Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikol (Lokin B.) Bouknight.
Hi Nikol (Lokin B.), so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Wow, where do I actually begin? I started modeling/doing runway when I was about 12 or 13 years old when my brother and cousin asked me to participate in a fashion show they were putting together at a local rec center in DC. My parents at the time didn’t allow me to wear heels so to be able to do that show had me over the moon. My gift for my 14th birthday, with permission from my parents, my brother bought me my first pair of heels. After that it just kind of went up from there. Me not knowing my own potential and getting connected to different modeling teams in the city, which back then was a popular thing to do I was able to get casted for different fashion shows. Once I got to high school I was finally old enough to join a modeling team called Xquisitely OVAH also know as Xquisite and there is where I really found my grounding and certain walking techniques that I still use today. Now, I have started my own endeavor(s) helping women focusing not just on learn how to walk in heels or model on the catwalk but to draw out of them their inner glowing confidence that radiates before they even walk in a room. The foundation is of course teaching women to walk in heels comfortably and confidently, but there is also a styling workshop, and modeling boot-camp. Strut Noir- The Heel Atelier, is such a jewel I can not wait to share with the world because I truly believe that women of all ages can benefit.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I can not say that it has been smooth the entire time but like any journey in building there have been some road blocks and corners I’ve had to turn. To be honest the biggest struggle has really been me versus me. I can be my own worst critic and second guessing Ideas or even overly analytical of my progress has been one of the hardest things to get through. I’ve wanted to give up so many times or even walk away because I can see how over the years wearing a heel has become uncommon and that has been discouraging. Another corner I’ve had to turn is for sure the politics behind my name and brand. Though it is a blessing to have a God given idea come to you, you have to still do your part in doing the ground work of making sure everything is in order and legitimate.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I consider myself to be just that, a creative. I truly enjoy doing most things in the fashion industry, i.e. modeling, styling, creative direction for photo shoots, writing, you name it. I would say that I specialize in everything, but my favorite two areas in the creative space would have to be walking down the runway and creative direction at a photo shoot. I am definitely most known for my model walk because I am able to do both the horse walk and the cat walk. The difference in brief, is a horse walk is a little more aggressive and expressive whereas the catwalk is a little more subtle and has an elegant aspect to it. I would have to say that I am most proud of coming out of my shell and tapping into the styling space. The reason I say that is because people have always come to me for my opinion on looks or styling advice and I just never thought to tap into it because I just saw it as “this looks good or that looks good” and realizing that it’s styling when you put together an entire look from scratch. I am also most proud of that aspect because it challenges me to come out of my comfort zone as well as being able to bring a person’s personality through what they’re wearing and not just nice clothes on a body. What I think sets me apart from others is my ability to see the hidden details that most people overlook. I also think what sets me apart from others is whatever creative space I choose to tap into for whatever project or moment I make sure to stay so present that it lasts a lifetime as a memory.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5 to 10 years, I do see the industry changing, but not changing in the sense of everything will be completely different, I see the change as everything simply becoming rebranded. What I mean by that is I’m a firm believer that history repeats itself, and just like in music, the fashion industry or in these creative spaces, trends that are now popular have already been done but they’re simply adding some twists or a little razzle dazzle to them, as I like to call it. One thing I can say though is artistically there are so many people who are now showing themselves approved and I love every second of it. From individuals who are taking carpentry and making it artistic through their sculptures to those who are now designing pieces and up cycling pieces into these magnificent garments, I love it all. Even heels, and the designs of heels have become a piece or work of art and those are the big shifts, changes and trends that I enjoy seeing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nikolbouknight.modelingfolio.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__lokin
- Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strut-noir-atelier-heel-class-vol-1-tickets-1990212502169?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&fbclid=PAVERFWASQGKJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAae5IIpaNmih0KT0NlM21RBp1Q0jY_QiCxhKne9xWIB_At5U30XgrvPWV8GSzQ_aem_tc2N1vdS86C1j-y5OBMnng
