Each week I interview someone who has experienced infertility firsthand. This week I’m interviewing Nikol from Not Just a Beauty Blogger. I love her positive attitude and how she’s “come out” about her infertility on her beauty blog. I know you’ll enjoy getting to know her!
Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a native Floridian born and raised in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I started modeling at age 15, signed with FORD models in NYC and Miami, became a member of Screen Actors Guild and traveled the world. I always wanted to be taken seriously and being a model never really gave me that.
I started my professional makeup career in 1996 working for Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier and Chanel. I went back to school to be a licensed esthetician in 2000 so I could help women on a more clinical level achieve flawless skin. After working for multiple cosmetic and skin care companies, I decided to open my own company. In 2006 I started Fresh Beauty Studio an international hair and makeup studio specializing in modern bridal beauty. Our flag ship boutique is located in the heart of east Fort Lauderdale. I decided in 2011 to take my artistry skill level up another notch and study the art of natural permanent makeup. I studied with Susan Church in Los Angeles at the International Institute of Permanent Cosmetics (IIPC) multiple times to perfect my permanent makeup skills. I am now able to help so many cancer survivors with achieving natural looking brows and areola repigmentation.
My husband and I went to high school together and we reconnected through Twitter in 2011. He had just moved his office around the corner from my studio. We dated for 6 months, got engaged on top of the Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas and were married on November 23rd, 2012. We have the sweetest 1-year old French Bulldog named Francesca or “Frenchie.” We love traveling, working out together and finding the best restaurants in every city. My husband is truly my best friend.
Q. How long have you been trying-to-conceive and what challenges are you facing?
We have been trying-to-conceive ever since our honeymoon in December of 2012. We fall into the category of “Unexplained Infertility.”
Q. What’s been your lowest point and how did you survive?
The lowest point I had was when I walked into our first IVF clinic in April 2014. We really didn’t know where to go so we ended up at the clinic that did all our original testing and blood work. It was a factory. The nurses were always annoyed, tired and numb to the whole process. There were so many girls in the lobby. The nurses would scream out your name in front of everyone. I never saw my doctor. I felt like maybe she was behind the curtain somewhere in the clinic. I thought “This is hell! How am I ever going to get through this?” After I finished my first failed IUI, I took the summer off, de-stressed and researched a new RE. I had the help and support of a girlfriend that had gone through two successful IUI’s. Once I found my new, amazing RE the game changed for us. The way I can describe the first IVF clinic to my current IVF clinic is this: It’s like going to the Swap Shop or going to SAKS.
Q. How have you taken care of yourself during infertility?
I am learning to be more kind to myself, that I don’t always have to be working. It’s OK to relax, to do something for myself. I have been researching a lot about IVF nutrition, supplements and eating organic. I feel that the mind-body connection is a huge part of my IVF success.
Q. Your blog is all about tackling IVF with positivity and style. Why did you decide to blog and how did you come up with the idea to write about IVF from the perspective of a beauty blogger?
I never thought I would ever “Come Out” and share my story. I was so embarrassed, ashamed, angry that it was never an option for me in 2014. After 2 failed IUI’s I knew that I had to let go of the anger and the “Why Me?” mantra that kept running in my head. I started watching YouTube videos on other women going through IVF and then Bobbie Thomas, the fashion stylist from the Today Show, came out with “No More Whispers, I’m Doing IVF and Proud of It” and I knew right then that I could start a vlog and document my journey through a blog. Beauty is my life, it’s what I breathe, sleep and think 24/7. IVF is clinical, timed, stressful and I wanted to bring some kind of personality to my IVF. I wanted to be an inspiration to other women, to show simple ways to put yourself together for your doctor’s appointments. Why makeup will make you feel like you can conquer that next shot even if it is just lip gloss.
Q. What’s your best beauty tip for someone going through IVF or other infertility treatments?
Do what makes you feel beautiful. That might be wearing a pink lipstick, painting your nails with a color like “Fierce, No Fear” by Essie or finding the best concealer for all those early morning appointments. Whatever it is make it your own and love yourself everyday through this process because You Are Beautiful.
Q. What advice would you give to someone who is getting ready to do their first IVF cycle?
It’s important to know where you are getting your information. There is so much out there on the internet that you can be lead down the wrong path. I have put all my energy into finding out facts about IVF through RESOLVE and their “Inspire” message board. It has been a huge help connecting with women that have already been through IVF. There is such a thing as too much research.
Q. Anything else you’d like my readers to know?
I felt like I graduated to the MBA program of infertility when I started IVF. I feel it’s important to understand that IVF is a journey. I have learned so much about myself and have met so many amazing, strong and courageous women along the way. Understand that this is your journey, for whatever reason you are going through it, don’t compare yourself to anyone. God will never leave you he is by your side each and every day through this long journey.
Nikol has also allowed me to share her “coming out” video where she explains her infertility journey to her blog readers.
If you liked this interview, you can see all my other interviews here!
