Nikki Gal:
A Journey from High Fashion to the Heart of Change
All Images Courtesy of Nikki Gal | Photography by Angelina Robertson
In the dynamic world of fashion, where the transient becomes iconic, and the iconic swiftly becomes forgotten, few stories resonate as deeply and diversely as Nikki Gal’s. Her journey from the glittering glamour of high fashion to the intricate digital landscapes of art and the challenging terrains of entrepreneurship is a story of transformation, passion, purpose, and profound impact. Her narrative warrants to be told, not in the dry, mechanical tones of a rote recitation, but with the vibrancy and depth that echoes Nikki’s journey.
From the Glossy Pages to the Artist’s Easel
“Everything moved so fast for me, and the fast-paced energy motivated me to keep going,” Nikki recalls her early modelling days. It was 2014; Nikki was just fifteen, a bright-eyed girl stepping into the dazzling fashion world. By sixteen, she had already signed with her second modelling agency, riding the whirlwind of a career many only dream of. But beneath the surface glitz lay a different kind of passion— a creative autonomy to write her artistic narrative.
Nikki made a daring pivot in 2019 at the crossroads of her career. “It was a risk that I was willing to take,” she reflects. Turning her back on the established path, she embraced the world of digital art, launching her company, See Thru Nikki. “Being part of the modelling world exposed me to other individuals’ creativity, but that creativity didn’t derive from myself or my work,” she explains. This realization was the catalyst for her to express her unfiltered creativity finally.
I like to consider myself a multi-faceted entrepreneur, someone who has many passions but is open to pivot and navigate those passions by transforming them into careers. You can never limit yourself!
The Palette of Purpose: Choosing Themes That Matter
When asked how she selects the themes for her art, Nikki’s response is thoughtful and intuitive. “I aim to combine colour with message,” she says, highlighting her approach to art as a medium that transcends the visual to become a narrative in its own right. Her themes, deeply embedded in awareness and advocacy, reflect her journey as a woman who always dared to think differently. “My own creative experience and journey has taught me a lot,” she recalls, acknowledging the personal creative experience and journey that has fueled most of her creative works.
Art as a Voice: Speaking Volumes without Words
Art for Nikki is a conduit for change, a platform to amplify the muted voices. Her piece “Say Her Name” stands as a powerful commentary on societal issues, particularly police brutality and anti-Black violence. “My art piece, ‘Say Her Name,’ was created to raise awareness… honouring six female victims as well as their names,” she says. The impact was immediate and deeply personal, with family members of the victims reaching out to express their gratitude. This moment underscored art’s profound impact in echoing the stories of the marginalized and unheard.
Gal Intimates: Weaving Sustainability into Fashion
In 2022, Nikki ventured into another domain with the launch of Gal Intimates. Here, she marries the allure of fashion with the ethics of sustainability. “Gal Intimates is a 100% cruelty-free and vegan company,” she states proudly. It is a brand that is affordable and sophisticated and a challenge to the industry to embrace a more compassionate and sustainable approach to fashion.
But it’s not just about what the brand avoids; it’s about what it represents – a minimalist approach that emphasizes quality over quantity, longevity over fleeting trends. “The minimalist approach among Gal Intimates is to promote the importance of quality and longevity over maximum quantity,” Nikki asserts, her commitment to sustainability ringing clear.
To promote sustainability in fashion is fraught with challenges, but Nikki faces these with a determined stance against the exploitation of animals in fashion. “Each year, approximately one hundred million animals are bred and killed for fashion trends,” she says, highlighting the grim reality behind the industry’s glamour. Gal Intimates is a bold defiance of industry norms in this context, a push for the possibility of a fashion world that respects and protects all forms of life.
Raw Talk with Nikki Gal: A Platform for Mental Wellness
In 2021, Nikki founded Raw Talk with Nikki Gal, a platform that delves into the often-neglected arena of women’s mental health. “Raw Talk has become a diary for women of all walks of life,” she says. Over the years, Raw Talk has become a diary for women of all walks of life, races, and sexual orientations, with interviews covering over 160 stories reaching audiences in over 40 countries. This platform is more than just a series of conversations; it’s a sanctuary where women’s experiences and struggles are shared and validated, fostering a community of support and understanding.
Future Plans: A Canvas of Continual Innovation
Looking forward, Nikki remains committed to her path of reinvention and growth. “I want to keep reinventing, keep building, and keep evolving,” she asserts, reflecting her belief in the power of continuous growth and innovation.
Entrepreneurship and Advocacy
Nikki’s entrepreneurial ventures seamlessly blend her art with her advocacy work. Her digital painting series, “STATE OF A WOMAN,” is a poignant example of this fusion, depicting the mental health challenges faced by women. “As an artist, I make it a priority of mine to promote mental health not just in the United States but also in Europe,” she says, her commitment to a cause that knows no boundaries unmistakable.
Nikki offers words of encouragement and wisdom for those looking to tread a similar path of entrepreneurship and social impact. “Keep your creative thoughts in focus and never limit yourself or the power of your ideas,” she advises. It’s a mantra that has guided her journey, a reminder that the path to impact is paved with persistence, creativity, and belief in oneself.
“Keep your creative thoughts in focus and never limit yourself or the power of your ideas!”
Art and Fashion as Catalysts for Social Change
Nikki foresees a future where art and fashion intersect more profoundly with social change. She envisions a world where creativity is an aesthetic choice and a tool for meaningful impact. “Creativity is powerful, and you can never underestimate its impact,” she states, as she plays her part for a future where ethical and sustainable practices become the norm in the fashion industry and art continues to challenge and inspire societal norms.Staying Motivated: The Art of Perpetual Inspiration
The most rewarding aspect of Nikki’s multifaceted career is the unity it fosters. “Bringing other individuals together,” she reflects, makes her journey so fulfilling. Her work is a conduit for connection, bringing together diverse individuals through the shared language of art, activism, and entrepreneurship.Nikki’s approach to maintaining motivation and inspiration is refreshingly simple yet profound. “I allow my brain to rest but never stop,” she says. This philosophy encapsulates her approach to life and work – a blend of mindfulness and relentless pursuit of growth and change.
