Nikki Phillips lives a busy life, being a TV Media Personality, Model, MC, Business Owner, Mother and Wife. Nikki's life undoubtedly demonstrates she is a hard worker, as she built her career from a young age and has juggled many roles since. X Files speaks with Nikki about her achievements and career, and how she manages it all. 

Describe yourself and your background - where did it all begin?

I was born in Auckland, New Zealand. Had a wonderful childhood being brought up in both the city and at our lake-house. I grew up attending pony club and competitively riding horses, playing hockey and volleyball. From a young age I moved to Germany to pursue a modelling career and the years that followed saw me work and live in places such as London, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, New York and Miami, before settling my roots down permanently in Sydney, Australia. Fast forward to 2021, I'm married, have two beautiful children and have a career I love.

Please explain your career history from the very beginning.

I had been scouted during a few family overseas holidays and had always had a love of fashion. In 1998, I entered a modelling competition in New Zealand that launched my career. From there I lived abroad travelling around having a successful international career until 2003 when I moved to Australia. I continued to do stints abroad for modelling and doing local work but felt an urge to challenge myself in a different way within the industry. I worked in PR, and even as a booker within a modelling agency before setting my eyes onto the TV media world. Over the years I've hosted TV shows, MC'd events for international brands, interviewed some incredible high profiled people alongside being an ambassador for global brands. 

Nikki wears: Maison Poi Circle Blouse & Split Leg Pants in Sage, Bottega Veneta Stretch Heels & Sparrows Weave Medium Classic Bag from Parlour X.

What skills has being a model & Television presenter taught you across other aspects of your life?

My career spanning over 20 years has certainly taught me many key skills. I learnt to be extremely independent from a young age, which in turn taught me to be confident and resilient, both of these traits I am most proud of especially in this current social media influenced world.

Please explain your blog By Nikki Phillips. How did it start & what has it evolved into?

The blog started back in 2008 when I was the face of ACP Magazine's 30 Days of Fashion and Beauty. It was created to be a somewhat diary of all events, fashion and behind the scenes elements throughout that month. From there it took off and became a permanent aspect of my job. I was one of the first within the 'blogging' industry and over the years it has evolved into its own channel and become more visual with the help of YouTube and other social media platforms. 

What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of running your own business?

Freedom of choice would be the most rewarding. Being able to organise my hours of work to suit my family. I'm also extremely grateful to work with incredible brands, companies and people making my job one I love. However, the challenging aspects would be having to be on my hame, always being one step ahead and having to wear multiple hats within my companies.

What are your secrets for balancing a successful business, your personal and family life, business & projects?

I don't have any secrets. Everyday is a new juggle and each day I'm just learning to attempt to do my best with what's served up on my plate. I'm the first to admit the juggle is real, it's ingrained in me that I can't fail and to always only strive to succeed. I'm so privileged to have the most grounded and loving family around me. Family is everything to me and at the end of the day is what pushes me to do all that I do everyday.

Nikki wears: Mugler Segmented Blazer, Saint Laurent Tailored Pant, Bottega Veneta Lagoon Strap Heel & Jacquemus Le Chiquito Bag from Parlour X.

Please tell us more about your business Rattle & Bones. Where did the idea originated from?

Rattle and Bones was established when I welcomed my first son in 2017. Being a new mum, sun protection for my newborn was extremely important, but I couldn't find anything on the market at the time that was fashion forward, stylish and had a personalised aspect. So I created my own. Amidst the sleep deprivation, Rattle and Bones was created and the first season of Lil Rattlers was invented, ready to give all baby's sun protection with added fashion flair. 

What have been your top 3 career highlights so far?

When I look back, I'm thankful for winning the modelling competition back in 1998 which launched my modelling career. So that is most definitely a highlight. From there walking such shows as Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and Dior! And when I look at where I am now in life and what I do, I would have to say that's due to being ACP's 30 days of Fashion and Beauty for three consecutive years which opened doors into TV and Media.

What does a typical day in your life look like?

My days are never the same. But if I’m not on set, location or traveling for work, my day will always involve doing a form of exercise, either pilates or a long beach or bush walk with my dog after daycare drop off. From there it’s meetings, shooting for current content creation jobs and editing. After lunch I head into the Rattle and Bones office, to help fulfil orders and work on the website with current collections, and then it would be onto an MC job or home to cook and fulfil my favourite job of all - being a mum.

Nikki wears: Chufy Ferka Maxi Dress, Chloé Gaile Boots, Fendi Hobo Bag & Xenia Bous Cutout Earrings from Parlour X. 

Please describe your personal style, and your 'go to' must have pieces.

I would describe my style as structured! Very classic and chic. Thank God for my parents, they gave me structure at a very early age and that has served me well in all aspects of my life, including my style. I like to always look 'put together' but most importantly comfortable. For me, it’s all about re-styling what you have. My wardrobe is built around great staples – blazers, trousers, jeans, shirts and sweaters. From there you can be playful in adding your more ‘trendy’ elements within your shoes and bag. My 'go to' is always a structured blazer, clean and classic white T, jeans and sneakers. 

What are your favourite Parlour X brands?

Where do I start… I’ve always loved Parlour X and the many international labels it houses, along with some key Aussie brands.  Some of my recent trips to the iconic store have been to eye up new season must haves from Bottega, Fendi, Mugler and Aussie icons such as Ellery and Christopher Esber.  

What's next for you Nikki?

Next for me and what I’m working on currently is Afterpay Australian Fashion Week. I’m extremely excited to be teaming up with Afterpay and Tresemme, working exclusively on behind the scenes interviews and front row content. 

Keep up with Nikki Phillips on Instagram @nikkikphillips & shop the styles on ParlourX.com.