Today we’d like to introduce you to Makaila Nichols.
Hi Makaila, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started modeling when I was just 14 years old, I was back and forth between LA, NYC, and Miami. All the while, I was trying to meet industry size standards which led me to develop two eating disorders (anorexia & bulimia). I was also bullied for going after a career and quite frankly, my classmates were jealous of my opportunities. I ended up taking a break from modeling in high school for some time and caught the acting bug.
I was in a weird stage because I was 17 and I was not quite an adult but looked older than I appeared. Anyway, I was going back and forth to school (In Orlando, Florida). Needless to say, I struggled with my sense of self. So it left me with two options: let other people define me or I could define myself. I wrote a best-selling book at age 18 called: Blatantly Honest: Normal Teen, Abnormal Life.” It won a best seller award for new releases in two categories: Parenting of Teens and Teen Social Issues. The book propelled me into speaking engagements across the country, the creation of two coloring books: “Buddies Don’t Bully” and “Every Body is Beautiful.” Once the new books were out, I decided to start a 501c3 (right before COVID). The Blatantly Honest Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to changing the social stigmas associated with and relating to bullying, mental health, and other social issues by ultimately preventing them. We have a podcast series that is downloaded in over 35 countries and airs weekly on Mondays: “Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols.” Later on this year, we are sending photos of bullied kids to the MOON yes, you read that right the MOON. So no one can look down at victims of bullying again. We are the first anti-bullying non-profit to reach the moon via microsd card. The launch will be live streamed and is taking off from Cape Canaveral, FL.
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?
Growing up, I was bullied, had two eating disorders, was sexually assaulted, and ultimately made me contemplate taking my own life. It was not always a smooth road, but I always say that God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers, and the horrible things that I went through have led me to exactly where I need to be – helping others.
As you know, we’re big fans of Blatantly Honest Foundation. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Blatantly Honest Foundation is a 501c3 based in Florida but reaches an audience across the United States and soon enough to the moon (2021). We provide educational resources (books, podcast episodes in 35 countries) and eye-opening talks (Makaila speaks in schools) on issues such as bullying, body image, mental health, and more. In 2021, we are sending photos of bullied kids to the moon so no one can look down at them again. We hope to do future moon missions as the space industry progresses. The focus on space stems from the thought that regardless of where you are in the world, if you can look up to the moon you can hold yourself to a higher standard when you realize that your photo is up there. Our 501c3 is different than other anti-bullying organizations because it is led by Makaila Nichols who at 23 is closer in age to those it serves. Our approach is more peer-to-peer rather than an adult to child. We believe that hearing advice from a “big sister” type figure can be better received than someone older in age.
What makes you happy?
I am happiest when I know I am helping others get through their darkest of times. I know what it feels like to be alone and when I have the opportunity to remind someone that they matter is what pure happiness looks like to me.
Pricing:
- Signed Blatantly Honest Hard Cover Book: $21.95
- Signed Coloring Books: $7.50
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.blatantlyhonest.org (Foundation) or www.makailanichols.com (Personal)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makailanichols/
or Foundation: https://www.instagram.com/blatantlyhonestfoundation/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakailaNicholsPage
or Foundation: https://www.facebook.com/Blatantlyhonestfoundation/ - Twitter: https://twitter.com/makailanichols1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPS9aE6YpO9fwKhtCNuIJPw
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/makailanichols
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blatantly-honest-with-makaila-nichols/id1506625106
Image Credits:
Kristen Weaver
