In today’s time, though some have begun consciously deviating from the “generally accepted” career paths, for the majority of the lot, doing something unconventional and creative is still a big no-no!
Many falling under the Gen X category still possesses the age-old belief that having a “secure job” equipped an individual with financial security, thus advising their kids, relatives, and confused youngsters around them to follow the same path that they were advised to take when they were young. Coming from a small town in Bihar, Nikita Verma was also compelled to pursue engineering, even though her heart yearned to have a career in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and luxury.
Like most kids in India, Nikita was also advised to go the traditional route; hence, she completed her graduation in B-Tech from Delhi. But she could feel something was missing, and she was certain she didn’t want to work a 9-to-5 job. In consequence, when she couldn’t bear the emptiness anymore and refused to abide by societal expectations, she decided to pursue what her heart desired.
She belonged to a traditional family, and her decision was blatantly unwelcome by her parents, who, like many Indian ménages, were conservative and weren’t supportive of her career choices. She received a lot of backlash from her orthodox neighbors, close relatives, and even some close friends who didn’t believe in dreams.
But despite the initial hurdles that could have pulled her down, Nikita was determined to chase after her aspirations, and she chose to go in the direction that was streamlined with her area of interest.
Since staying in her hometown could have taken a toll on her mental health and also her resolution, Nikita decided to move to New Delhi on the lookout for better opportunities and scope in fashion and beauty.
Nikita had only about 1800–2000 followers when she first started. Fast forward a few years, today Nikita is a digital creator, a fashion influencer, and a fashion stylist at one of the most well-known fashion brands, Myntra—all this with a follower count of over 101k.
The influencer has collaborated with many well-known brands in the industry such as Maybelline, Lavie, Mango, L’Oreal Paris, MyGlamm, Plum Goodness, The Face Shop and many more. She has been invited to attend glam events like Vega Glam Gala, Fitlook Magazine Cover Launch, and India Runway Week by iFFD.
Her family hasn’t completely accepted her preferred choice of vocation, but she is certain that they are getting there and that one day they will accept and love her profession just as much as they accept and love her. Nikita is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Delhi and continues to build content for her page as a fashion influencer.
It’s ambitious women like Nikita who inspire young girls to persistently chase after what they truly want to do and work towards their goals, come what may. It’s relentless women like her who inspire women like me and you to be unstoppable and unapologetic while pursuing your dreams.
If you are determined and have clarity on what you truly want to do, with sheer determination and will, you can pave your way through any and every obstacle. But your dreams will come at an expense, and not everyone is willing to pay that price. It will require you to work relentlessly every single day, to have a thick skin, and to be willing to soak up whatever gets thrown your way. Sure, there is a possibility of things not turning out the way you want them to. Nevertheless, it’s the journey toward your dreams and not the dream itself that makes the hustle worthwhile. You might lose sight of your dreams when you don’t feel as spirited or motivated. But it’s the work that you put in day after day, night after night, even when you “don’t feel like it” because motivation doesn’t sustain; discipline does.
To know more, follow her on Instagram @thatgirl_nikitaa
