into a theater, which will teach children acting classes for free for those seventeen and younger. I am also a podcast host where we speak on topics to help heal traumas, and bring awareness to difficult situations. Doing what I am doing was always my childhood dream! Wanting to help others and using my voice as a tool. It came easy to me to speak however when you are truly a positive image not many will follow you as you will like and I have grown to accept that. Our world so filled with negative dramas so it’s like a battle at times to be heard in numbers. The lessons I have learned is that if you allow people to abuse your kindness they will! It’s perfectly fine to say “no,” and stick to it. I will like the world to know that not all hurt people hurt people, some of us come with a heart to heal the hurt. I’m a product of both my parents hurting me in some form however I overcame it all. It prompted me into my passion for writing at a young age and now I’m a writer and producer of small stage plays, Mentally Caged, being my first production which was written by JaiZo Arts, owner, Johnieccia of Memphis TN. I am a child who had to grow up fast and was always a care giver my entire life. My mindset is different from others, and I also love hard on everyone within my life. Knowing me is to know love! I’m the goofiest yet most professional person one can meet. My story made me who I am today.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well I am a fan of Rafferty’s! We will go there for some Buffalo Mac no croutons and drink sweet tea. Since I hadn’t been to many restaurants we would be some Google professionals for almost everything. If Timeless is having an event I would of course take my friend there. Depending on how the weather is we will catch a day at the river for a boat ride. Then for exciting people, I must say we will stay around my inner circle of friends turned family cause there is always laughter and memories being made. I’m so simple my friend would get bored and find things herself for us to do, lol.

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?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my late daddy, Allen Nolen, late bestfriend Carrie Stewart, and my children De’ Janay and Tsumarri. Then a special shoutout to another bestfriend Bryan James, for being there for this ride before I ever left my job to start this journey. My entire family both mom and dad side. A special business/life partner L.V. Jones. My FULL circle (too many friends to mention). My mother Marittia, she believes I can do anything and my oldest sisters Alica and LaShandia, hands down my sisters support what ever I want to do and push me to be better than my past self.

Facebook: Rachal Nolen; 1st Step Nolen’s Place; Raleigh Stagehouse

Image Credits
Darius MtownShoota Butler