Nikki DuBose

Nikki DuBose began modelling as a child when her mother decided to enter her into a local fashion show in her hometown of Charleston, South Carolina. At sixteen, she began working with prestigious local agencies and several years later, she was signed with the likes of Elite Model Management Miami. Quickly, she landed a slew of editorials, campaigns, covers, and a Maxim calendar. However, after living out of a suitcase for years and travelling the globe in marvellous destinations like Tel Aviv, Barcelona, and Paris, Nikki decided it was time for a change. She momentarily traded modelling for academia, putting herself through college and eventually gaining acceptance into a doctoral program for clinical psychology. But as fate would see it, the modelling industry came calling again.

As Nikki re-enters modelling in this new era, from a fresh, positive, and empowered perspective, she is ready to show the world that beauty is not just external, but an internal quality that penetrates the soul. While modelling across the globe and going to school, Nikki balances owning a wellness coaching service for women in the entertainment industry who seek to have peace with food called Live ED Free™. Nikki has dedicated her life to individuals who are striving to maintain a healthier relationship with their bodies and food. In this exclusive interview with Retreat Magazine, Nikki DuBose opens up about modelling, her transformative experiences, and her mission to shed light on the issues that matter most in the worlds of mental health and beyond.

Your journey from modelling to becoming a Psy.D. student and an advocate for mental health is incredibly inspiring. Can you share some pivotal moments or experiences that led you to embark on this path?

I started out modelling as an adult in the early 2000s, long before Instagram dominated the industry. I always felt different from other models, as my body was curvier. I didn’t fit the typical look of a fashion model. I got turned down so many times because my “look” was deemed “too sexy” and I struggled tremendously with getting jobs because of this. As I travelled from New York to Paris, London to Israel, I heard “No” so many times. As a young woman, this was very hard on me mentally and emotionally. I had to step away to re-evaluate my goals and really come to terms with who I was as a person- beyond the image that was being sold to brands and casting agents. I had to unravel the image and regain a deep sense of confidence, which could only happen on a spiritual and emotional level. As I went to college, got my degree in psychology, and then went to graduate school, I learned about myself and how I could contribute to the world- what was important to me. In the first year of my doctorate studies in clinical psychology, I felt this yearning to return to modelling. I felt so healthy and confident in my body like I had gained a lot of wisdom from the rejection I had experienced early on in modelling. So I said to myself, “I want to go back, but not as a re-invented version of myself, or someone who is trying to diet, but as an empowered, healthy Nikki. Someone who is very confident in who she is in the now and is proud of her body, the way it is now, just as it is, and shares the message that it is okay to be sexy, and to be educated, and to be all the parts of yourself and to celebrate that.”

Now that you are coming back into modelling, what are your hopes and dreams for the future?

I’ve always sought out to be a role model in everything that I do, so I envision that in every campaign, brand deal, cover, etc. I want young people to see me and say, “I can be a model, a doctor, a coach, a lawyer, a mom… anything I want to be.” Life may not always be easy, but I can accomplish my dreams if I put my mind to it – That’s what I want young people to think of when they see my image, that they can achieve anything in life if they put their mind to it.

It seems you are turning a new chapter in your life, a new era of Nikki, perhaps?

That’s exactly right! This is a new chapter. Not a new me, because I’ve always believed in being authentic. But it’s time to turn the page and look forward to the new things that are to come. I’m very excited to return to modelling, to continue my doctorate, and to empower others in any capacity I can.

“Live ED Free” focuses on helping individuals find peace with their bodies and food through intuitive eating. Could you explain how this method works and why it’s valuable?

I focus on helping individuals, especially those in the performing arts or the entertainment industry. I help them regain a sense of balance and peace with food. It’s all about having a healthy relationship with one’s body and mind, and we lose that In diet culture. Our bodies know intuitively what works best for us, but in the diet world, we listen more to our heads than our hearts. I work with clients to regain the connection to the voice within so that they can go on to live a life that is intuitive, healthy, and happy.

In addition to your work as a model and ambassador, you’re also a Psy.D. student in Clinical Psychology. How do your academic pursuits complement your work as an advocate, and how do they inform your approach to mental health?

Getting my doctorate has been such a transformative process, one where I’ve had to learn about myself from the inside out. Really, learning oneself is a lifelong process. Along this academic journey, I’ve discovered different passions which have led me to various advocacy causes, such as the children’s charity and other mental health organizations that focus on the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles. The world is so big, and we are all dealing with a lot of stress and environmental factors that impact how we think and behave. My role is to listen, be supportive, and be non-judgmental.

As an Ambassador for Darkness to Light, you’re dedicated to child sexual abuse prevention and advocacy. What inspired you to take on this role, and can you tell us about some of the initiatives or projects you’re involved in?

I care deeply about this issue as it’s really a silent epidemic in our world. Children should always be protected, and I believe that there should be more resources out there dedicated to preventing this from happening. Darkness to Light is an incredible organization that focuses on providing training programs for the public, advocacy, research, and education. I worked with them on a video educational series this year for their training programs, and I am excited to collaborate on more projects in the future.

What advice would you give to individuals who are struggling with mental health issues and may be hesitant to seek help or share their stories?

There’s always someone out there who cares and who wants to listen. You matter in this world, more than you’ll ever know, or understand. I know it can seem very scary and overwhelming at times, but always remember, light shines brighter than the dark. Reach out and talk to someone, anyone. You are worth it.

Nikki’s Holiday Rules

What’s your favourite travel destination?

Wow, that’s a REALLY hard question to answer! I am a travel fanatic, and a huge lover of culture, food and of life. I have been extremely fortunate to have lived in 15-20 countries because of my modelling career, and with each new country, I fall in love with something new. I see the world as one big playground, and so it’s not so much as where my favourite place is as much as just being in the moment when I am travelling and soaking every sight, sound, sensation, all of it in. However, I am extremely fond of the Caribbean and Spain – I think this is due to my mom’s heritage – the tropical weather and culture are in my blood! I love the relaxed attitude, the beautiful, turquoise water of the Caribbean, and the Gothic architecture in Barcelona. I do try to get back to Spain as often as I can.

Favourite hotel?

I am a big fan of the Hotel Du Cap Eden Roc. But again, I absolutely adore discovering luxury hotels around the world. Every luxury hotel typically has something unique and magical about it.

Share your top beauty tip for staying fresh and fabulous while jet-setting.

Hydration is so important; I can’t stress this enough. Drinking tons of water would be my number one! It’s easy to reach for the coffee when you’re tired and travelling a lot but it tends to dry out the skin, so I would recommend drinking a lot of water, even more than you normally would if you weren’t travelling.

Any fashion must-haves you always pack?

Yes, a lot of nude underwear, and tape! Especially in the summer when I am wearing these sheer, flowy dresses. When travelling I will bring clothes that are mostly lightweight and very versatile. I think I have my packing down to a science, as I basically live out of my suitcase. I will take some nice jeans, some fitted T-shirts, cute flats or tennis shoes f and some chic pumps. I always bring a bathing suit with me no matter where I go and a nice fitted little black dress to wear with the pumps.

How do you maintain your skincare routine while on the go during your travels?

I believe that the foundation of beautiful skin starts internally, so I drink a lot of water and celery juice when travelling as it helps to keep my skin clear. I love my daily glow serum from Merit and all of the Tata Harper products.

What’s your airport style?

I always wear clothes that can be layered or changed in a pinch to wear to a casting, dinner, or event. I love black leggings, a nice pair of designer jeans, tennis shoes or flats, and a fitted shirt. Of course, this depends on where I am headed off to and the weather, but the concept is to wear versatile clothes that still have some element of your own style. You will always find me in some crazy pair of designer sunglasses

Go to spa treatment?

I am a huge fan of hydra facials, laser treatments, and microneedling.

Favourite place to shop?

So many! For online I love NET-A-PORTER and Revolve. New York is great for vintage finds and creating your own sense of style. But then I love to go to Paris for the pure beauty of the city and to pick up on the energy of the French style.

Any secret packing tricks?

Yes! Bring clothes that are versatile and that you can layer so you don’t overpack. Packing cubes and separators are lifesavers! Oh, and for goodness sake, bring laundry wipes especially if you love to wear white. You can thank me later.

Where are you off to next?

Miami, Mexico and the Caribbean!

Photographed by Veronica Sams @veronicasams