Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole “Nikki” Almanza
Hi Nikki, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Wow, where do I even begin? So much has happened—not just over time but even in the short period since I started this LezBeHonest journey in early 2023. The universe has a wild way of showing us where we’re meant to be.
Growing up with severe ADHD, I often felt like a walking Dragon Ball Z character. I had this insane energy inside me but no idea how to channel it properly. My life was very much a ‘living day by day’ situation, with no thought for tomorrow. Still, there was always this pull in my chest, something I didn’t understand but couldn’t ignore. I noticed I had this natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life, but I didn’t know how to use it. So, like a hyper, well-meaning kid, I was a little reckless with it.
It wasn’t until I moved to Pennsylvania and worked as a counselor at a juvenile rehabilitation facility that I truly began to understand my purpose. The kids I worked with were high-risk—dealing with trauma, gang involvement, and family disconnection. One moment stands out to me: I had a client who was angry beyond words, the kind of hulk-level rage you see in kids who feel the world has failed them. Something inside me just knew what to do. I calmly held out my hand, and without thinking, I somehow absorbed his rage and replaced it with calm. It wasn’t just de-escalation—it was a connection. From then on, I became the go-to for the highest-risk kids, not because of any training but because I could bridge the gaps they felt between themselves, their families, and the world.
That experience taught me what my gifts are: creating safety, connection, and confidence. People want to be seen. When they feel seen and safe, it’s life-changing. I’ve been blessed to witness and help create those changes.
Fast forward to the pandemic, I returned home to California after being gone for 10 years—leaving right out of high school on a soccer scholarship, earning my degree in sociology, and building my life elsewhere. Coming back wasn’t just about finding my footing again; it became about helping heal my family. Being away for so long had given me perspective, and my return created a chance to bridge gaps and address things that had been left unresolved. I became a catalyst for healing in my family, helping us reconnect in ways we hadn’t before.
At the same time, I tried to settle into work again, but I kept hitting a glass ceiling. I knew I could do more, and that pull in my chest wouldn’t let me ignore it anymore. So, in February 2023, I quit my job and told myself, It’s time to go all in.
LezBeHonest was born out of nothing but that feeling—a mix of faith, grit, and unrelenting energy. I had no prior business experience, no marketing classes, nothing. But I had my Dragon Ball Z energy, my natural ability to connect with people, and that pull telling me this was what I was meant to do.
Today, LezBeHonest is so much more than a business—it’s a movement. It’s about empowering people, breaking ceilings, and creating spaces where everyone feels seen, safe, and unstoppable. The journey has been insane, challenging, and beautiful, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not—it has been anything but smooth! Starting LezBeHonest has been one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences of my life. When you’re creating something from scratch, it’s like building a house without a blueprint. You’re figuring it out as you go, making mistakes, and learning along the way.
One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was filtering out bad business practices and people who talked a big game but brought little to no value. You’ll meet people who promise the world but don’t follow through, and at first, it’s hard to recognize those patterns when you’re just starting. I had to learn how to protect my time, energy, and resources while still staying open to collaboration with people who truly align with my mission.
Another challenge was navigating self-doubt. I didn’t come into this with a roadmap or formal training in business—I just had a vision, determination, and this deep pull in my chest that told me I had to do this. That uncertainty can be overwhelming at times, but it also forces you to trust yourself and grow stronger.
Balancing my personal life was another hurdle. Coming back home during the pandemic, I found myself not just building a business but also helping to heal my family. There was this push to reconnect with the people I love and lead by example. It wasn’t always easy to balance personal and professional growth, but it’s a huge part of what has driven me forward.
Every challenge I’ve faced has taught me something valuable—how to be discerning, how to set boundaries, and how to trust my instincts. Those lessons have become the foundation of LezBeHonest. They’ve shaped not just the business but also how I show up for others and help them find their own strength.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
LezBeHonest is more than just a business—it’s a movement rooted in empowerment, connection, and authenticity. My mission is to help clients and their networks not only achieve their goals but also feel truly seen and supported along the way.
At its core, LezBeHonest specializes in bridging gaps—whether that’s helping brands connect with their audiences, fostering collaboration between creatives, or guiding individuals to their next opportunity. I work closely with a diverse range of clients and projects, including the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF), which celebrates underrepresented voices and creative storytelling. I also support rising artists like 14HunnitVon, based in Minneapolis, helping them build their presence, connect with their audience, and share their vision. Currently, I’m working on developing a ‘Central Valley’ Streaming Release Tour with a LA film production company, connecting filmmakers with venues, local creatives, and audiences in a meaningful way.
What sets LezBeHonest apart is how deeply personal and intentional this work is. It’s not just about delivering results—it’s about building trust, creating lasting relationships, and showing people that they’re capable of more than they ever imagined. A big part of this involves leveraging social media analytics to guide decision-making. For example, I analyze data to identify what works, when to post, and how to maximize engagement without overwhelming audiences. This data-driven approach ensures that every move is intentional and impactful, whether it’s launching a festival campaign, boosting an artist’s visibility, or aligning content with audience behavior.
I have an incredible team that shares this mission and brings their unique perspectives and expertise to the table. Together, we’re able to tackle challenges and create strategies that empower our clients to shine. Whether it’s curating collaborations, advising on branding and content, analyzing social media performance, or helping clients navigate difficult decisions, we’re here for it all.
One thing I’m most proud of is the impact LezBeHonest has had in such a short amount of time. Watching JDIFF expand its reach, helping 14HunnitVon connect with the right platforms, and seeing filmmakers feel valued and supported through their film projects—those moments mean everything to me.
What I want readers to know is that LezBeHonest is here for the long haul. Whether you’re a creative, a business owner, or someone who just needs guidance, I want people to know they have a space where they can feel supported, seen, and understood. It’s not just about what we do; it’s about how we make people feel along the way🤞🏽
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Honestly, the biggest lesson I learned during the Covid-19 crisis was one that has shaped my entire journey. It was a realization that I hadn’t fully embraced before, even though it’s something people often say: you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t force it to drink. I wasn’t ready until I was ready. As difficult as that time was, it served as a powerful reminder that not only is anything possible, but I am also the architect of my own destiny. All it took was taking a hard, honest look at myself in the mirror and deciding to give myself the love and attention I had been neglecting.
Pricing:
- Pricing is tailored to the unique needs and goals of each client. I believe in building deep, personal connections with my clients, where we take the time to understand one another’s passions, aspirations, and what’s truly important. This allows me to customize my services to reflect the specific work and dedication required. So, rather than a one-size-fits-all pricing structure, I focus on ensuring that the investment aligns with the goals we’re working toward together. There’s a bigger picture to consider 🤞🏽
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @lezbehonestmovement
- Other: lezbehonestmovement@gmail.com
