I'm Nika Louw, a Canadian actress and singer with a passion for all things creative! The art of fashion has always been an integral part of my life and a way to express my unique personality. For as long as I can remember, something as simple as wearing a pretty dress has had the ability to change my mood and outlook on the world, and so it has been my goal the past few years to wear outfits that I feel wonderful in. My personal style is vintage, preppy, and very feminine, but I like to experiment with different looks to diversify my palette. Nothing excites me quite as much as a cute collared blouse, a perfectly flared high-waist mini skirt or a unique historical piece from times gone by! When I'm not shopping at Value Village for hidden gems to reduce my carbon footprint or planning outfits in my closet, I can usually be found on stage performing musicals and opera, auditioning for films, painting, or outside enjoying nature with my best friend, my dog Charlie.

In a time of rapid change in the entertainment industry, a show like Fashion Hero perfectly exemplifies the effort that society is making to break the mold of the "perfect model" and to provide opportunities to people like me who do not fit those molds. I have always loved the idea of modeling, but at just over 5'2" I have been told I am too short, not sexy enough, etc. My hair is too wild. I'm too 'different' to be a 'normal' model but too 'normal' to be a 'different' model. I have never had perfect skin or the "model look" and, as an anorexia survivor trying to avoid the unhealthy weight-focused approach of traditional modeling, I assumed it was never an option for me. Fashion Hero, however, has given me hope that the industry is evolving and could soon be a safer, more diverse community for people of all shapes and sizes to be part of.

As a teenager surrounded by people who prefer to follow trends, I have never really felt like I 'fit in' with the group, and have been subject to many insensitive comments about my style preferences. I want to show the world that fashion is an art and a form of self expression, and that fitting in is not the prerequisite of a full and fulfilling teenage life! I would also like to show anyone who has dealt with or is dealing with eating disorders that there is a life beyond self-hatred, one in which you can wear what you love without worrying about whether or not it makes you look slimmer, fitter, etc. Fashion has been a way for me to love and accept my body, and I strongly believe that everyone should feel comfortable and confident in what they wear. I would love to share my experience battling an eating disorder and how my love of fashion, as well as shows like The Fashion Hero, has helped me realize that beauty is not defined by my shape or size, because fashion is NOT restricted to tall, thin runway models. It is for everybody.