Meet Nikkie Bendross

We were lucky to catch up with Nikkie Bendross recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nikkie, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Being the only one in the room that looks like me seems to be a recurring theme in my life and career, but I never let it hold me back. As a proud plus size, Black & beautiful woman and advocate for body positivity, I’ve often found myself in spaces where I’m the only one who looks like me. But rather than seeing it as a barrier, I’ve embraced it as an opportunity to shine and make a difference.

One particular instance stands out to me. I was attending a conference where I was the only Black woman among a sea of faces that didn’t reflect my own. At first, it was intimidating—I felt like I didn’t belong. But then I remembered my purpose and the value that I bring to the table. I reminded myself that my voice matters, my perspective is unique, and my presence is important.

So, I walked into that room with my head held high, ready to make an impact. I didn’t shrink into the background—I made sure to stand out. I engaged with others, shared my insights, and contributed to the conversation in a big way. Whether it was speaking up during discussions or offering my expertise, I made sure to make my presence known. And you know what? People listened. They respected my opinion, appreciated my perspective, and even sought out my input on various topics

Through experiences like these, I’ve learned that being the only one in the room isn’t a limitation—it’s an opportunity to stand out and make an impact. It’s about being confident in who I am, embracing my uniqueness, and using it to create positive change.

As a champion of body positivity, I’ve also learned to celebrate my uniqueness and encourage others to do the same. In a world that often tries to dictate how we should look and act, I’ve made it my mission to empower people to love themselves just as they are. I’ve stood alongside stars like Alec Baldwin and Jay Leno on network TV sound stages in Southern California and New York City, fearlessly embracing my bold personality and spreading the message that true beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

Moreover, I’ve found that my ability to connect with others on a human level transcends any differences in appearance. Whether I’m speaking to a room full of people who don’t look like me or coaching a client from a completely different background, I focus on building genuine connections based on empathy, understanding, and mutual respect.

Over time, I’ve honed this skill of connecting with diverse audiences and creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and heard. It’s not always easy, and there are still moments of doubt and insecurity. But I’ve learned to channel those feelings into fuel for my passion and drive to make a difference.

Ultimately, being the only individual in the room who looks like me has taught me resilience, courage, and the power of representation. It’s made me stronger, more empathetic, and even more determined to be a beacon of light for others who may find themselves in similar situations. And through it all, I’ve never lost sight of my mission to help everyone live their best, most authentic lives.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
“Hey guys! It’s me, Nikkie B, the Elegant and Regal One! How you guys doing today?!”

I’m Nikkie Bendross, and I’m here to spread love, positivity, and empowerment wherever I go. As a CPD certified life coach, plus-size model, inspirational speaker, and now, an actor, I’m on a mission to help others unlock their full potential and live their best life.

With my brand, it’s all about nurturing your mind, body, and spirit to create a life that truly fulfills you. Through compelling and profound inspirational and motivational videos and reels on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, I aim to uplift and inspire you to embrace your authenticity, pursue your dreams, and overcome life’s challenges.

What’s most exciting and special about what I do is seeing the positive impact it has on people’s lives. Whether it’s receiving messages from followers who found the courage to pursue their passions or witnessing the transformation of clients who break through their limiting beliefs, every success story reaffirms my purpose and fuels my passion.

And now, I have something extra special to share with you all. My short film, “Really, Gabriel?!” is set to premiere on June 6th, 2024, at the Enzian Theater in Maitland, Florida. In this hilarious comedy, I star alongside my real-life son, Xavier D. Elliton, and the talented Allen Gorney. Directed by my uber-talented husband, Eric Bendross, the film follows the story of a young singer navigating their first meet and greet with his no-nonsense mother, played by yours truly. At its core, the film promotes self-worth and the importance of valuing oneself.

“Really, Gabriel?!” is not only a passion project but also a testament to my commitment to uplifting and entertaining my community. I’m thrilled to invite you all to the premiere and share this new chapter with you.

So, if you’re ready to join me on this journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and entertainment, be sure to follow me on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram for daily doses of inspiration, motivation, and updates on “Really, Gabriel?!” Together, we’ll unlock our full potential and make every day a celebration of life, love, and joy!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back at my journey, there are three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been incredibly impactful:

1. Resilience: One of the most important qualities I’ve developed is resilience. Life is full of ups and downs, and being able to bounce back from setbacks and challenges is crucial. Whether it’s facing rejection, overcoming personal struggles, or dealing with obstacles in my career, resilience has been key in staying focused and moving forward. My advice to those early in their journey is to embrace resilience as a mindset. Understand that setbacks are not failures but opportunities for growth. Cultivate a positive outlook, learn from each experience, and keep pushing forward no matter what.

2. Authenticity: Authenticity is another crucial quality that has shaped my journey. Embracing who I am and staying true to myself has been instrumental in building genuine connections with others and creating meaningful work. My advice to those starting out is to embrace your uniqueness and authenticity fully. Don’t be afraid to show the world who you truly are, flaws and all. And I will continue to say, “your authenticity is your superpower”. Because it will attract the right opportunities and people into your life.

3. Continuous Learning: The journey to success is never-ending, and the willingness to learn and grow is essential. Throughout my career, I’ve prioritized continuous learning, whether it’s through formal education, seeking mentorship, or staying informed about industry trends. My advice to those at the beginning of their journey is to never stop learning. Stay curious, be open to new ideas but don’t allow your moral compass to be compromised, and seek out opportunities for growth and development as well. Whether it’s honing your craft, expanding your skill set, or gaining knowledge in your field, investing in your personal and professional growth will pay off in the long run.

By embracing these qualities and committing to their development, individuals can navigate their paths with confidence, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Without a doubt, the person who has been most instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and develop the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge needed for success aside from The Most High, is my husband, Eric Bendross. From the moment we met, he has been my biggest supporter, encourager, and mentor.

Eric has continuously pushed me out of my comfort zone, teaching me the importance of resilience and adaptability. He’s been there to guide me through countless pivots in my life and career, always encouraging me to share my voice and open up to new opportunities including going back to college to finish my degree.

As my talent manager here in the U.S., he’s believed in me even when doubt would rear its’ ugly head, submitting me for castings and other opportunities and recording and coaching me through my self-tape auditions that have ultimately led to some of my greatest achievements. He’s not just my husband; he’s been my acting coach, my photographer, my videographer and show producer, my lover and confidant, and so much more.

But beyond the professional realm, my “Stallion” as I call him (because we hardly ever call each other by our first names) has been my rock in these latter years. He’s embraced the two “little people” that mean the most to me as his own, showing them love, guidance, and support every step of the way. They are grown men now. Both Winston and Xavier have attended institutions of higher learning and are living their best lives, something my husband and I are very proud of. Also, his adventurous spirit is infectious because now I’ve got the traveling bug, too! Because in addition to our professional journey, Eric has taken me on incredible adventures around the world. From Hollywood, CA, to New York City, from The Poconos, PA, to several cities in Georgia, from Las Vegas, NV, to Knoxville, TN, and even to Japan, we’ve traveled far and wide.

While much of this travel was for television work, we also took the opportunity to enjoy ourselves leisurely. For instance, the first time I went to New York City was for our second wedding anniversary, and it was a magical experience exploring the city together.

Most importantly, Eric has shown me what true love and partnership look like. Our relationship isn’t perfect, but we operate from a place of pure love and respect for each other, keeping our Heavenly Father first, of course. We’ve made a commitment to stay the course in order to achieve our dreams and goals.

He’s also the one who encouraged me to get certified as a life coach. He said, “You’re already doing it, why not get the certification?” So, I got CPD certified. His belief in me pushed me to take that step, and it’s been a game-changer for my career.

I firmly believe that Eric was sent into my life by The Most High, and I am eternally grateful for his presence. He’s not just my husband; he’s my best friend, my mentor, and my greatest supporter alongside Winston and Xavier. With the Lord and my husband by my side, I know that I can overcome any challenge and continue to grow and thrive in all aspects of my life.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Eric Bendross, Xavier D. Elliton

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