Makaila Nichols - Blatantly Honest: Normal Teen, Abnormal Life

As a father, I see the impact of social media and other influences on my kids lives, and its not always positive. Makaila Nichols shoots straight in Blatantly Honest about the pressures of growing up in such a highly social climate and offers much-needed advice for other teens.

David Boreanaz, actor, director, producer of film and television

Its a daring undertaking to be honest about ourselves, especially in the time we live in now. Nothing out there is real anymore; every picture gets retouched. How can a young adult be inspired? In her book, Makaila genuinely shares her experiences. It is such a true gift to her peers for them to realize that we all deal with our insecurities. Teaching us that life is a journey with ups and downs and that we just need to be kind and humble to each other and to ourselves to be able to create a healthier and happier future.

Frederique van der Wal, super model and entrepreneur

By sharing her story, Makaila is helping other teens know they arent out there alone in trying to maneuver through tough situations like bullying. She knows what she stands for and is using her voice to encourage others to do the same. Because real change takes courage!

Shawn Edgington, author and founder of The Great American NO BULL Challenge

Pressure. Obligations. Being on display. Welcome to todays teenagehood. And who knows it better than teen model and actress Makaila Nichols. Blatantly Honest makes you feel like youre talking with an older sister or a close friendbut this isnt your mothers advice. Times have changed. Todays world is different. Its high time that your advice catches up.

Anna Caltabiano, teen author of The Seventh Miss Hatfield trilogy and media influencer

Growing up in the spotlight, I have always been criticized for my body and held to impossible standards. Bullying comes in all shapes and sizes. You can either let it tear you down or you can use it to motivate yourself toward success. I know Mak personally and professionally, and she is a great example of being courageous enough to speak up. I think she will leave a lasting impact on the next generation.

Sophie Simmons, actress

2016 Makaila Nichols

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Blatantly Honest
Normal Teen, Abnormal Life

Brown Books Publishing Group
16250 Knoll Trail Drive, Suite 205
Dallas, Texas 75248
www.BrownBooks.com
(972) 381-0009

A New Era in Publishing

ISBN 978-1-61254-950-7
LCCN 2016938289

Printed in the United States
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

For more information or to contact the author, please go to
www.MakailaNichols.com.

DEDICATION

To teenagers: These years will fly by so quickly, and, in a blink of an eye, youll be an adult. When it feels like the world is crumbling down, dont be scared; youre not in this alone.

To their parents: Remember that you were once in their shoes. They need you now more than ever.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Never in a million years would I have imagined Id be where I am now. As I look back at all that I have accomplished thus far in my eighteen short years, I see that there are certain people who have influenced my life for the better. I would not be where I am today without help from the following:

My parents, who have guided me to become the best possible version of myself. Even when Ive made mistakes, they have shown me how to learn from my errors and move on. They have been my shoulders to cry on and my closest friends, and they loved me when it felt like no one else did.

My grandparents, who have taught me many valuable lessons, including my Papa Fred, whom I lost a few years back. I wish he could see everything I have done.

My teachers from Windermere Prep, who helped me become who I am now even when I couldnt be in the classroom. They allowed me to follow my dreams while still teaching me valuable lessons, and that is something I will forever be grateful for.

The people I have met in the modeling industry have also inspired me to share my story, both the good parts of it and the bad. Their words have made me want to be more than just a pretty face.

Above all, I would like to thank those who did not believe in me. They have given me the motivation to do more, be more, and expect more from myself. And to those who chose to stand by my side, thank you.

JOURNEY

Life is a journey, not a destination.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

My modeling career started off as a lucky accident. It was mid-October, and I was minding my own business in the Mall at Millenia in Orlando, Florida, with one of my closest friends, Kate. Wed spent the entire day looking for Communion dresses. Tired and frustrated, wed almost given up. But while we were going from store to store, we had a feeling we were being followed. I noticed a short, bald man who seemed out of place, given that he kept showing up in all the stores I was shopping in.

While Kate was in the dressing room, the man approached me. He came off as quite awkward, which made me feel uncomfortable. The man introduced himself as Keith and said he was an independent model scout for an internationally recognized company. Very nervous and clearly very skeptical, I attempted to leave. Yet he continued to badger me about taking his card. I agreed and promised that I would talk to my parents about his company and that we would get back to him.

At the end of our shopping day, we were exhausted and went home. I had completely forgotten about my meeting with Keith. I went into my room and excitedly unpacked all my bags; then I got dressed to go eat dinner with my parents. As I was taking off my jeans, Keiths business card fell out of my back pocket onto the floor. I stared blankly at it for a moment but then felt compelled to pick it up.

During dinner, my parents noticed I was preoccupied. I told them about my encounter with the man in the store. They were immediately suspicious. Since I am an only child, my dad is clearly overprotective; thus, he launched a thorough investigation into Keith and the company Keith worked for. By the end of Dads investigation, Keith had allayed my fathers suspicions, and my dad was very comfortable with what Keith communicated to him.

This conversation turned into my dad agreeing to invest in my career as a model. In mid-November, I went to the Swan and Dolphin hotel for Keiths modeling workshop.

The first day of the workshop was dedicated to current models. They sat on the stage and talked about how modeling had changed their lives. Once the girls had finished their interviews, a runway coach taught us how to walk the catwalk. I hadnt realized how hard it was to walk in a pair of clunky heelsmaybe because Id never been much of a girly girl and didnt often wear them. I mean, at five feet ten inches, I was already taller than all of my friends and most of the guys in school. Why would I ever wear heels? I hated my height, so I felt awkward trying to walk sexily down an elevated strip of wood. Some of the attendees looked like theyd been practicing their walks forever, and in that moment, I felt totally unprepared.

I noticed that everyone at the showcasegirls and guysseemed highly competitive. Im competitive, but I felt that these boys and girls were competitive to the point that it came off as rude. I knew it was just because of their own insecurities. We were all in the same boat; none of us knew what the panel wed walk in front of the next day wanted. Moreover, I didnt even know who would be on this panel.