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Nikki Gal is an American fashion model, multi-faceted entrepreneur, advocate, and artist. She started her professional career in 2014 at 15 years old as a fashion model. Five years later, Nikki chose to pivot her career, which led to the creation of her digital art company See Thru Nikki, her photography company Shots by Gal, her content consultant company Galvanize by Nikki, Gal Intimates, and Gal Swimwear.
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Along with entrepreneurial work, she launched Raw Talk with Nikki Gal in 2021 to advocate for women’s mental health and wellness. In 2023, Gal launched her podcast, The Model Memo, which focuses on mental health visibility within the modeling industry. Her mission is to inspire women to embrace their multi-faceted mindsets and to never limit themselves or their passions.
How did you get to where you are today?
Having a versatile creative mentality has helped me grow and develop into the woman and creator I am today. As the saying goes— you must believe in yourself to succeed in something. But, I believe you must trust your own drive too. Trusting your drive and believing in yourself go hand in hand.
Who has made an impact on you?
My family has made a huge impact on me and my life. They inspire me on so many levels. Other woman entrepreneurs I have met through the years also inspired me and my professional life.
What do you think has helped you the most with your success?
Hearing stories about other women and how they built their brands has motivated me and helped me grow in my career life and my personal life. I love hearing and learning about other’s journeys and stories.
What has been the biggest challenge you have overcome in order to achieve your goals?
Finding a balance between all my work has been the biggest challenge for me, but over the years I have learned how to manage and adapt to the fast-paced life of entrepreneurship. Taking breaks when needed and giving myself time to rest has helped me greatly improve myself as both an entrepreneur and woman.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of an art piece I launched in 2020 titled Say Her Name, honoring 6 women who lost their lives due to police brutality and racial injustice in the United States of America. 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 am so proud that my art has held the power to move individuals toward education and awareness.
What are three pieces of advice you could give to our readers?
1. Keep going, you never know where you will be or what you will do.
2. Trust the process, everything takes time.
3. Trial and error is key, your failures pave the way for your success.
How do you try to make an impact?
Advocating for the women’s mental health community has been a passion of mine for years, as I am so grateful to have a platform to share other’s experiences and voices in a raw and candid way. In 2021, my platform and podcast Raw Talk with Nikki Gal hit listeners in over 40 countries, and I am very proud of that impact. Mental health is a topic that is often overlooked and muted, so breaking the stigma and shedding light on these conversations has been an inspiring journey.
How do you reward yourself when you’ve reached a goal or after a hard day of work?
I love spending time and surrounding myself with women who radiate motivation and enthusiasm. It is so rewarding for me.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Keep being yourself and never be afraid of reinventing yourself or your life.
Paige Trendell
Paige Trendell is a high school intern at Sass Magazine. You can find her appreciating nature, crocheting, or reading a book. She hopes to go to college, major in journalism, and maybe even make it to the Washington Post!
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