Forget the Superwoman Myth—Nikki Viola on Why It’s Okay to Not Have Everything Figured Out
Society placed an unspoken expectation that women should have it all figured out—build a thriving career, be the perfect mother, and navigate life’s challenges with ease. But the truth is, no one has it all figured out, and the pressure to do so is exhausting.
Nikki Viola knows this firsthand. As a single mom, host, content creator, and former courtside reporter, she juggles multiple roles every day. But she isn’t here to sell perfection. She’s here to share the reality—that thriving doesn’t come from having all the answers—it comes from resilience, adaptability, and the courage to keep going even when the path isn’t clear.
How It All Started
Nikki’s journey into media wasn’t part of a grand plan. As a college student pursuing a Mass Communication degree, she was a self-proclaimed “raketera”, determined to earn her own money. She took on multiple internships—magazines, radio, events—always seeking new opportunities. But it was on the radio where she found her calling.
“I was actually a radio DJ before, and that’s how hosting started for me. We were trained to host events, and from there, everything just fell into place,” Nikki shared.
Hosting wasn’t something she envisioned for herself at first, but she believes that life has a way of directing us toward the paths we’re meant to take. While she initially wanted to pursue a long-term career in radio, the industry’s competitiveness made it difficult. She eventually shifted into marketing and events but found herself drawn back to hosting—this time, as a freelancer.
“Looking back, I don’t even know how I survived freelancing. But I realized it was the right path for me because I genuinely love what I do,” she said. “I can’t focus on something I’m not passionate about.”
A Woman in Sports
One of the most defining moments in Nikki’s career was stepping into the world of sports. She became a courtside reporter for professional leagues, including the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association). It was a dream come true—but it came with its share of struggles.
“It’s very challenging for women in the sports industry. There’s discrimination, and I personally experienced it—from being judged for my weight, to my age, to the fact that I’m a mom,” she recalled.
Her journey in sports broadcasting wasn’t easy, and at times, it was disheartening. After just one season in the PBA, she and a few other female reporters were replaced—without clear explanations, but with the underlying reason painfully obvious.
“They won’t tell you outright, but the reality is, they wanted someone younger, someone who fit a certain image,” she said. “It was one of my biggest heartbreaks because being in the PBA was a dream.”
However, instead of letting this setback define her, Nikki chose to see it as redirection. She continued to tell stories—this time, as a content creator. Through platforms like When In Manila, she covered events, lifestyle, and, whenever possible, sports.
“I realized that God removes us from places that aren’t meant for us. Leaving the PBA wasn’t the end—it just opened doors for me to do storytelling in different ways. Now, I get to share people’s stories through hosting and content creation, and I know I’m appreciated for my work.”
The Hardest Yet Most Rewarding Role
Balancing motherhood and a career is a challenge for any woman, and Nikki is no exception. Despite being in the industry for years, she admits that she’s still learning every day.
“Even though I’ve been a mom for four years now, I can’t say I’ve mastered balancing it all. Motherhood is a constant learning process, and honestly, it’s more about surviving than balancing,” she admitted.
One of her biggest struggles is “mom guilt”—the feeling of being torn between work and her child.
“There are days when I have events to host, but my daughter is sick at home. It’s never an easy decision,” she said. “But I remind myself why I’m working hard—it’s all for her.”
Nikki also learned one of the most valuable lessons of motherhood: it’s okay to ask for help.
“Before, I had this mindset that I had to do everything alone because I wanted to prove that I was a strong, independent woman. But being strong isn’t about carrying everything on your own. It’s about knowing when to ask for support. My family, my close friends, my faith—they help me survive this journey.”
You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup
Amidst the hustle of being a content creator, host, and mom, Nikki understands the importance of taking care of herself.
“I love doing my own makeup for events because it’s therapeutic for me. I make time for the little things—manicures, skincare, and recently, staying active,” she shared.
At the start of the year, she promised herself that 2025 would be her “glow-up year”.
“I started walking every morning, and it made such a difference in how I feel. It stopped for a while when my mom passed away, but I plan to get back into it. I realized that when you take care of yourself, you show up better in every aspect of life.”
Beyond physical self-care, Nikki also practices self-reflection.
“When I feel like I’m running on empty, I pause. I remind myself that I need to take care of me—not just for myself, but for my daughter. I want her to grow up seeing a strong, healthy, and happy mom.”
The Power Women Hold
For Nikki, success isn’t about fame, perfection, or having everything figured out. It’s about resilience, growth, and the impact she leaves on others.
“The most rewarding thing for me is knowing that I inspire people—even just a few. Whether it’s a message from a young girl saying they love my work or my daughter telling me she wants to be like me when she grows up—those moments make everything worth it.”
As we celebrate Women’s Month, she believes that women deserve recognition every day—not just for what they achieve, but for the strength, courage, and determination they bring to every challenge. The journey will never be easy. There will always be obstacles, and people will always have something to say. But that should never be a reason to stop.
“Women possess an incredible emotional intelligence, a strength that allows us to navigate challenges with resilience and grace. We have the power to control our emotions, shape our thoughts, and use that to inspire others. Trust your instincts in everything you do—because believing in yourself is the first step to creating something meaningful. And when you do, that confidence will reflect in you and eventually inspire those around you.”
