N i k k i  G a l

Advocate, Speaker, Entrepreneur

When did you begin your fashion modeling journey?

I began my modeling journey back in 2014. I was 15 years old.

What kind of public speaking topics do you talk about?

The public speaking topics I cover range from mental health awareness, the power of limitless creative freedom, my own experiences within entrepreneurial skills/mindset, as well as embracing a self-made lifestyle in your 20s.

What kind of events have you been able to speak at?

My own nonprofit and podcast, Raw Talk with Nikki Gal, has published over 160 interviews hitting listeners from over 40 countries. In addition, I have been a guest speaker on numerous podcasts in the past year ranging from self-help podcasts to women’s wellness podcasts. Also, I spoke on the Nick Cannon Show in 2022. I was a guest speaker on a former TEDx Talks speaker’s platform and podcast.

Tell us more about your digital design company. What type of services do you offer?

My digital design company, See Thru Nikki, started in 2019. I have been enjoying the creative journey. See Thru Nikki specializes in custom design work, custom logo work, and custom animation work. I, as the artist, am focused on prioritizing the client's vision.  There are no limitations. I firmly believe anything is possible and anything can be created.  With a focus on originality and adding that personal touch, no piece is ever the same. I do not use a stylus for any of my artwork. See Thru Nikki artwork is created with my fingertip only. The name “See Thru Nikki” is a play on words as clients see their vision through the artist’s eyes; therefore, you are seeing through me, Nikki.

How would you describe your photography style?

I define my photography style as candid and in the moment. I wish for my  photography to spread the light of female empowerment and creative liberation.

"I define my photography style as candid and in the moment. I wish for my  photography to spread the light of female empowerment and creative liberation".

What inspired you to start your intimates and swimwear company?

When I was young, I always had the dream of starting my own fashion line.  Fashion shows from the early 2000s, and seeing so many talented fashion designer’s visions come to life, really inspired me. The innovative world of fashion spoke to me, as I instantly wished to experience life as a fashion designer. As a fashion designer, I wanted everything to come together in a way that practices female empowerment and body kindness. I wished to create a brand that was multi-dimensional and inclusive, rather than one-sided and exclusive. My mission through GAL Intimates and GAL Swim is to help create a comfortable and empowering experience for the woman who chooses to wear our designs. Feeling comfortable and confident in your clothes is a priority!

Are there any other photography styles that you would like to explore in the future?

I would like to experience shooting more digital campaigns in the near future pertaining to female empowerment and visual campaigns for mental health visibility.

What services do you provide with your content consulting company?

My content consulting company, Galvanize by Nikki Gal, focuses on utilizing the client’s vision to the best potential including social media marketing, social media networking, entrepreneurship workshops, small business mentorship, as well as creative leadership workshops. My mission is to give clients complete and flexible options within their own creative visions to help them grow alongside their ideas, thoughts, and goals.

You have a non-profit called "Raw Talk with Nikki Gal". Why is talking about mental health important to you?

Mental health has been seen by society as a taboo and rather swept-under-the rug topic for years. I wish to break that. It is important for me to speak about mental health, and bring awareness to mental health from not only a woman’s point of view, but also a comfortable point of view. I launched my nonprofit, Raw Talk with Nikki Gal in 2021, to enhance the female voice within the mental health community to shed a light on vulnerability and raw emotion. When others can relate to one another it is a powerful moment. We need more of that.

"Mental health has been seen by society as a taboo and rather swept-under-the rug topic for years. I wish to break that. It is important for me to speak about mental health, and bring awareness to mental health from not only a woman’s point of view, but also a comfortable point of view".

Can you leave our readers with a daily mental health tip to help them navigate life better?

Give yourself time and patience. You are a human. Take care of yourself! Take social media breaks. Take a bubble bath! Your mind and body will thank you.

Are there any challenges you've had to overcome as a CEO, entrepreneur, and fashion model?

Giving myself time to rest, and giving myself needed breaks. I am a woman of devotion to whatever I put my mind to, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Sometimes, I tend to lose focus of everything else around me, as I get so invested in my work. Throughout the years, I have learned to set highly necessary boundaries, as well as give myself time to breathe. I often feel as entrepreneurs/creatives we feel as though we need to be going 24/7.  It is important to be aware that going 24/7 is impossible. We are humans at the end of the day. We need to take priority in taking time out for ourselves to avoid burnout and stress.

What are some words of advice you can give to future entrepreneurs who want to become a CEO?

Believe in yourself! Your dreams are never too big. Your dreams are much closer than you think. You are in the driver’s seat of your own life. Take control of your passions. Keep an open mind. You never know what is in store for the future.

"Believe in yourself! Your dreams are never too big. Your dreams are much closer than you think. You are in the driver’s seat of your own life. Take control of your passions. Keep an open mind. You never know what is in store for the future".

Outside of your businesses, what are some other hobbies that you enjoy?

I love painting, doing yoga, and spending time with my friends and family.

Photographer: Eddia Jane Watts

Follow At:

Instagram: @seethrunikki and @nikkicgal