Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nikki Bonkoski. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Nikki thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most significant project I’ve undertaken is my Brave Ladies Club, a support group for women who have lost a spouse to suicide. After my first husband died by suicide in 2015, I immediately searched online for support tailored to this specific type of loss and grief, but I found nothing. So, I decided to create it myself. I established a loving, safe, and supportive environment where women can gather and navigate the aftermath of their spouse’s suicide together. These women are the only ones who truly understand the shock and trauma of such a loss, what this unique form of widowhood entails, and how to heal and continue living. They support one another through challenging days and even tougher nights, celebrating their victories and assisting each other in addressing the tiny pieces of brokenness that often go unnoticed by others.They have established in-person friendships across the globe. This is how one can heal from something as devastating as suicide. Being in community with others who have shared similar experiences allows us to share the burden, regain our balance, recognize our pain reflected in others’ eyes, and find comfort in a warm embrace amid our tears. I take great pride in this group and have managed it as the sole administrator for over seven years, uniting women from all over the globe. Women of diverse ages and backgrounds come together to affirm, “I’ve got you. It’s going to be okay.” This group is my heart and one of my proudest achievements, representing a beautiful legacy for my children. Their mom transformed something devastating into a little beacon of hope.

Nikki, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I became an advocate for mental health and suicide awareness/prevention shortly after losing my husband to suicide in 2015. Since that heartbreaking day, I have dedicated myself to supporting other survivors of suicide loss worldwide. I began blogging two months after my husband passed away, and I continue to share my writings on my blog and various social media platforms, along with eBooks I’ve authored to help others navigate their grief after losing a loved one. In 2017, I earned my certification as a grief support specialist and have assisted thousands on their grief journeys through one-on-one support and my complimentary Facebook support group, Grief Untamed. My writing extends beyond suicide loss; I have supported individuals facing all types of losses and life challenges. Every “Dear Nik” email is guaranteed to be read and responded to. I genuinely mean it when I say, “Reach out so I can reach in.” I take a holistic approach, focusing on the body, mind, and spirit in my grief support. I guide widows of all backgrounds in learning how to heal their grief through joy while cherishing their love and memories, ultimately helping them find meaning and happiness in their lives once more. I aspire to speak on the topics of suicide loss and widowhood in my local community and beyond. Anyone interested in contacting me for speaking opportunities is more than welcome, and I would be truly honored and grateful to share my message of hope at any event or gathering. I have been a leader in the widow community for many years, dedicated to healing broken hearts—especially those of my fellow suicide widows—by sharing my personal journey from despair to hope.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Over the past nine years, I have cultivated my audience on social media through consistent daily sharing. In 2021, my Facebook page was hacked, resulting in the loss of 200,000 followers, but I chose to rebuild. For me, building an audience is entirely about authenticity; I aim to present myself not as a influencer, but as a relatable human being with a life story to share in various creative and artistic ways that can help others. My audience has been formed on foundations of hope, loyalty, and love. I respond to all messages, comments, and emails, writing from the heart. My following has grown because I am a genuine person, focused not on attracting followers, but on providing quality writing that can help mend broken hearts. My advice for newcomers is to remember that slow and steady wins the race. Remain steadfast in your vision, even if others can’t perceive it. Stay true to your heart and recognize that having 100 followers who connect deeply with your message is far more valuable than having a million followers who wouldn’t feel like friends over coffee.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My ultimate mission is to spread hope; I consider myself a hope dealer. Hope often arrives messy and intertwined with painful stories hidden beneath its surface. I want others to witness my journey and realize that they too can overcome any challenge if they choose to believe in themselves. My purpose is to transform every experience that has broken me into a source of support for those who may find themselves in the same dark places I once was—such as dealing with suicide, widowhood, solo parenting, depression, anxiety, trauma healing, and rebuilding life after devastation. My aspiration is to reach the end of my life feeling fulfilled, knowing I did my utmost to share my words with others and embrace as many of my followers in person as possible. My mission is love and spreading joy. Always.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nikbonkoski.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Nik.Bonkoski
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nikki.Bonkoski