Nicole shows off her talents Nicole Paris was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. In 2012 she was awarded an Associate of Science degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales University located in Charlotte, North Carolina. After graduating she decided to pursue a childhood passion of hers, freestyle beatboxing. The passion and appreciation of this artistic form encouraged the newly founded organization Drop the Beats. This community-based organization provides educational events and a platform for like-minded artist. Nicole has contributed her professional skills to various events held in the Saint Louis, Mo. and Charlotte NC area. She was labeled after appearing on KTVI 2 news with Tim Ezell and April Simpson as the “Best Female Beat-boxer in the Saint Louis area”. Nicole now travels around the world sharing her elevated talent to entertain and lift the spirit of all individuals. She is also laboring to translate the beat-box art form into a children’s book slated to release by Reveal Publication. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx