I had the opportunity to interview model Nikki Wolfe. After conducting her interview, I discovered she is a very strong and beautiful woman who has endured obstacles to get to where she is now. Her interview is definitely a must read.
Jchell: Where are you from?
Nikki: Born and raised in Jackson, MS.
Jchell: Where did you go to high school/college?
Nikki: I am a product of Wingfield High School. I attended Jackson State University prior to leaving for a Medical Assisting program at Antonelli College. I plan to return to JSU in the fall of 2016 to major in Journalism and minor in Mass Communications.
Jchell: What are some of your main interests and hobbies?
Nikki: Some of my main interest are utilizing my past to be a motivation to others, mostly through poems and songs. I love to sing and I aspire to some day have my own label. I write poems,songs, and is even working on a book titled "My Testimony" that which I someday hope to make a series telling stories of different individuals and the test they endured to gain the testimony they now have. I love being the director of the Media team at my home church "The Gathering of Believers Church" here in Jackson, MS. Two of my main hobbies are posting in my Facebook Groups "Inspirations for Your Aspirations" and "It Takes A Citizen of Jackson to Change the City of Jackson". These two groups are tools I used to be a motivation to my community as well as individuals who may deal with some of the various hardships life sends us. Other than modeling, playing basketball, volunteering at various events in my community, loving cars, and spending time with family, I just like to have fun.
Jchell: How long have you been modeling?
Nikki: I have been modeling for about 3 years now.
Jchell: What was it like starting out as a model?
Nikki: It was quite interesting when I first started out because I did not think I would be as successful as I was. Being under the leadership of Funmi "Queen" Franklin and the coaching of Sham, it was hell but only because they wanted us to be the best. There were times where I honestly wanted to give up. Practicing for hours not being able to take off shoes, not being able to sit down until rehearsal was over, and learning to take constructive criticism and keeping a positive attitude, it made me not only the model I am today but it all helped me to love me and embrace my size. Coming from a person who was bullied due to her weight, allowed people to walk over her just to fit in, attempted to commit suicide several times because she always felt worthless, I have come a long way. The third time I tried to take my life in 2013, and it did not fall through I knew then God had a plan for me. All because the only boyfriend I have ever had to this day left me, the only person I felt really cared about my life, the only person i felt really loved me had abandoned me. I took all kinds of prescribed pills, up to 10 to be exact and I felt nothing. I was not drowsy, woozy, ill nothing. I went to sleep thinking and hoping I would not wake back up but I did and I was actually upset about that. It was that year I made TAPS a couple of months after my last attempt and God had then proven to me he loved me too much to let me give up so easily. This group opened so many doors for me to the point where I just could not stop. It help me gain ambition to do the things I do today and I thank God for it all. I thank God for this experience and would not have traded it for the world. The day I seen myself in the Jackson Free Press Newspaper I cried my heart out because I felt like somebody, the entire city could see that and from that moment forward I realized dreams can come true! Love yourself is the one thing I learned starting out as a model and if you do not love yourself no one else will either.
Jchell: Have you been published in any magazines?
Nikki: No, however I have been featured in the 2013 Beauty and Style print of the Jackson Free Press Newspaper for the Advertisement with TAPS 2K13 Model Showcase. I was also the flyer model for the TAPS 2K15 Model Showcase.
Jchell: Besides modeling, have you done any acting?
Nikki: Yes, I have participated in various plays from elementary school on up to college as well as church plays. I even had the privilege to assist a classmate in writing a play for a group project where our group had to record the play to be watched in class.
Jchell: Let's talk about your beauty regimen: How do you keep your hair and skin looking healthy?
Nikki: I always try to wash my face and keep it clean with products such as Noxema. I do not wear make up often. The only time I really wear something other than eye shadow, mascara, and lipstick is when I have a photo shoot or a runway show. I have been natural for about a year now so I always try to keep it in a style where it is braided up in some type of way and I like to use tea tree oil, shea butter, and Cantu hair products.
Jchell: What are your favorite fashion trends you love?
Nikki: I love vintage looks and I am the type of person who will dare to be different. I don't have one specific type of style. I would honestly try anything if I feel as if I look good in it, I'll wear it.
Jchell: Every girl has a special "can't live without this" in her closet, what's yours?
Nikki: My Black pumps. You can wear them with anything and if they became damaged or if lost them, I would buy the exact same pair over and over again. The platform on them is awesome and comfortable especially on the runway.
Jchell: Who is your favorite photographer(s)?
Nikki: Osirus with Larry Armstrong and RMcgee with Rodney Mcgee. They do an awesome job.
Jchell: Knowing what you know, what advice would you give to other models trying to establish themselves?
Nikki: Be encouraged. At times it may get hard and you may want to give up but you have to remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Stay focused on the ambition that caused you to try to be a model in the first place and keep your mind on where you want to go. Being a plus sized model can have its ups and downs from individuals thinking you may be too big for their show to you being the star of the show just because you are thick and proud and rocking the crowd. Whatever you endure along the way stay strong and keep the faith that you will prevail and you will make it through. Anytime you feel like you cannot do it anymore just cast your cares and worries upon the Lord and He will sustain you.
Jchell: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Nikki: Beauty is not in what others can see it is in what is within that is not physically noticeable to the eye. Do not focus on what is on the outside because it is the judgement of your cover that can cause you to feel inferior to others, you are strong you are mighty, you are important but not always to everybody, no matter what always love yourself and that love for you can never be changed by any one else. Be of good courage and never dismayed because God's plan for you will forever have its way. Congratulations on being the wonderful person you are, I am happy for you, no longer being bound you are now shining like a star.
With Love,
Niquitta "Nikki" Wolfe
You can connect with Nikki on the following social media outlets:
Facebook: Niquitta "Nikki" Wolfe & Nikki "Thee Voluptuous Model" Wolfe-(Like page)
Instagram: @talented1_90
Twitter: @nikki_model1990
Email: jchell@jonesgirlsinc.com
Facebook fan page: Jchell Plus Size Model On Deck
Twitter: @JCHELL73
Instagram: @jchell_model_stylist