Nilla Allin is one of a kind. The Los Angeles native hustled to jumpstart her career. Since childhood Nilla was always keen on the camera. After college, she realized her potential as an artist and quickly gained the support of her friends and family.

Known for her freestyles and remixes, Nilla Allin slowly started taking off on the internet and capturing the eyes of many with her raw talent. Nilla generated an immense following through her top-tier comedy skits on Tik Tok and everyday content on her YouTube channel. While going viral online, she was juggling creating content and working her 9-5 - which she shared has been a complete “journey.”

Despite the shifts in her life, the Los Angeles-based artist honed in on her creative passion for writing and storytelling by launching her rap career. She recently released her love story EP, Nilla’s Diary, influenced by the diary she kept throughout college. Relating to thousands of women, Nilla takes vulnerability to another level by sharing her stories which many women resonate with. From Career shifts to a supportive circle and reflecting on her journey Nilla wears many hats, and her story embodies ambition.

Check out the full interview below.

Tell us where you’re from and how your environment has framed your artistry now?

I am from Los Angeles, California. I feel like LA is a blend of everything. There are so many different vibes, so much to do, and so much to see. You can never be bored living in Los Angeles. In a sense, I feel like that's a direct reflection of me and my artistry. There are so many different vibes that make up who I am. I'm multifaceted, just like my environment. I don't like to be put in a box... I just enjoy the process of creating and inspiring others.

When did you know you wanted to be an artist?

I never knew I wanted to be an artist until I graduated college. My friends convinced me to pursue rap and start releasing music after a few of my freestyles had gone viral on Instagram and Twitter. Knowing that I had all of their support made it a lot easier for me to begin releasing music. It was amazing seeing how many people really appreciated my raps. I liked that I had the chance to move someone like that, so I wanted to continue to build on that.

You released your EP release last year “Nilla’s Diary” what was the inspiration behind that?

The funny thing is, the inspiration behind "Nilla's Diary" was Nilla's actual diary. In college, I wrote a lot about past situations that happened with friends, exes, etc. I wanted to get more vulnerable with this project and give my fans something they can actually relate to and resonate with, so I turned those diary entries into songs. As women, we go through a lot not just with men, but with our friends as well. I wanted to highlight those relatable situations like "Letter To My Ex BF", and "Embarrassing", because they are common events women go through, we just don't typically talk about it.

You recently moved from working 9-5 to being a full-time content creator, how has that journey been for you? What have you learned and what advice can you give young women on this same journey?

This journey has been a JOURNEY! It has its ups and downs, but it's been a long time since I've felt this happy. It's been a fun journey! Things are finally starting to align. Of course, it's challenging, but the feeling of waking up everyday and knowing that I'm living my purpose is truly something I am so grateful for. I'm so happy I made that decision! I've learned so much already, but right now I'm just in the process of learning how to build my dream life. It all starts with our mindset; I'm learning how to unprogram and unlearn some things I was taught from childhood because it was stunting my growth. I'm finally at the point in my life where I feel like I'm taking control of my own destiny. My advice to other young women on this same journey would be to just do what makes you feel good. Stay positive, think positive, and everything will fall into place as long as you believe it will.

What challenges do you face as a black woman being in a male dominated industry?

Being a black woman in a male dominated industry is honestly very daunting. It's funny because I was working in a male dominated industry at my 9-5 as well. I worked for an engineering company, and I was the only woman in the lab... the only difference between the two is that the corporate world has an HR department...LOL. The music industry doesn't have much protection for women. Sometimes it also gets difficult to network, because you never truly know someone's intentions.

We peeped your music video for your single “Edison” and you have such an amazing group of women as your support system, how have they helped you grow? And what do you enjoy most about your sisterhood?

My friends are ABSOLUTELY the reason why I'm here today. They are such a loving and supportive group of girls that are genuinely rooting for my success. Having good friends allows me to stay inspired... and whether they know it or not, a lot of the conversations I've had with those women inspired some of my best songs. I enjoy them being a part of my journey! I love how I can look back on my music videos and see all the same friends from my first video shoot in 2019. They've really supported me since day 1!

What’s one thing people may not know about Nilla Allin?

I starred in an episode of Cory in the House when I was younger. I was a sunshine girl LOL! I used to be a child actress, but I stopped because I got tired of the rejection.

What’s one quote that you live by?

My favorite quote to live by is, "Start now."

In honor of Women’s History Month, and us being Rare Radar What makes Nilla Allin rare?

Nilla Allin is one of a kind! What makes me rare is my personality and my story. I enjoy expressing myself through different art forms; one day that art might be a Tiktok, then maybe a YouTube video, or maybe a comedy skit, or perhaps a song, or maybe a car freestyle. I can't be put in a box; I just love creating content for people to engage with. Some of my fans are here for the music, some are here for the looks, others might be here for the comedy. I can do it all, and that's what makes Nilla Allin unique.

#CelebratingHer Viral sensation Nilla Allin talks Career Shifts, Supportive friendships, and Self Reflection