Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nikol Elaine. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nikol , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I think my confidence and self-esteem developed like a slow drip over time. I promise you that it took me until the day I turned forty years old to believe in and fully love myself. One day I woke up and was so tired of not believing that I was beautiful. I was using too much energy fighting myself, wanting to look different or act different, What I did the day everything changed, was believed that this was all I had, and what I have is damn good! I absolutely owe it to all the close friends who put words of love and encouragement into my ears. Surrounding yourself with beautiful humans will always equal beauty.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a professional freelance Makeup Artist. I get to travel to work, and every job I have is somewhere different with completely different people. Sometimes we are on a gorgeous beach, or in a beautiful mid century modern home, or in another country! I have the opportunity to bring out the beauty I see in people, and enhance what I see using makeup as a medium. I prefer a makeup style that is very natural and fresh. I started working for a makeup company when I was 18 years old and was approached at the makeup counter one day. The woman asked me if I did any freelance work to which I enthusiastically said YES! I did not know what freelance work meant but a few weeks later, I was working for a big brand which referred me to the next and the next! I was off on my own working on photoshoots and commercial projects.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1) Saying YES!
2) Attending so many networking events even if they did not feel relevant to my industry!
3) Attending workshops that were geared towards my industry!
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed can show up in many different ways for me. Sometimes looking back I realize how much energy I used up by overthinking the problem to death. A few things I try to do when I start to stress;
-Go outside! Maybe standing, maybe a walk, maybe sitting on the dirt. Outside is always helpful for me.
-Call a friend! Perhaps we don’t walk about what I am feeling, but at least we share a laugh and laughter always helps!
-Do a hard work out! I know this isn’t going to be the popular option, but sweating is my therapy!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nikolelaine.com
- Instagram: @nikol_elaine
Image Credits
Adam Dillion, Cody Pickens, Kirsten Getchell, Clara Rice
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
