Nieve Malandra on Music, Business, and Living with Purpose
Mar 9
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Photo: Yalina Villasenor
Las Vegas is known for its world-class entertainment, beautiful desert landscapes and vibrant nightlife. But for Nieve Malandra, it’s much more than that. A professional singer, dedicated mother, and now a rising entrepreneur, Malandra has spent years perfecting the art of performance while simultaneously creating opportunities for others in the entertainment industry. Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose.
Jennifer Walker: Tell me a bit about yourself and your background…
Nieve Malandra: Las Vegas is a city of magic and has been my home for many years, deeply rooted in this city's vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Music has always been a passion of mine, leading me to a career as a professional singer. Beyond performing, I'm a dedicated single mom of two amazing daughters, ages 7 and 16. I prioritize health and wellness, nourishing my family with home-cooked, organic meals, with influences from my Italian roots. I also find balance and rejuvenation through meditation and my newest creative outlet, sound healing with crystal singing bowls. I find that singing in itself is a form of meditation, as it involves focusing on your breath, body sensations, and the present moment while producing sound, which can lead to a relaxed and mindful state, similar to traditional meditation practices; particularly when done with intention and awareness of your voice and body.
It's a fulfilling journey blending my artistic pursuits with my commitment to family and well-being.
JW: Your daughter is a talent as well and I am sure you have an interesting story about how you have supported her and helped to cultivate her development. Can you elaborate a bit?
NM: My 16-year-old daughter is incredibly talented, and it's been a joy to nurture her development. We have a close relationship, and I'm fiercely supportive of her dreams. We navigate the 'mom/daughter' and 'manager/talent' dynamic with open communication and mutual respect. She has ambitions to become a mental health professional and possibly incorporating sound and music healing, which I am so excited and supportive about. I love that she wants to help people. It's about finding that balance between encouragement and guidance, letting her explore her creativity while also providing the structure and support she needs to thrive.
JW: When we last spoke, we touched briefly on how you have raised your family with a sense of healthy, organic eating. Please share some information about your healthy lifestyle and how you implement those habits.
NM: Health and wellness are non-negotiable in our household. We prioritize organic, home-cooked meals – it's a commitment I make to my daughters' well-being. I believe in fueling their bodies with the best ingredients. Beyond diet, we stay active. I meditate regularly, which helps me stay centered, and my daughters have their own activities. I also believe in providing a wholesome structure for my children, being a strong and present parent, not a pushover. It's about creating a lifestyle that nourishes us physically, mentally, and emotionally.
JW: Let's talk a bit about your talent agency: where did the idea come from, and how long have you been in business?
NM: My talent agency was born from a desire to connect incredible local talent – musicians, models, and specialty performers – with the diverse opportunities in Las Vegas. My vision with Malandra Talent is to provide personalized representation that truly understands the needs of both performers and venues, with my background and experience as a performer myself for so many years. I work with a range of talented individuals, booking them for everything from restaurants and lounges to weddings and corporate events. My goal is to build a respected agency known for integrity and a genuine commitment to the Las Vegas entertainment community and beyond.
JW: As a singer yourself, do you find that you have a keener sense of being able to seek out talent in others? Explain a bit about that process...
NM: Absolutely! My background as a singer gives me a unique perspective. I understand the nuances of performance, the dedication it requires, and the connection it takes to captivate an audience. I listen not just for technical skill, but also for that spark, that unique quality that makes an artist stand out. It's about recognizing potential and helping artists hone their craft and connect with the right opportunities. On the client’s side I do the work for them in terms of securing and procuring the talent, ensuring that they are professional and giving their best in order to facilitate memorable experiences for our clients.
JW: With every successful venture, there are always challenges. What are some of the challenges you may have had in the process of reaching your current level of success?
NM: Building a business always comes with its share of hurdles. Building a client base is where I am at currently. Getting the message out there that I’m not just a performer now but I will do the planning and booking for your next event and make you stand out can be a bit challenging but with consistency and delivering a great product, I know my business will leave a lasting impression and the business will expand from there. This is not my first rodeo! I’ve built businesses before and these experiences have made me stronger and more resilient, and they fuel my drive to succeed.
JW: We find it inspiring any time a woman starts a business and follows her vision! As a woman business owner, how are you inspired by your work, and what motivates you to keep pressing onward?
NM: Thank you! Being a woman business owner is incredibly rewarding. I'm inspired by the opportunity to create something meaningful, to contribute to my community, and to be a role model for my daughters. What motivates me? Seeing the success of the artists I represent, the joy they bring to audiences, and knowing that I'm playing a part in making Las Vegas' entertainment scene even more vibrant.
JW: Your recent social media post shows you working with young children, teaching singing lessons. What types of lessons and coaching do you offer for children? If families are interested in seeking out your services for their children, do you have any tips for them on how to get started?
NM: I'm passionate about sharing my knowledge through vocal coaching. I work with children and individuals of all ages, teaching them the fundamentals of singing – ear training, intonation, mic technique, expanding range, and performance skills. I also share tips and tricks to captivate an audience. It's about nurturing their love of music and empowering them to find their voice. Families and individuals interested in lessons can reach out to me through my email nieve@malandratalent.com
JW: Do you have any final words of inspiration for our readers?
NM: My mantra is: 'Believe in your dreams, work hard, and never stop learning.' I believe in the power of passion, perseverance, and authentic connection. Whether you're a performer, a business owner, or simply someone striving to live a fulfilling life, embrace your unique gifts and share them with the world. Artists are a very small percentage of the world and even smaller are those making a living as one. The world needs us, fear is a liar, get out there and shine. Music uplifts and brings us together, this is a worthwhile mission, so share your light and go out and support other artists!
For more information, please follow here:
Malandra Music, Models, & Talent
310.614.2426
IG, FB, LinkedIn, TikTok: @malandratalent
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