Untamed Magazine
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UNTAMED
MAGAZINE
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH
Nikki
Grenell
MOM. DREAMER. ARTIST. MODEL
At 31 and a proud mom of three boys, Nikki is proving that it's never too late to chase your dreams. From discovering her passion for modeling to embracing her tattoos as a form of self-expression, her journey is one of confidence, creativity, and authenticity.
Huge shout-out to my amazing tattoo artist, Alicia Peterson!
Making it onto the cover of a magazine is an incredible feeling, but I know I didn’t get there alone. Alicia, your talent, creativity, patience, and hard work helped bring the vision to life, and I’m so grateful to have your art permanently be a part of my story.
Thank you for putting your heart and skill into every detail. This cover is a moment I’ll never forget, and you deserve to be recognized for the incredible work you’ve done.
Thank you, Alicia, for helping make this possible! Much love and respect always
14. What advice would you give to aspiring models looking to break into the industry?
Stay true to who you are and don’t feel like you have to fit into one specific idea of beauty. Your individuality is what makes you stand out. Surround yourself with people who support you, work with talented and trustworthy creatives, and remember that confidence comes with practice.
Most importantly, don’t let fear or the thought of being “too late” stop you. I started this journey at 31, and it has shown me that you can chase a dream at any stage of life.
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you started your modeling career?
2. What inspired you to become a model?
What inspired you to become a model?
4. What has been the most exciting or memorable shoot you’ve worked on?
Hi! I'm 31 years old and a proud mom of three boys who are my whole world. When I'm not spending time with my kids, I love drawing and anything creative or art-related.
Growing up, people always told me I should try modeling, but it was never something I was interested in. That changed when I started doing photoshoots with one of my friends, who is an incredibly talented photographer. After seeing the photos and gaining confidence, I realized how much I enjoy being in front of the camera.
I've only done three photoshoots so far, but they've inspired me to pursue modeling even further. One of my biggest dreams would be to be featured in magazines and continue growing as a model. I also love being able to showcase my tattoos, especially because they're the work of an amazing tattoo artist. Being able to help highlight her talent while building my own modeling career would be such an incredible experience.
6. How do you prepare for a big shoot or runway show?
I remind myself to have fun and be confident. The best photos come when I'm comfortable and being my authentic self, so I try not to overthink it. Every photoshoot is a chance to learn, grow, and enjoy the experience.
10. Are there any models, photographers, or designers who have inspired you?
My photographer Miranda Hester
11. How do you stay motivated and continue growing as a model?
I stay motivated by reminding myself why I started. Modeling has given me a new way to express myself, build confidence, and step outside of my comfort zone. Every photoshoot teaches me something new and helps me grow, not only as a model but as a person.
13. Do you have any dream collaborations or brands you'd love to work with?
13. I'd feel honored to be apart of anything.
3. Was there a defining moment that made you realize modeling was your true passion?
I don't think there was one single defining moment it happened naturally. After doing a few photoshoots with my friend, I realized how much I genuinely enjoyed the experience. Seeing the final photos gave me a confidence I hadn't felt before and made me want to keep pushing myself outside of my comfort zone.
Modeling for Miranda has become a way for me to express myself and embrace my individuality, especially through my tattoos. As a mom of three, it's also shown me that it's never too late to chase a dream. The more I shoot, the more passionate I become, and I'm excited to see where this journey takes me.
7. How would you describe your modeling style?
The most exciting and memorable shoot I've done was actually my very first one. At the time, my photographer was still new in my life, and I wasn't sure what to expect. She made me feel so comfortable and brought out a side of me I didn't even know I had. She helped me open up, be confident, and truly be myself in front of the camera.
What made that shoot so special wasn't just the photos it was all the laughs we shared and the genuine connection we built throughout the experience. That first shoot was the beginning of an amazing friendship, and it's something I'll always be grateful for. It showed me that modeling could be fun, empowering, and a way to express who I am.
5. Have you faced any challenges in the modeling industry? If so, how did you overcome them?
Since I'm still new to modeling, one of the biggest challenges has been getting started and putting myself out there. Building confidence in front of the camera and believing in myself has taken time, but every photoshoot has helped me grow.
Another challenge has been balancing my dream of modeling with being a full-time mom finding the time isn't always easy.
I would describe my modeling style as authentic, confident, and a little edgy. I love being able to express myself through creativity, especially with my tattoos and the stories behind them. I’m drawn to styles that allow my personality to come through rather than just posing for a photo.
12. What are your biggest career goals for the future?
My biggest career goals for the future are to continue growing as a model, gain more experience, and have the opportunity to work with talented photographers, artists, and brands. I would love to be featured in magazines and create images that showcase confidence, individuality, and self-expression.
8. Do you prefer editorial, commercial, or runway modeling, and why?
Editorial.
9. What role do you think storytelling plays in modeling?
I think storytelling plays a huge role in modeling because a great photo should make people feel something. It’s not just about posing or looking a certain way it’s about showing emotion, personality, and the story behind the person in front of the camera.
For me, storytelling is especially important because my tattoos, my experiences, and my journey as a mom are all parts of who I am. Every photo can capture a different side of someone and allow them to share a piece of themselves without saying a word. I believe the best modeling happens when you’re able to connect with the camera and let your true self come through.
My advice to aspiring models would be to believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to start, even if you’re new. You don’t have to have everything figured out right away—every experience is a chance to learn, grow, and become more confident.