Cocktails with… Nicole ‘Ms Nix’ Lyn
Whether you know of her as the ex-wife of Ballers actor Dulé Hill, or cosied up on the couch to watch her in series such as Student Bodies, West Wing or Half & Half; maybe she saved your life on the dance floor at one time or another, Canadian deejay and actress of Jamaican heritage Nicole ‘Ms Nix’ Lyn exudes an assured humility. It is this attribute that immediately draws us in — her Boho-chic personal style only sweetens the pot — and before you know it, we have given in to balloons of wine and developed a rapport reserved for long-lost BFFs.
What are you sipping?
Sancerre — my favourite white wine varietal.
What kind of day are you having?
I try to always maintain a sense of humour, curiosity and enthusiasm so that no matter what I encounter, everyday is an adventure.
What are your beauty essentials?
I’d be in big trouble without my hair products…but there are too many to list! I also love Cleau de Peau concealer and Odacité essential oils.
Describe your personal style.
Relaxed. Even when I’m ‘dressed up’ I prefer to go for the suggestion of sensuality over overtly sexy.
Who does your hair?
I always do my own hair unless I’m on a set or photoshoot.
Who does your nails?
I go to Marie Nails or Vanity Projects in New York City.
LBD or jeans?
Jeans.
Flats or stilettos?
Umm…sneakers (laughs)?
What perfume are you splashing?
I don’t do a lot of scents. A clean body butter and some oil on my pulse points is about all I usually do. I’ve been using Mimi & Hy for years now.
What’s playing on your iPod?
The answer to that can get long-winded for a deejay! But, I’m currently obsessed with the new Justin Bieber song Sorry. Big chune (laughs)!
Who is your inspiration?
I’m constantly inspired by my girlfriends. I have a group of really special, diverse, powerful and supportive women that I’m blessed to call sisters.
Where do you go to unwind?
Usually to my shower/bed, or for a hike if I’m in Los Angeles for a more comprehensive reset, I’ll travel and just try to get lost someplace new. In Jamaica, I find GoldenEye one of the most magical, relaxing places I’ve ever been.
What’s your idea of the perfect man?
Nobody’s perfect. I’ve learned to be forgiving of people’s quirks and ‘flaws’ and just be open to letting chemistry and quality time do it’s thing.
What’s your idea of the perfect date?
I honestly don’t care what we do. Just look me in the eyes, talk to me sincerely, and show me some affection.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
A bit more settled I imagine… but I am committed to creating and ‘adventuring’ until I die! What that looks like will obviously change and evolve over time, which is the most exciting part.
In the affairs of the pocket, what is your best piece of financial advice?
Whether you have $100 in your pocket or millons and millions in the bank; live below your means. It’s not only wise for your financial stability, but good for the soul. And for women, I’d add: Never let what a man brings to the table be all you have to eat.
There are many that find aging — an unavoidable life fact — quite daunting, what’s the one thing you look forward to re: your golden years?
Truthfully, I’m not sure I know what ‘golden years’ are supposed to consist of or when exactly they start but I think I want to be the kind of granny who tells amazing stories and inspires people to embrace life. And I’d want make the best beef stew and easter bun around, because those are what my grandmothers are known for in the kitchen!
Girls just wanna have fun. What’s the empowering element of all-female friendship?
Letting go of comparing yourself to and competing with others. We as women are nurturing and compassionate with our men and our children, but so quick to say ‘She’s not doing it right’ or ‘I’m not good enough.’ I believe the reason females are so often judgmental of other females is because we’re conditioned to be hardest on ourselves! When we let go of our judgement and illusions and really show up for each other, encourage and learn from each other, we activate all our superpowers, and then we’re unstoppable.
Ms Nix has been commissioned to deejay the opening reception of an exhibition of sculpture in a vast formal garden, design a playlist comprised of only five tracks.
Miles Davis’s album Kind of Blue in its entirety.