Empowering Women Through Purposeful Ventures: A Candid Conversation with Modelpreneur Nikki Gal

The time of models who only appeared impeccable on catwalks is over. The new era demands women who commit to social causes and generate a positive impact among their followers. Nikki Gal has understood this very well and has expanded her influence beyond the fashion industry, emerging as a successful entrepreneur and advocate. 

Originating from Massachusetts, her journey began with aspirations of gracing magazine covers and becoming a fashion model. Over the years, she achieved success in the modeling world, featuring on prestigious covers and editorials.

Gal's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish various ventures, including a digital design company, a content consulting business, a photography service, a fashion line, and a women-focused nonprofit organization. This diversified portfolio has positioned her as a multi-talented individual, not confined to the role of a model but embracing a multi-hyphenate identity. This interview will help you understand the power of her message. Keep reading and be empowered by her words.

Nikki, how would you describe yourself right now?

Motivated and focused.

How is a day in your life?

I like to start my days early, typically waking up around 5 am every morning. I like to incorporate yoga in my daily routine every other morning to get my body and mind ready for the day. As an entrepreneur, I work Monday through Saturday— the hours range between 12-14 hours a day sometimes.

We would like to have a brief summary of your modeling career. When did you start it and how?

I was always intrigued by the fashion industry from a young age, which inspired me to pursue a career in modeling. I grew up watching fashion shows and flipping through the pages of fashion magazines, it all opened my eyes to the industry. I started my modeling career back in 2014 when I was 15 years old. By the time I turned 16, I signed 2 modeling agency contracts. It all happened quickly, and it was a pivotal moment in my life. 

Can you tell us more about the pivotal moment when you decided to transition into entrepreneurship and establish your digital design company, See Thru Nikki, in 2019? What led you to make that decision?

After being present in the modeling industry for 5 years, I decided to pivot my professional career and focus more on my creative passions. In the modeling industry, I felt that my full artistic potential was being limited, and I didn’t want to feel limited any longer. In addition to modeling, I also fostered a passion for the arts as I was an art student in high school. In 2019, I decided to launch my digital art company, See Thru Nikki, after a previous art piece of mine went viral on Instagram. At that moment I realized I had a target audience and demand for my art. 

Your digital design company has attracted the attention of prominent figures. How do you infuse purpose and meaning into your art to raise awareness about current social issues?

From my own perspective, I feel that as an artist it is a main mission of mine to create art with a purpose and impact by raising awareness and education on societal issues. I launched an art piece titled “Say Her Name” in 2020 dedicated to 6 women who lost their lives due to police brutality and racial injustice in the United States. The piece gained over 10 million views on social media and was shared by prominent figures such as anti-racist activist Ibram X. Kendi, singers Ashanti, Sheila E., and Ice Cube, as well as actresses Tracee Ellis Ross and Zoë Kravitz. I believe that art has the power to move individuals in a creative direction, but also in an innovative direction as well. I wish individuals who feel muted to feel heard within my artwork and mission. 

Your journey involves collaborations with influential figures and brands. How have these strategic partnerships contributed to the growth and success of your business efforts?

It has been an absolute pleasure to meet so many influential figures and brands that inspire me in my everyday life and career. For me, I don’t believe in the sole action of networking— I believe in forming and building strong relationships and connections with those who have a great impact on my life. Creating a circle of individuals who practice the same professional values and visions as I do, makes the professional space a truly gratifying experience. 

You coined the term "modelpreneur" How do you balance your roles as a model and entrepreneur, and what advice do you have for other models looking to pursue diverse career paths?

Modeling and entrepreneurship go hand in hand in my world, as I maintain separate yet shared relationships within both roles. In today’s society, we as individuals should never be afraid to think outside the box. I put a heavy focus on the importance of utilizing ourselves to pursue a multitude of our own abilities and passions, rather than one ability or passion. A modelpreneur is more than a model or an entrepreneur, it is a limitless way of reinvention and pivot while setting an example for other individuals to seek business career paths and further professional interests and growth. 

As someone deeply embedded in the fashion industry, how do you see the role of models evolving, particularly in terms of taking on business ventures beyond traditional modeling?

I wish to see more models become actively present by reinventing themselves alongside their own business ideas, opportunities, and experiences. I envision more models becoming professionally represented not only in the fashion industry but also in other industries and fields outside of the fashion industry. 

Your advocacy for women's mental health is commendable and that's where 'Raw Talk with Nikki Gal' comes from. Could you give us a review of this project? What inspired you to do it?

Raw Talk with Nikki Gal is a nonprofit organization and platform that was founded in 2021 to break stigmata pertaining to mental health as well as promote advocacy for women’s wellness. I have always wished to be a voice for the women's community from a young age, which motivated the launch of Raw Talk with Nikki Gal. The platform has provided women of all walks of life a comfortable space to share their raw and candid experiences with each other and with our society. 

What impact do you hope to have on society through this work?

I wish to develop a more inclusive impact within the mental health and women’s community by breaking the stigma and barriers that are still present around the topic of mental health in our society. 

One out of every two people in the world will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime. I wish to educate society by amplifying the overall transparent and candid focus on mental health.

‘Raw Talk with Nikki Gal’ has reached more than 40 countries. Do you believe that technology and your trajectory in the industry favor the amplification of the message of mental health awareness on a global scale?

Technology especially utilized in today’s society can lead to great shifts and increase positive change. When the Raw Talk with Nikki Gal podcast launched in 2021 on platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, I felt that these platforms would amplify the conversation and impact, but never believed the podcast would hit an audience of over 40 countries. It has been an inspiring experience for me to have my platform be seen and heard in the United States and also on a global scale. 

Your journey involves breaking stereotypes and redefining success. What personal qualities do you think have been crucial to your success as an entrepreneur?

Having the ability to adapt to fast-paced environments within professional works and industries has been a main quality that has helped me as both an entrepreneur and creator. I also believe giving myself breaks in between the creative thought process has also been beneficial for my career and headspace. 

In the midst of so many tasks, what activities do you do to relax and get away from work a little?

I enjoy surrounding myself with animals, as I feel animals hold a therapeutic connection with humans. I like to spend as much time as I can with my dog, as well as other individuals who uplift and motivate me. 

Are there any upcoming projects or ventures that you are particularly excited about? Can you give us an idea of your future aspirations?

I am excited to launch more digital media campaigns and artwork pertaining to mental health within my company and platform. In the next 5 years, I plan on developing more ways to inspire others to explore their own creative abilities and goals.

Could you mention 3 essential elements in your life? They can be people, routines, rituals.

My family, my friends, my imagination. 

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