Hello everyone, my name is Nicole Ikot, I am 24 years old, I’m a graduate of International Relations & Diplomacy and I’m honored to represent my beautiful country Nigeria. I currently live in Nigeria where I work as a model, tv host and actress. I’ve always been one to inspire and uplift those around me so when given the opportunity, I decided to use my platform to inspire confidence and self-love which led me to create THAT GIRL 101, a show dedicated to inspiring people to believe in themselves and embrace their unique beauty.
Beyond my work in entertainment, I am also stepping into the business world with the launch of my very first venture in the second quarter of this year- so watch out for that! But most importantly, I strive to use my platform to uplift others, proving that when we believe in ourselves, we can achieve anything.
– Class and Elegance are two adjectives that belong to you. How important do you think is the external appearance nowadays?
I love getting dressed, putting outfits together and looking elegant. Getting my hair, nails and makeup done is a form of therapy for me. So, I won’t come on here and say that physical appearance doesn’t matter because I strongly believe your biggest investment should be in yourself. When you look good, you feel good and when you feel good, you achieve more.
However, I feel that my generation has prioritized the outside while completely neglecting the inside. The mirror only tells half the story. True beauty comes from within it’s about kindness, authenticity and the love I show to myself and others.
– How do you take care of your image, and how do you take care of yourself?
Taking care of myself and my image starts with self-love. For me, everything begins from within and radiates outward. Because I love myself, I prioritize my emotional and mental well-being, I speak kindly to myself, embrace my insecurities, set boundaries and remain comfortable in my own skin.
Yes, I have my six-step skincare routine and regular spa visits but self-care goes far beyond skincare and fitness. It’s about how I treat myself, the standards I uphold and the energy I allow into my life. The way I nurture myself reflects how I truly feel about myself.
– We know that on Youtube you have a channel where you often talk about your trips. What is the goal of this channel
I consider myself incredibly blessed to travel the world, experience new cultures, foods and traditions. By sharing these experiences, I am able to provide a window into different parts of the world for those who may not have the opportunity to travel themselves.
Asides showcasing different cultures, my YouTube channel also serves as a personal archive. Years from now, when I’m older and become a mother, I want to look back at the life I’ve lived, relive these incredible moments and share them with my children. My channel is a time capsule, a way to remind myself of who I am and how far I’ve come in this journey of life.
– How important are social media to you nowadays?
Social media, for me, serves as an incredible platform to express myself and connect with a global audience. As a model, actress and content creator, I use it to share my journey, educate others and promote self-love. Whether I’m uplifting others, sharing beautiful content or growing my business venture, social media has become an integral part of my everyday life and when used correctly, it can make a significant, positive impact.
– How do you feel when you are photographed?
You know that feeling when you have a dog and you’ve been out all day then you come back and the dog is extremely excited? Exactly! That’s how I feel when I’m in front of a camera. I’ve been in front of cameras for as long as I can remember so I’ve become very comfortable. My friends joke that I’m always picture-ready! I could take three hundred pictures, like only four and post just one LMAO!
– How important do you think it is to have self-confidence?
Self-confidence is everything. It shapes how you see yourself, how you carry yourself and the things you allow into your life. It’s what allows me to step in front of a camera, walk a runway and even make the decision to compete in this pageant.
That being said, it’s normal to feel unsure of yourself. I have my insecurities but I am not insecure because I understand that someone else’s beauty is not the absence of mine. Confidence does not compare. Confidence is not “I’m better than.” Confidence is “I am enough.”
My confidence comes from within, not from the validation of others. It’s important for everyone to find what makes them beautiful, what makes them special and unique even if it’s something unconventional and draw their confidence from that.
– Is there a woman who inspired your career and image?
I don’t think there’s a single YouTube video I’ve made where I haven’t referenced my mum. I am everything I am today because of her. Whenever she praises me and hypes me up, I always tell her that she’s the “original.”
From a very young age, my mum taught me how to speak eloquently, how to carry myself and how to stand out. She has a million quotes but one that has never left my mind is: “You have to learn to set a singular standard.” She never believed in following the bandwagon.
I grew up with a “they’re all jealous of you” kind of mother the one who instilled confidence in me and made sure I never felt left out. She would always go the extra mile to ensure I had everything I needed. Again, I am everything I am because of my mother.
– Why did you decide to participate in Miss Europe Continental? and what do you hope to gain from participating?
Walking on an international stage has always been a dream of mine so first and foremost, this is a dream come true. I see Miss Europe Continental as a platform for growth and self-expression. This pageant is an opportunity to learn, refine my skills and add to my portfolio as I continue to evolve in my career.
More than anything, I hope to gain beautiful experiences, expand my network and connect with like-minded women from different parts of the world, forming meaningful friendships along the way. Competing in Miss Europe Continental is also a chance to represent my beautiful country, Nigeria, with pride and share my message of self-love with an even wider audience.
– Nicole, do you have a dream in your drawer??
Absolutely! I believe dreams is what keeps us motivated and pushing for more. One of my biggest dreams is to excel internationally. Coming from a country like Nigeria, I have always dreamt of breaking boundaries on an international level. As a model and actress, I dream of seeing my face on billboards around the world and working with top fashion and beauty brands. Beyond beauty, I also aspire to excel in business, building brands so successful that it creates opportunities for others.
But more than just professional success, I strive to be an all-around success—not just in my career but in my personal life as well. I want to live a life filled with purpose, meaningful relationships and continuous growth. Every opportunity I take, including Miss Europe Continental, is a step towards creating a legacy that goes beyond achievements but truly impacts lives.
It was a pleasure to talk with you. See you soon in Italy!!
Follow her path on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleikot/
