Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Grant.
Hi Nikki, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started as a looks for less blogger back in 2011, I believe, as a way to get myself out there. The medium of posting images instead of being heavily focused on words has always been challenging to me as I’m a writer above all. That’s why I struggle with being consistent with blogging, but I found that cute and affordable accessories aren’t at all hard for me to find or buy so hopping into the small lifestyle boutique game just seemed logical.
Also, it just feels so cliché to be a style blogger in Charleston at this point. How many times are we going to see the same backdrop of Rainbow Row or The Battery? Although I still love to showcase my sense of style and great finds, I don’t feel the need to make that my entire online persona.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
OMG, absolutely not! Do you have any idea of how hard it is to be a Black woman in Charleston, SC in the influencer realm when you refuse to be the token?! Or when you’re self-funded and those funds are limited? With the societal and cultural biases, it has been an uphill battle trying to cultivate genuine relationships with other influencers, local brands, boutiques, and photographers but the ones I’ve made are the ones I truly appreciate.
I’ve had many amazing opportunities for which I’m grateful. I know that I’ve gotten a few spots at times when ‘the other Black girl’ wasn’t available, but I’ve learned from those times that it’s okay to say no to things or opportunities that don’t see me for who or what I am as opposed to which box I’ll check off.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As I stated, I’m a writer first. I first found this passion in the 8th grade. I’d see stories in my head and write them as I saw them. The music videos of that time, the mid to late 90s, and growing up in the inner city were also instrumental in helping me express and expand my writing. I was also the weirdo that wrote fan fiction at one point in time.
Honestly, I was looking forward to joining the more word-focused blogosphere but the times had definitely shifted to images. In the meantime, I’d worked on a story I started in college and eventually had it published (unsuccessfully). I’m still very interested in writing another story and I think I’ll self-publish when that time comes.
Right now, I’m just social media witty and learning the ins and outs of marketing myself, my abilities, and my lifestyle boutique. I think my personality either resonates with a person or it doesn’t—it’s super hit or miss. I’m not for everybody, but the ones I am for truly get me. I’m honest, I’m funny, I love Jesus but I cuss a little bit, and I’m rooting for everybody Black.
I’m proud of my authenticity because I truly cannot be anyone but myself and myself is a really dope Black woman.
What are your plans for the future?
My future plans really just include not selling myself short. It’s believing that I can do something and seeing it through. I want to add signature pieces to my brand, like a t-shirt or a tote bag—something functional and funky, but a staple.
I really just plan on getting people more acquainted with me.
Contact Info:
- Email: lookfabuless@gmail.com
- Website: www.thefabulesslife.com
- Instagram: @thefabulesslife
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/thefabulesslife
- Twitter: @th_fabulesslife
Image Credits
Aneris Photos
A Taylored View
Olivia Pendleton
Kim Graham Photo
