What happens when a new writer wants to get published? She hears a whole lot of no’s.  

Meet your yes girl: Nikki Frias.

Nikki is the creator of Girltellme.com, a blog turned community focused on empowering women through articles, artist features, and advice, all without turning anyone down. Unless, of course, you’re the kind to send unasked for nudes or a bigot. 

When Nikki, a former government defense contractor, moved to New York City to pursue a career in comedy writing, she couldn’t find many publications that would publish her work. Not even for free. So, Nikki did what many would do: she started her own blog, Girl Tell Me About It. Her relatable personality (a self-recognized superpower) shone through in her writing, and Nikki acquired a readership. Soon after, she started hearing from women who also wanted to write for the blog. So, she did what many wouldn’t do: say yes.

Nikki invited those interested women to submit their pieces and Girl Tell Me About It evolved into Girltellme.com. In its two years of existence, over 180 women have been published, many creatives have been given shout-outs, advice has been given (usually in the form of, this isn’t worth it, keep it moving), and videos have been produced. And the project just keeps on growing.  

“What makes us different is we keep it a buck here. Any platform that empowers women is of course beneficial, but I don’t see myself in them.”

 With her weekly Instagram Live show “Girltellme Something” and virtual events like “Get Your Life Write” and a whole lot of yes’s, Nikki wants Girl Tell Me to represent all female creatives.

 “I want these women to know each other. I want them to have a face, to have an introduction, to have just a moment to speak.”

By creating this space, Nikki is not only giving women a moment to speak, she’s also creating opportunities. And you can’t put a price on that. Publishing writers helps build portfolios, and hosting conversations leads to connections, ideas, and growth. And though there are some similar communities out there, Nikki doesn’t see them as competition.

“My biggest competitor is my negative ass because I have imposter syndrome.”

That sounds funny coming from a woman who’s been published on Forbes, Boardroom, and the Daily Beast. Not to mention a woman who’s just about done with her first draft of her first book. Yes, you read that write (get it?), Nikki Frias is publishing a book. And it’s going to be hilarious.

Though she’s asked us not to spoil the surprise of the title, here’s what you can know. It’s a self-help book inspired by the hardest thing Nikki’s ever gone through: a divorce. It’s funny. It’s sad. And there’s a chapter in it called “Look At Your Coochie in the Tub.”

“You have to stand the course of your own journey. You don’t have to do everything I’m saying, but I did everything everybody is saying in my own way.”

Take the woman behind Girltellme.com and a self-help book about her divorce and you’ve got a literal girl boss. The self-proclaimed Judy Blume for Bitches and high school class clown (which she won without running) has no problem sharing her experience AND her successes to watch YOU succeed.

Nikki Frias is changing the game of what it means to empower women as she’s doing it through serving laughs and open-hearted yeses.

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Support Nikki and GirlTellMe.com by following them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, making a donation, or buying merch (Unless you live outside the U.S., cause ain’t nobody got money for those shipping costs, at least not yet). Interested in submitting a piece? E-mail girltellme123@gmail.com. Want to read the book? You can pre-order on November 1.