Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Nichols.
Katie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always been told I was very artistic.
I always had an “eye,” as people say, for a good picture.
I began my Instagram journey my sophomore year of high school, which was back in 2013 when Instagram wasn’t “a thing.” I would take pictures of nature and found the passion for editing them through iPhone apps at the time. I started seeing my friends and classmates getting them as well and using it more for social media, posting pics with their friends, and also themselves (selfies). Lol!
I started following some big influencers and photographers and really admired their work.
When it was time for college, I had an 80% softball & academic scholarship to a University in North Jersey (about 30 min. from NYC).
I had always been told I should be a model and I never really gave it a shot until I started living in that area, NYC, the model hotspot practically. I got signed with my first agency, MMG. But wasn’t able to pursue it with softball and school.
I later moved back home and enrolled at KSU where I decided to really try for modeling. That’s where I got signed with Ludlow Scout. I didn’t find much success there because unfortunately, the modeling industry is still centered around the stick thin girls or the very curvy girls. Nothing in between. I was on the smaller side but was told I need to lose inches off of my hips, which was nearly impossible with my bone structure.
I lost hope quick being with the agencies but started finding success marketing myself on my own! I saw how other girls would tag brands and get reposted and gain followers from it, which led them to be brand ambassadors and getting free clothes! I thought that was so cool!
I realized you didn’t have to be “signed” to get work!
So, I started doing the same, tagging brands, practicing my editing skills, and getting better and better content. One thing that helped me get started was collaborating with photographers in the ATL area.
Eventually, I got emails of business wanting to collab. Many were small at first. My first big collab was VS PINK! I got $100 every month to spend on anything I wanted as long as it included the item they featured that month. I later got with @mvmt and am currently working with other brands as well!
I’m so happy with where I am today and such a short time it took for me to get there!
My love for photography and the art of it, in general, got me started.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not the smoothest. I was rejected by so many agencies for my hips being too big or being too short at 5’8. I got discouraged so much. That’s what made me do my own thing and market myself.
What should we know about you? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Photography and mostly editing!
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
Not letting people tell you whats “beautiful” and what’s not. Beauty is subjective.
Contact Info:
- Email: ktnichols96@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katienicholss/
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