THE MOMENT MARIE CLAIRE MAGAZINE CALLED ME A RISING SUPERMODEL: WHAT IT MEANT TO ME

I still remember the moment the words hit - "Rising Supermodel Nikki

Gal." written in bold by Marie Claire Serbia.

You work endlessly behind the scenes on your walk, your health, your mindset, your brand. This moment felt like a shift. Not just in my career, but in my relationship with myself.

More Than a Title

Being called a "rising supermodel" isn't just a headline. It's a reflection of everything the public doesn't see. For me, that title marked a moment where my inner work started to align with my outer world.

What It Did for My Mental Health

Truthfully, that recognition came at a time when I needed it most.

It reminded me that my story, my resilience, and my unique voice were enough. That I didn't need to mold myself into someone else's idea of success. I just needed to keep showing up as me. It brought a sense of calm because it gave me space to breathe and to reflect.

A Career Shift

That Marie Claire moment wasn't just press. Suddenly, I was seen as more than a face I was seen as more. And with that came responsibility to represent more than beauty. To speak up, to advocate, to lead by example.

It pushed me to deepen my mission with Raw Talk with Nikki Gal and The Model Memo with Nikki Gal, to start consulting younger models, to create space for mental health in fashion.

Xo

Nikki

Author: NIKKI GAL