Meet Nikki Darden | Content Creator and Lifestyle Influencer

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

Hi Nikki, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Oak Cliff, Texas—a well-known neighborhood in the heart of Dallas. My background and upbringing have played a significant role in shaping who I am today. They taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and perseverance. I learned how to recognize opportunities, navigate challenges, and build success from the ground up. My experiences also instilled in me a deep appreciation for what I have, as I once knew what it was like to go without.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
“I am a pioneer in the beauty influencer industry, setting myself apart from many others. I paved the way so that those who followed could find success more easily. I took on the challenges, tested the waters, and learned through trial and error so others could step into the industry with a clearer path.

I am proud to have remained relevant in the influencer space for over a decade, continuing to secure major brand partnerships worldwide. This journey hasn’t been easy—I started when influencing wasn’t widely recognized as a career, and I made plenty of mistakes along the way. But every setback was a lesson, and I’ve always been determined to pick myself up and keep going.

I want the world to know that I’m still evolving, constantly growing, and embracing every new version of myself. I invite you to be part of my journey and witness my continued transformation.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I were hosting a visitor in Dallas, I would tell them to get ready for an exciting experience. The city offers a vibrant mix of entertainment, dining, and activities to suit a variety of interests.

For dining, I would recommend Hutchins BBQ, Kitchen & Kocktail, The Charlotte, Mary’s Kitchen, and Aunt Irene’s—all excellent choices for great food. For a unique and personalized experience, I’d suggest visiting Amir Oud to create a custom perfume and Jefri Spencer for a custom body oil.

Exploring Deep Ellum and Highland Park would be a must, offering a blend of culture, nightlife, and upscale charm. For shopping, Dallas is fortunate to have three outlet malls, providing plenty of options for great deals.

With so much to do, a visit to Dallas promises an unforgettable experience.

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?
Many individuals have played a significant role in shaping the person I am today. Above all, I am deeply grateful to my followers and subscribers, whose genuine support and encouragement continue to drive me forward. My brother, Cedric Neal, constantly pushes me to strive for greatness as we honor our mother’s legacy. My Aunt Dorothy, who stepped in after my mother’s passing, finds joy in hearing about my achievements, and I am dedicated to making her proud. Additionally, I draw inspiration from accomplished women I admire, such as Judge Shequitta Kelly, whose success motivates me to reach new heights.

Website: https://www.makeupbyplatinum.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/platinum_d?igsh=ODBrOWhvNTJ4Mmhi&utm_source=qr

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1XXWNFBeXt/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@platinumd?si=fcoLhch7SVDJ0XRN