We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Niki Kay a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Niki, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

The first paid partnership I worked on was with a travel app company. At the time, I had been building my social media brand for about two years and was still fairly new to the space. I was in the process of figuring out what worked, what I was comfortable sharing online, how I wanted to tell my travel stories, and getting used to the ups and downs of the industry.

We were still very much in the COVID era, so my travel was limited to destinations within the United States. I made the most of what was possible under the circumstances, and when the deal came through, I was beyond ecstatic. I was finally going to make real money from my creativity. Part of me felt like I had “made it” and imagined that things would only go uphill from there—but I soon realized this was just the beginning.

For the collaboration, my task was to create itineraries for three of my favorite places I had traveled to and promote the app on my social media pages. I dedicated significant time over several days to ensure I was doing my best, wanting to make my partners proud. Although the pay was far from what I earned weekly at my full-time corporate job, it somehow made me happier.

That’s when it hit me for the first time: the money I was making from doing what I loved brought a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction my corporate job couldn’t match. The joy and sense of purpose I felt from this collaboration were the sparks that fueled my path forward into creative storytelling and social media. This experience showed me I was on the right track.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My mission is to help people awaken to their own light, their inner power, and the infinite possibilities they hold to build a life they truly love. I believe each of us is born with a unique gift—something only we can do in a way that aligns with our personal life stories. Often, our purpose is hidden in our pain, as we are meant to transform those lessons into something meaningful that serves others.

Growing up, I was a deeply introverted child. Moving to the United States from India at twelve only intensified my shyness. I remember going entire school days in silence, lacking friends because of my introversion. Through my high school years in New Jersey, I sensed that I was destined to create something special in my life. Although I felt like I didn’t fit in, I eventually recognized that was my superpower. I wasn’t meant to fit in—I was meant to stand out, to be myself, and to share that authenticity with the world.

Now, at thirty, I have traveled to over twenty-seven countries, built deep friendships around the world, and found my voice. This is the message I aim to share: through my social media, my writing, and my podcast Mindset Mentress, I want people to fall in love with themselves—their dreams, gifts, quirks, and flaws. I want them to embrace who they are, to pursue their passions fearlessly, and to create a life they’re proud to live.

I know that this journey often starts from nothing, and that’s where my group trips come in. As a group trip host, I’ve organized journeys to Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe. In May 2025, I’m taking a group to Peru, South America. These trips provide a space for like-minded individuals to connect against the vibrant backdrop of adventure and culture. Whether we’re savoring Moroccan tea in the Sahara Desert, learning to make Spanakopita with a Greek chef in Athens, or exploring Buddhist principles in Thailand’s temples, each trip offers a unique chance to connect with ourselves through shared experiences.

I invite everyone reading this to step out of their comfort zone and give themselves the chance to experience the magic of travel with new people. It just might unlock something special in you.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Creatives shine when people are watching, but true resilience is tested when there’s no audience, no applause. Over my five-year journey on social media, I’ve had moments where I felt defeated and hopeless, wondering if all the time and energy I poured into my work was worth it when the recognition just wasn’t there. I equated my success with likes, comments, shares, and followers; my worth as a creative seemed tied to these metrics.

But I’ve since freed myself from that mindset. I realized it was never about the numbers. My job as a creative is to express myself authentically, to tell my story without attachment to any outcome. My purpose is simply to create for the love of creating—because the act of creation itself is the reward. That’s when my resilience truly peaked. I began showing up consistently for myself, not for anyone else. My mindset shifted: I love creating, and I love sharing my stories. Those meant to find and resonate with my work will, and if they don’t, that’s okay too.

Now, I find my fuel in the process itself. I still celebrate when my content is well-received, but it no longer defines my worth. Instead, I’m empowered by the freedom to create and share without expectation, grounded in a joy that’s mine alone.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I believe these three lessons are pivotal for anyone aiming to create a meaningful presence on social media, and self-love and self-acceptance are the threads that pull them all together.

First, be yourself—though it sounds simple, embracing who you are can be challenging in a space where trends and comparisons are constant. When you have self-acceptance, staying true to yourself becomes a liberating choice. Second, don’t fear failing publicly. Mistakes are part of the journey, and sharing them with self-compassion can make you more relatable and inspire others. Finally, remember that not everyone will love you, and that’s okay. When you have self-love, you recognize that your worth isn’t determined by others’ opinions. Embracing these truths, anchored by self-love and acceptance, will help you stay grounded, authentic, and resilient in an ever-evolving digital world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/niki.kay?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabSSwLIxNcuSOW9AxakSYm3_Mmajb2DY183-Wtj_X5IseQegXmhQ-GV6bE_aem_JzSElf9LbfLmHFvZP2eshQ
• Instagram: @niki.kay
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niki-kay-292058316/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mindsetmentress
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/69eLdYAeEhZgnhLhK12prSApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mindset-mentress/id1754879159

  Podcast Website: www.mindsetmentress.com

Image Credits

Images are owned by Niki Kay