Our Start

Hermon Whaley Jr. and Nikki Khouri met while studying in the BFA Acting Program at the Conservatory of Theatre Arts, SUNY Purchase College. As their friendship developed, they recognized their creative connection, and began writing together. They created Thorn & Petal in 2018 as a platform to share their stories, spread joy, and uplift themselves and others. They are actors who realize they also have the power to write and develop the stories and characters they want to explore. Their duality yields conversations and ideas that have granted them palpable freedoms; freedom of expression and self. They have the privilege of using their platform to explore topics such as love, spirituality, race, and gender expression.