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| Nicholai Shepherd: Boy Wonder |
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In only two years, Nicholai Shepherd has evolved from being just another male avatar into a hugely successful model. Nicholai is in constant demand for his good looks, professional attitude, and his innate ability to make clothes look ultra stylish, both in photographs and on the catwalk. But there is far more to this man than meets the eye. Nicholai has also forged an impressive career as a stylist and devotes a large part of his time in Second Life acting as a mentor on behalf of Linden Labs, so it’s no surprise that he was invited by BOSL CEO Frolic Mills to take on the hugely challenging role of becoming Mr. Virtual World 2009, after the previous winner, Liam Netizen was forced to relinquish the title due to real life commitments. But the holder of this accolade must be more than just a handsome face - Mr. Virtual World must be eloquent, show fierce dedication, and have the ability to represent himself and this prestigious title with confidence. So does Nicholai Shepherd have the credentials - and the courage - to measure up to a whole year in the public eye? I sat down with him during a break at a photo shoot to discover more about the man himself. Persia: Hi, Nicholai. Congratulations on becoming Mr. Virtual World. How do you feel? Nicholai: “Hello, Persia. I must say thank you first of all to everyone at BOSL and Frolic Mills for this fantastic award and opportunity that I have been given. Also a massive thank you to all its many readers. Without you and your support towards BOSL Magazine and Mr. Virtual World & Miss Virtual World, competitions like this just wouldn't stand a chance, so a BIG thank you! I am overwhelmed by it all, really, and think I am the luckiest guy in SL. I will treasure this title up there with the greatest achievements of life.” Persia: A lovely response! Now, beauty in SL is only pixel deep. What inner qualities do you have which make you ideal for this title?
Persia: I agree. Using SL to help other people really is important, which takes me to my next question. How will you use your position as Mr. Virtual World to help make a difference in the lives of others? Nicholai: “Hopefully I will have some great opportunities come my way to help inspire me to make a difference to the lives of others. At the moment I am working on which avenue to take in helping fulfill my position to the maximum. I would like to help change the lives of others I don't know if this would be within charity raising or by helping people on a more personal approach. I love the idea of helping and inspiring people to be who they want to be, but they just need the help and a friendly kick up the derrière from Mr. Virtual World.” Persia: I could talk to you all day, but I see you are about to go back to the shoot. For your final comment, tell me, what is the greatest lesson you have learned so far on your journey through SL? Nicholai: “I came to SL with nothing, and I did nothing except act oddly and get into trouble. My virtual life changed the day I met a very self-assured female model who challenged my appearance and my status of being in SL. I was hurt by the way she treated me, to the point I set out to prove her wrong. She lit a fire in my belly which has been burning ever since. I went on a journey of self awareness and career development to show everybody that I am not nothing, and I can be just as self-assured as anybody else who has a real star identity within SL. She really unleashed a kind of super hero alter ego in me. I changed from that day I first met her, and I think the greatest lesson or advice to anybody reading this is never be put down by anybody - you are worth more than their words! Don't ever stop doing what you believe in, this is your life, so go get it and make those dreams you have into something to be truly proud of.”
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Boy Wonder
Nicholai: “I think my strong qualities are mainly rooted within my love for art and its philosophy, my creative abilities, and natural instinct for style. I have a real life background as a conceptual artist, something which has helped me immensely here in SL, in terms of having freedom of artistic expression and so many different ways to express your creativity. Making pixels look fabulous is what I do best and is what I have been submerged in for nearly 2 years professionally, and I really am ready to help other people make a stand within their lives, to the pursuit of happiness.”