Model Nikki Gal wants the world to see women for more than their looks. While she might be a pretty face, there is a lot more behind those eyes, and she is working hard to make a difference. As a passionate women’s mental health advocate, Nikki has started two different podcasts addressing the issue — Raw Talk and The Model Memo (both with Nikki Gal). In addition to her speaking out about mental health she has also recently become an ambassador for The Big Yellow Force, an organization that helps help raise awareness for women suffering from endometriosis. To learn more about Nikki, her modeling, art, and activism, please read on!

Where are you based?
I am based in Boston Massachusetts.

What inspired you to get into modeling?
I have always been inspired by the art of fashion from a young age, which motivated and inspired me to get involved in the modeling industry. I have always translated fashion as an art form. As an artistic individual myself, both the fashion industry and the modeling industry have both grown to become huge outlets for myself, as I am grateful to have been involved in these industries over the years.

You have modeled all over the world and graced the covers of many magazines. Do you have a favorite country or experience that you can share?
Every magazine that I have been on the cover of or have done an editorial with has been an incredible experience. Shooting for the cover of Glamour Magazine Bulgaria was definitely one of my favorite photos of myself ever taken. The cover photograph was shot in black-and-white, and has a vintage style to it, I was the creative director of this photo shoot. I love taking inspiration from vintage fashion styles and incorporating them into our present day world — fashion is timeless.

Any tips for staying healthy while traveling the globe?
Drinking water. Whether you are traveling or not, H2O is the key to not only staying hydrated, but also staying focused throughout the day.

We hear that you are also an artist and designer. Can you tell us a bit about your art and what inspires it?
My art is mainly composed of digital and multimedia mediums. I started my professional career as a digital artist and multimedia artist in 2019 at 20 years old. I would say that my art derives from my mission of advocacy, combined with creative liberation, expression and celebration.

Can you tell us a bit about your project "State of a Woman"?
My digital art series “State of a Woman”, internationally launched in 2022 to spread awareness and visibility specifically targeting women’s mental health. The series was constructed of five individual digital art pieces, each visually expressing different mental health disorders women face in their daily lives. Disorders artistically expressed in the series include bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, as well as disassociative disorders. By launching this art series, I wish all women to feel heard, understood, and represented in an artistic and powerful way through creative thought and emotion. “State of a Woman” successfully launched in contemporary international art exhibitions across Madrid, Lisbon as well as Barcelona.

We love that you are a huge advocate for mental health. Can you talk to us a little bit about why this is so important to you?
Over the years, I have witnessed a lot of women struggle with their own mental health. Witnessing their struggles motivated me to become a voice for those who don’t have one. The topic of mental health often has a stigma attached to it, which is another reason why I wished to become a voice for this community. I wish to challenge the labels, the stigmata, as well as the taboo energy that unfortunately but often is affiliated with the topic of mental health. I believe every woman should feel powerful and comfortable to talk about their own mental health. I believe that the expression of vulnerability is not a weakness, but one of the biggest strengths we have as humans.

Can you tell us a bit about Raw Talk with Nikki Gal? What inspired this non-profit and platform?
Nonprofit platform and podcast, Raw Talk with Nikki Gal was launched in 2021 to promote mental health advocacy, as well as raw conversations with women of all walks of life, backgrounds, race, sexuality, and professional career. I wished to create a platform that was a safe space for all women to be able to share and express themselves in the most individualistic and candid of ways. The Raw Talk with Nikki Gal podcast launched in over 40 countries, where I hosted and conducted interviews with a diverse range of powerful and influential women.

What message do you want all women to take from your art and conversions?
I wish for all women to feel like themselves, and to never limit themselves.

You also have The Model Memo with Nikki Gal. Can you tell us a bit about this podcast. What is your hope for this platform?
I launched The Model Memo with Nikki Gal podcast in December 2023, to shed a light and visibility on the topic of mental health as well as candid discussions within the modeling industry. I hope to bring needed awareness to both the fashion and modeling industry, by promoting innovative and raw discussions with fashion models on international levels. Since The Model Memo with Nikki Gal’s first month launch, the podcast has reached listeners in over 15 countries, with interviews of over 50 fashion models across our world.

The fashion industry has come a long way over the years. Where do you feel it still needs growth?
I personally feel that the fashion industry needs to grow within the area of inclusivity, as well as mental health representation and visibility. I believe that no aspiring model should ever believe that they can’t book or won’t book—every individual deserves to have opportunity in this industry. I also would like to see the industry change in a way where mental health is more of an open and represented topic. With the modeling industry being an exterior business, I feel that it is important to equally acknowledge and value the interior as well.

You became an official ambassador for Scottish-based nonprofit organization, The Big Yellow Force, in mission to help raise awareness for women suffering from endometriosis. Can you tell us a bit about The Big Yellow Force and what drew you to become an ambassador for this organization?
I am so proud to be an official ambassador for The Big Yellow Force as of 2023. The Big Yellow Force is a Scottish-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for women suffering from endometriosis as well as raising funds to improve the lives of those suffering. 1 in 10 women live with endometriosis, as it is a common chronic disorder roughly 190 million suffer from globally. Mother and daughter Becky Leigh and Katy Leigh founded the organization to not only spread awareness of the disorder, but also create a safe space for women survivors of endometriosis to be supported, acknowledged and embraced. In addition, The Big Yellow Force also works closely with endometriosis charities, foundations, motions and clinics to provide education, resources and support to help those affected by the disorder. As a woman advocate myself, advocating for the endometriosis community through The Big Yellow Force has been a beyond inspiring experience for me, as advocating for women’s health communities has been one of my biggest missions as an individual and woman.

As a woman who is extremely active, how do you take care of your mental health?
I like to always keep a water bottle on me to stay hydrated, as well as try to get at least seven hours of sleep a night. I feel that staying hydrated with a consistent sleep schedule can greatly improve your own mental health. I also like to give myself free time when I can, as I love to paint on canvases and do yoga — it is the little things for me.

What tips do you have for anyone not feeling their mentally best?
Take time for yourself and keep looking forward. Take at least 20 minutes for yourself each day to rejuvenate yourself, but also to tune into yourself. Quality time with yourself matters.

It has been a crazy past few years, which have been very hard on mental health. Do you feel the world is in a darker place these days? How would you like to see more people be healthier?
I personally feel that the pandemic definitely set individuals and their own mental health backwards rather than forwards. I personally know many individuals who have struggled immensely with their own mental health due to the weight of the pandemic, and are still recovering and healing in our present day. I also believe that the era of technology has significantly increased over the last five years, which has made it very difficult on women’s self-esteem, body image, as well as embracing identity. Although I do feel that the world may be a little dim sometimes, I do not believe that it is completely dark. As humans we need to learn how to navigate and utilize ourselves in the best way that we can by also setting necessary boundaries. I would like to see individuals prioritize themselves, rather than prioritizing likes, comments, as well as the present day and fast-paced currency of social media. I would also like to see individuals advocate more for themselves, their health, their careers and their overall life passions.

How have you been staying positive through all the last few years of craziness?
My family, my friends, as well as my passions have always helped me stay positive and have uplifted me throughout my life. It is so important to have a strong support system.

What is your motto in life?
Never limit yourself.

To learn more about Nikki Gal please check out the links below:
https://www.nikkigal.com
Instagram: @nikkicgal and @seethrunikki

Photos by Angelina and Nikki Gal of Shots By Gal.

Getting Raw With Nikki Gal About Mental Health