Check out our interview with stunning model, designer, and entrepreneur Nikki Gal, who has appeared on the covers of 20+ fashion magazines, including Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Glamour, and Grazia. Gal started her entrepreneurial journey as an artist in 2019 at just 20 years old. After one year of launching her art company, she had reached over 10 million impressions via social media. Gal’s mission is to inspire others to follow their creative dreams by sharing their work with the world.
Follow Nikki @nikkicgal
Hi Nikki, please tell us a little about you?
My name is Nikki Gal, I’m an American fashion model, entrepreneur, and advocate.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Creative, expressive, imaginative
Who has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?
My family, they have been my biggest supporters from the start. My family has inspired me and continues to inspire me throughout my life.
How and when did you start modeling?
I got signed to a modeling agency when I was 15 years old. I got an interview and walked out with a contact the same day— it happened really quick. I have always been drawn and fascinated with the world of fashion from a young age, and I wanted to become part of it— so I did.
Can you name a few of the brands you are working or have worked with?
I have been on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Bulgaria, Marie Claire Serbia two times, Grazia Croatia, as well as Glamour Bulgaria. My first modeling gig was back in 2014 when I was 15 years old— I modeled for a very small runway show for Macy’s and Sears.
The most important thing when you are shooting is:
Controlling the expression in my eyes, the eyes are the most powerful part of a photograph, I believe.
What is your advice for young models and influencers?
Keep going, keep building, and keep believing in yourself. You can never stop believing in yourself and your dreams.
What mindset helped make you so successful and popular?
I kept going despite what anyone told me—I kept believing in myself, my work, and my dreams. I learned to trust the process by keeping my brain focused and my passions strong.
When you started your social media accounts, did you expect such a success?
I really didn’t at all. I never expected to attract an audience of other individuals who share the same interests and passions as me but who also support myself and my career. It’s been a humbling experience for me to see others kindness and support towards me.
As a popular model and influencer, you are followed by so many people, including young girls. How do you feel about the pressure to always do the right thing and encourage people to follow their dreams?
You have to understand and accept that you can’t please everyone and every audience. No matter who you are or what you do, there will always be a critic. As for following your own dreams, you have to believe in yourself by believing in your own mindset and goals. I like to tell individuals and young individuals that it all starts with something, and that something starts with you. You ultimately hold the power to create the life you want, so go after it!
What do you think is the secret to having a successful social media channel?
Never limit yourself and your brand. Experiment with different marketing strategies on your own social media platforms. Think outside the box and never be afraid to try something new within your company or brand—you never know what will happen.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you have learned so far?
Never compete with technology. In today’s world, technology is such a prominent tool that we use in both our personal and professional lives, but we can’t let it define us or consume us.
What actor, actress, or model do you admire the most, and why?
Angelina Jolie. She is such a beautiful human, both inside and out. Her humanitarian work throughout the years has always inspired me. I find her to be a very powerful woman.
Now tell us about your art company and what type of art is your favorite?
I launched my art company See Thru Nikki back in 2019 when I was 20 years old. I’ve had the pleasure to connect with so many amazing clients and artists who have acknowledged and shared an interest in my work as well as myself as an artist, it has been a very beautiful experience for me. Although I work professionally as a digital artist, I love painting. Abstract painting is my favorite type of art to create in my free time.
Any particular artists that inspired you in this or to follow this path?
Vincent van Gogh has been one of my favorite visual artists and inspirations in my life. When I was an art student during my school days, I remember staring at his paintings and being so amazed with his technique. All of his works are so different yet all display a cohesive style and element— it’s quite genius.
What’s next for Nikki Gal in 2024?
I plan on expanding my entrepreneurial presence and also continuing my advocacy work by helping others express themselves in a creative light.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Trust the process. Life is a process, and within that process, we have to be patient with ourselves and with our goals. Time is everything.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being comfortable with yourself and being candid with yourself—embracing your inner child.
Name one of your strengths.
My creative expression.
Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like?
I wake up around 4:30-5:00 every morning—I like to start my days early. As an entrepreneur, I am always working through the day, but I do make sure I stay hydrated throughout the day. H20 is the key to my life!
Best advice ever given?
Don’t lose yourself in life. Keep yourself busy, but never distracted from your own life.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Johnny Depp, I find him to be so outside the box and extremely versatile in all of his creative works. I have always admired his ability to successfully pursue multiple creative outlets—a very talented man!
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I see myself pursuing more creative ideas, launches, and projects!
Where we can follow you?
Instagram: @nikkicgal & @seethrunikki
Quote: “In a world where you can be anything, be yourself.” -Albert Einstein
