We recently connected with Nikki I and have shared our conversation below.

Nikki , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I worked behind the curtains metaphorically for most of my youth, and adolescence. Watching merely as an observer of how others live their lives, though too afraid to take chances on my own. My parents had noticed early on that I would ask complex questions of life, and how we would all work together as one. Though, they did not quite have these answers themselves – I was guided to the stories that would present the answer.

My mom, and dad were large advocates of my literacy, media, music, theatre interests. My earliest memories are of going to the local theatre. Watching how the performances were sung, danced, and acted were my gateway into understanding emotion. When I would sit in the theatre as a child, I felt as if I was a part of a greater scheme of life and that I was meant to be the observer. I would be able to find my light, and dark sides through this.

My mom would consistently take me to the library, and we would spend hours upon hours there. I would get lost in these creative worlds that were so unlike reality. I began to create my own dream world, and what I wanted to create one day, someday. My room would fill to the brim with books, and notebooks for writing. As long as I had shown intrigue, and interest for learning the world around me, my parents would present it to me in forms of media, and music. Even in my teenage years, that were filled with anger, resentment, frustration, and confusion – my parents had allowed me to explore the more dark, macabre parts of my personality. The theatre turned into rock, and metal concerts which was embraced by my parents.

Now in my adult years, I seek to give a safe environment to others where they are able to find their inner hearts. Just as I was able to in my childhood when the world was be mean, and cruel. This is through shared true authenticity, and a willingness to become a part of something larger than yourself. I have always wanted to create something that I do now for others to be seen, heard, and respected.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Nikki or I also go by Muñeca Mistícas! Translated from Spanish it means the ‘mystical doll’.
I am a mixed media artist, and writer from Albuquerque, New Mexico. I run a monthly junk journal meetup that encourages community building, networking, and for participants to find their inner hearts. I specially curate each event to be inspired by literacy, and media. At these events, I sell my own curated collage packs, handmade journals, activity booklets, DIY kits, and more.

I had initially started a year and a half prior vending around the city with a couple of friends. I was an observer as to how people move along, and what catches their interest. I heard many comments as to how people would like to make their own creations, and how junk journaling was rising in popularity. As I began to ponder more on this, I had a friend give me the idea on to start up a local junk journal meetup! These gatherings are happening all across the country, and even worldwide! I thought this was a wonderful idea to bring to Albuquerque! I had reached out to a local tea bar called Lost Cultures Tea Bar that I have hosted workshops at prior. They gave me the yes, and we had begun our collaboration! It was shared to their customers, and they definitely did show up!

What this sets this aside from other junk journal meetups is that I heavily incorporate literacy, and media themes for participants to be a part of. It’s like as if you were in an elementary classroom, and your teacher decorated for the story that was the focus on! This comes with curated collage images that participants can journal, and craft with. As well, I plan and host games/activities that anyone can join on in! I love to bring back the childhood wonder, and whimsey into the daily mundane! I want to give adults a chance to be a kid again, but wiser and more aware of their surroundings. A second chance in a way.

What I would like for those to know about me, and my work is that it is truly from the heart. A safe spot to relax in before heading out into the world again. I want to give the opportunity for others to find themselves, and who they’re meant to be. You don’t have to be perfect but come as who you are. One of the main things that I find myself becoming proud of is how it has all formed together! It would not be anything without the people who come by and give it a try!

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

I would greatly recommend being your true authentic self on social media! This will potentially help bring about collaboration that can extend your audience reach. I found many of my social media connections by being open, forward, and honest! It goes a long away just to be direct in the sense of gaining a social media presence.

Personally, I had found my own audience just by being myself simply put. My passion, and determination can maybe be sense by others and that is why collaborations work in my favor. I don’t claim that I am interested in doing something and not actually pull forward with it. When I reach out to a business for possible collaboration, I keep in mind that now I will have to keep their audience in mind in order for their interest. This is while still keeping my authentic self still on stage.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is to share the world as I’ve viewed it in childhood. It comes around full circle like a wish I wanted to come true. I’m able to express myself freely and show my truth. I’ve been able to learn how to ground myself in reality, while still taking inspiration from what I see up in the stars.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://munecamisticas.square.site/
• Instagram: @MunecaMisticas
• Other: https://linktr.ee/munecamisticas

  https://munecamisticas.tumblr.com/

Image Credits

All images are taken on my iphone.