Harnessing Confidence to Create Change

By Kaila Nike

For as long as she can remember, Kaila Nike has been drawn to words. Growing up in British Columbia, she spent her youth filling pages with poetry and short stories, capturing pieces of herself through ink and imagination. But while writing was always a passion, it wasn’t until she endured a series of life-changing events that Kaila felt the pull to turn her love for words into something more enduring—a career as a novelist.

“Writing has always been a way for me to process what I’ve gone through and heal from it,” she shares. “I have so much passion for storytelling that it just feels like second nature.”

That passion culminated in her debut novel, Mystique, a romantasy tale that merges emotional truth with magical world-building. Releasing July 2025, Mystique is just the beginning of a series, with the sequel already slated for February 2026. Alongside her solo projects, Kaila has contributed to six anthologies—including Her Path to Entrepreneurship, UnleashHER Voice, The Rise of Her, and Mind Over Matter—each highlighting resilience, empowerment, and personal growth.

Yet Kaila’s path to authorship wasn’t simple. For years, she wrestled with self-doubt and the fear of judgment. “It took me a really long time to confidently publish my work,” she admits. “I lived in fear for many years, worried about what others might think of me. Eventually, I realized I needed to get over it and just follow my heart anyway. There will always be haters, but what keeps me going are the people who love my work and feel inspired by it.”

Choosing Confidence Over Fear

When asked which book most reflects the theme of “choosing confidence over fear,” Kaila immediately points to her chapter in Her Path to Entrepreneurship.

“In that anthology, I really dive into how we can’t allow fear to overcome our desire,” she explains. “It’s natural to feel fearful when we’re doing something new, but if we let fear get in the way of our confidence, so many of us wouldn’t be rising the way we are.”

The lesson is one she had to embody herself. From navigating the complexities of publishing to marketing her work, the biggest challenge wasn’t the technical side—it was the emotional leap of putting herself out there. “The writing part was easy,” Kaila admits. “But it was the fear of exposure that nearly held me back: fear of judgment, fear of rejection, fear of not being liked. Growing up, I didn’t have much confidence. Over time, through personal development, I learned to love myself—and with that love came confidence.”

Now, that confidence is woven into every story she tells.

Writing Characters That Grow with Her

In her novel Mystique, Kaila’s protagonist Octavia embodies that same transformation. Initially reserved, Octavia’s journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment. “She was originally based on me,” Kaila shares. “As the series progresses, Octavia learns just how powerful she really is. In a way, she represents my own evolution.”

Kaila also sees her resilience mirrored in her anthology contributions.

In The Rise of Her, for example, she writes about the power of the inner voice in shaping her path as an entrepreneur. “It takes leadership and resilience to build your own business from the ground up,” she says. “Writing about that experience reinforced just how strong I’ve become.”

Her stories, whether fiction or nonfiction, are as much about her growth as they are about inspiring her readers.

Empowering Readers Through Storytelling

Kaila writes with the hope that readers finish her books feeling empowered, transformed, and capable of stepping into their own confidence. “I want my readers to feel inspired, joyous, confident, and empowered,” she says. “I want them to know that what they dream about is possible. It may take work, and the path might seem daunting, but one step at a time, it’s achievable.”

Her own story is proof. Once a high school dropout, a single mom, and someone with little self-confidence, Kaila is now living her dream as a published author and entrepreneur. “If I can do it, others can too,” she emphasizes.

This authenticity resonates deeply with her readers. Feedback and reviews have flooded in, reminding her of the true impact of her work. “I didn’t realize how powerful storytelling could be until people started sending me messages about how my books touched them. It reinforced for me that I am enough, and that the fear I carried all those years was just an illusion.”

Vulnerability as Strength

A hallmark of Kaila’s writing is her willingness to be vulnerable. For her, vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength. “People connect to vulnerability because we’re all going through something,” she says. “When someone else shares their struggles, it opens up a safe space for connection. It’s possible to be vulnerable and confident at the same time.”

By sharing her own hardships and triumphs, Kaila invites readers to do the same. It’s this openness that has turned her work into a bridge—connecting her story with others who may be walking similar paths.

A Voice for Change

Looking forward, Kaila is brimming with projects. In addition to completing the Mystique series, she has several more anthologies on the horizon and a new, yet-to-be-revealed solo project (with dragons involved!). Through it all, her mission remains clear: to be a guiding light for others, helping them see that their dreams are within reach.

“I used to say, even in my thirties, that I still didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up,” Kaila reflects. “Now, I’ve found my place. Writing fulfills me, and I have an overwhelming desire to keep creating and growing my business so it can reach people all over the world. My voice was muffled for too long. Now it’s time to use it.”

For those who want to follow her journey, Kaila’s website kailanike.com serves as her central hub, with links to her books, upcoming releases, and newsletter. She also actively shares her work and process on social media:

• TikTok: @kailanikeauthor

• Instagram: @kailanike.author

• Facebook: Kaila Nike

The Heart of Her Message

At the core of Kaila Nike’s journey is a powerful reminder: fear will always be there, but confidence is a choice. By choosing courage, vulnerability, and authenticity, she has not only transformed her own life but is also paving the way for others to step into their power.

“Take that leap of faith,” she urges aspiring authors and dreamers alike. “The world is waiting for your story.”

And in that message, Kaila embodies exactly what this issue of She Wins Magazine is all about—harnessing confidence to create change.