Nicole A. Wheatley

Corporate Officer Nicole Wheatley is also arguably one of the most talented female drummers in the Caribbean.

Where it all started! Playing for the Shooting Stars Steel Orchestra

This individual is Nicole A. Wheatley, a Corporate Officer at trust company Portcullis TrustNet BVI Limited. Her position is a supervisory one.

Ironically, Nicole never thought of working for a trust company much less for so many years since she actually wanted to go to Hollywood to become a Musician/Actress. Just graduating out of school, however, Nicole wanted a summer job and was able to get one at the trust company. She never left. “I guess they were impressed with my performance and I have been working with them ever since.”

Coming over as quite a modest person, Nicole said she was able to keep her employment for so many years thanks to a friendly staff and boss, who makes her work enjoyable. “We are not only co-workers but some of us are friends after work. I love dealing with clients. I love dealing with other offices such as in Hong Kong and Singapore and getting to know some of the other staff members in the other offices.”

Nicole believes that in every situation there are challenges and being aware of that has especially helped her to climb the walls of challenges at her place of work, in the music business and at home where her dedication is towards seeing her child educated and afforded the opportunity to fulfil her dreams and aspirations that she, Nicole, was unable to do. “I would have loved to be a full time musician but that does not seem to be a possibility in the Virgin Islands. I want to be a good mother to my daughter and see her through. Maybe my dreams were not accomplished fully but I would like to set her on the right path where her dreams and aspirations could come through.”

Ten years down the road our young professional hopes to be self-employed.

Not delving into the music side of Nicole would be missing the beat of this young professional, who is very much a professional outside of the trust company she works for since three years ago she started the Adikshun Band, which is the first all-female band in the Virgin Islands and arguably in the Leeward Islands if not the entire Caribbean. She also considers herself a drummer for hire!

Her extraordinary gift as a drummer has given her the nickname Drummer Girl.

Her life as a musician started in the 90s with the Shooting Stars Steel Orchestra, which she played with for some eleven years before playing drums for a gospel artiste back then by the name of Deanna Wattley. She played drums for Wattley for several years and together they toured most of the Leeward Islands before she moved on to play drums for Showtime Band from 2004 until 2008.

Nicole has garnered tremendous experience as a drummer and has even played in a rock band by the name of Hot Sauce over at Last Resort and for Hardcore Band of Virgin Gorda.

“I started with steel pan and our instructor then Mr. Terrence ‘BJ’ Marcell from Trinidad used to be on the drums and I always admired him on the drums and after practice I would just go and try to what I saw him do. If you believe in the genetics thing my father was a drummer for a band that was known back in the days as the Bad Ones but I always admired people playing the drums especially BJ because he was such a good drummer and I said one day I wanted to become a drummer.” She also credits the late Leslie deCastro as someone who encouraged her to play the drums.

Her memories as a drummer are many and her incredible talent has fascinated many especially with her being a female. Nicole recalled one time on a tour in Anguilla when a young lady approached her with tears in her eyes for an autograph since she was so moved by her performance. “I signed my sticks and gave them to her...I felt like a super star,” Nicole said with a laugh.

Our young professional has also played the drums for popular figures like John Travolta, Morgan Freeman and Sir Richard Branson and has shared the same stage with Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary and KC and Jojo.

As for her band, Nicole said it is on a break but in the meantime they are seeking a female vocalist and a songwriter or producer of any gender. “The intention was for the band to start off touring the Caribbean and then further afield but everything takes time and patience and once the young ladies stick with me our time will come.”

Asked how she is able to balance work, music, and her family life, Nicole said it’s about prioritising. “I find the time to do everything but the top priority is my daughter.”

Our talented young professional advises young people to always focus on their goals in life and not let negativity play a part. "If it’s something you know in your heart that you love to do then go for it. I have had a lot of different experiences which have helped me a lot on this journey and you learn from your mistakes. I always try to think positive but there are a lot of influences out there so you have to pick out the good from the bad. Being a Young Professional is at times challenging but anything in life is a challenge and not because something challenging may come about means you should give up. You can’t go through this life without challenges. Keep your head on whether it is work or music. Know your goals, stay focused.”