Life and Work with Nik P

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nik P.

Nik, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Hi! I’m 26 and live here in Denver with my boyfriend and our four cats. I am originally from Los Angeles, California. I am a Vegan/Goth Make-Up Artist, YouTuber & Surgical Technologist. I began wearing makeup when I turned 12 and realized how happy and fulfilling that expression was for me. I have always been passionate, goth and creative. I spent my high school years in the theater and really learned how to harness my skills and transform my once introverted self into an outgoing & fearless teen. I became a Certified Make-Up Artist while attending high school at 15 years old. My path was clear and I knew exactly what I wanted to get out of life. I had everything in line for me. When I turned 19 and was attending college a huge turning point hit me. I fell in love with someone who would be a key factor in my greatest downfall and it changed my life. I was physically & emotionally abused accompanied with daily body shaming. Subsequently, I developed eating disorders and numbed myself with drugs and alcohol. It got so bad I nearly lost my life. I became a shell of who I once was. I was left lost and my love for life and passion was gone. I endured and allowed this relationship and the cycle to go on for close to four years. I made a life or death decision and left. I found veganism and it saved my life. Also, I finished up schooling and left the State. I moved here to Colorado with a suitcase and a dream. These past 2 1/2 years have been a healing process. And within this time, I have become who I am today… who I have always been meant to be. So, I advocate body positivity, health, LGBTQ, creative expression and being true to yourself.

Has it been a smooth road?
First and foremost, recovering from drugs, abuse and rebuilding myself from trauma and the residual effects have not been easy. I have done this without counseling, without support, and in silence. So, my first piece of advice would be to seek help, do not fight this alone and do what makes you feel alive and happy. Hit the ground running and don’t stop until you get where you want to be because this life is your own and nobody in this world should have authority over it. Be consistent, have a strong “why” to reflect on. It will help push you through those defeated moments and have fun! You will succeed.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with TalksWithNik – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am a Vegan, Goth Make-Up Artist, YouTuber, and Surgical Technologist.
I share my creative make-up looks via Instagram & YouTube as well as advocating for animal liberation, I am pansexual and live a cruelty-free/vegan lifestyle. I am proud to be transparent and genuine with my audience and community as well as being a part of the goth, LGBTQ & vegan community.

Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
There are some barriers or simply put there is a saturation of negativity and hate groups. But remembering why you are taking a stance and doing what you’re passionate about keeps you on the right path. Never giving up despite the people who want to tear you down is key.

Contact Info:

• Email: talkswithnik@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkswithnik/feed/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100030289685998
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRnD0THeqyUK3M4eRhDq-LA

                Image Credit:
All photos are taken by me @talkswithnik

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