Meet Makaila Nichols | Actress, Author & Founder of the Blatantly Honest Foundation

We had the good fortune of connecting with Makaila Nichols and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Makaila, what is the most important factor behind your success?
If I was not unapologetically myself, I would not be where I am today. The Blatantly Honest brand is exactly what it sounds like and in a world where some have started to sugar coat everything, pretend to be something we’re not and give everyone a trophy, I remain authentic. I believe people are so afraid to be themselves because they’re scared of judgment, but I have found that the success of my brand relies solely on what my gut says, being honest with myself even when sometimes it’s difficult to and most importantly having the courage to be judged.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I did not find my career, it found me. To make a long story short, I wrote “Blatantly Honest” as a teenager and from there it set the tone for my future (almost overnight). I founded the Blatantly Honest Foundation in my early twenties, while I was still pursuing a career in entertainment. I have always had a strong desire to be a role model for impressionable youth and to help them realize they too can have a philanthropic heart while chasing their other dreams as well. The foundation has allowed me to travel the country and speak to children of all ages in a way that is meant to encourage conversation – think a big sister. Since the foundation addresses topics such as bullying, suicide, eating disorders, sexual assault, and mental health; it can be dark at times. However, knowing that my team and I can make a difference and possibly save a life makes it all worthwhile. Later on, this year we are sending photos of bullied children to the moon so no one can look down at them again, our foundation prides itself on thinking outside the box and pushing the limits both in and out of this world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When my best friends come to town, I plan on doing all things both local and touristy. I live part time in Studio City so obviously there would have to be some a tour of either Warner Brothers or Paramount. We would start our day by walking up the side streets of Laurel Canyon. I love the brisk morning air and good cardio session. At the end of our walk, I’d take them to either Alfred’s for Lavender Coffee or we would go to Aroma Café (one of my favorites). Since I love a good tourist stop, I would have to take them to Sunset Blvd and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. After we would grab lunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel (an icon) and go shopping on Rodeo Drive. One of my favorite spots in all of LA is the Griffith Observatory, so I would have to take them there no question. I am obsessed with sushi, so I would have to take them to either Sugar Fish or Nobu in Malibu. We would end our night by walking around the Santa Monica Pier and acting like total kids in the arcade.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my parents, I am so blessed to have an incredible Mom and Dad who have supported me since day one. I’m incredibly grateful for you both and love you so very much, thank you for encouraging me to go after all of my wildest dreams. Shoutout to every child who has shared their story with me, thank you for embodying courage, strength and opening up to me. Shoutout to every person who has ever felt a little different, the world needs you as you are. And last but not least, shoutout everyone who did not believe in me, you fueled my fire!

Website: https://blatantlyhonest.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makailanichols/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makailanichols/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/makailanichols1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakailaNicholsPage

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPS9aE6YpO9fwKhtCNuIJPw