Nicole Asensio Once Considered a Career in Law Before Music

For someone who has spent nearly two decades building a career in music, Nicole Asensio admits that becoming a musician was never part of the original plan.

Known today for her work with General Luna, her solo career, and her ability to move between rock, jazz, and theatrical influences, Nicole revealed that she initially saw herself pursuing a very different path.

"I didn't actually want to be a musician in the start," she shared. "I took up creative writing. I took up creative non-fiction and literary criticism in preparation to hopefully be a lawyer."

Growing up around performers may have played a role in that decision. Music and theater were already deeply embedded in her life, making the prospect of pursuing something entirely different feel appealing.

"I loved singing. I just wasn't sure that's a career I wanted to pursue because everyone in my family is a good singer," she explained. "So I was kind of like maybe I'll try something else."

As her musical career gained momentum, she also explored a surprising number of professions outside entertainment.

"I used to sell medical equipment," she recalled. "I used to sell ukay-ukay way before it was a thing. I used to work in a restaurant. I used to be a teacher, too."

One by one, those jobs fell away while music remained.

"I really ended up singing. What am I going to do?" she laughed.

Perhaps what makes Nicole's journey compelling is that it challenges the idea of artistic destiny. Many assume successful artists always knew exactly who they wanted to become. Her story suggests otherwise.

After all, the performer audiences know today was shaped not only by stages and studios, but also by classrooms, side hustles, and dreams that once pointed in an entirely different direction.

Watch the full Nicole Asensio interview.

Photo courtesy of Nicole Asensio.