Nikki Rodriguez X FAULT Magazine

Top and pants: Nadine Merabi
Shoes: Malone Soulier
Earrings: Alexis Bittar
Bracelet: Type Jewelry
Watch: G-SHOCK (GAV01)

Photographer / Creative Director: Raen Badua l Stylist: Savannah Mendoza l Makeup: Allan Avendaño l Hair: Clayton Hawkins l Photo Assist: Miles Caliboso

Words & Editor In Chief: Miles Holder

Following the success of My Life with the Walter Boys season one, Nikki Rodriguez has quickly established herself as one of Netflix’s most compelling rising stars. In the show’s debut, she portrayed a grieving, fiercely independent teenager learning to redefine both family and self in rural Colorado. Now, as we return for season two, we’re poised to continue that emotional journey alongside her.

With a second season on the way and a third already confirmed, Nikki sits down with FAULT Magazine to reflect on grief, growth, and the weight of expectation and to provide a window into the heart behind her Hollywood ascent.

Jacket: Maje
Pants: Nadine Merabi
Shoes: 42 Gold
Earrings: Alexis Bittar
Bracelets: Bauble Bar

FAULT Magazine: We ended season one on that cliffhanger, and now we’re entering season two. We’ve all seen the trailer now, but what I’m really interested in is the headspace we’re rejoining Jackie in this time around.

Nikki Rodriguez: I think Jackie is working through her grief a little bit more this season. In season one, everything was still quite fresh, and she didn’t really know how to deal with anything. She pushed away all of her feelings in every sense and was quite stoic because it was easier than dealing with it at the time.

This season, she’s more ready to face her feelings and confront the tragic events that happened about a year ago. You see her learning to deal with things and trying to be okay, breaking down in ways she doesn’t expect, and learning to live with it. It gets a little easier, but it’s still very difficult for her.

Suit: Izakova
Green heels: 42 Gold
Shirt: Anine Bing
Earrings: Alessandra Camilla Milano
Ring: Harkness Fine Jewelry
Ring: Type Jewelry
Watch: G-SHOCK (GAV01)

FAULT Magazine: And as the actor portraying Jackie, what’s been the biggest change for you this season compared to the last one in terms of your approach to the character?

Nikki Rodriguez: This was my first time returning to a character, so it was a little scary at first. There was a bit of time between seasons, and I had to trust that Jackie was still there. Usually, once I put on her clothes, that’s what gets me back into character. I got really fun storylines to explore this season, and I gave it my all—took it one step at a time. It might sound basic, but that’s what I did.

Suit: Izakova
Green heels: 42 Gold
Shirt: Anine Bing
Earrings: Alessandra Camilla Milano
Ring: Harkness Fine Jewelry
Ring: Type Jewelry
Watch: G-SHOCK (GAV01)

FAULT Magazine: Is there added pressure this time around? With season one, there was no way to know how fans would react. Now with the success of the first season, there must be added expectations on the characters and performances.

Nikki Rodriguez: Yeah, honestly, I totally feel that pressure. I think it’s normal. But there’s a fine line between letting all that get in your head while filming. It’s not a good place to be in when you’re supposed to be present in the moment. You can’t be thinking about outside pressures or what people are going to say.

Of course, we want the fans to be happy and enjoy the season, but when I’m filming, I try to be in Jackie’s headspace and in the world of Silver Falls as much as I can. I think that’s a healthier way to approach it.

Top and pants: Nadine Merabi
Shoes: Malone Soulier
Earrings: Alexis Bittar
Bracelet: Type Jewelry
Watch: G-SHOCK (GAV01)

FAULT Magazine: Out of interest, did you know when you finished season one that there would be a season two? Or did you find out later?

Nikki Rodriguez: No idea. When we wrapped season one, we didn’t even know if anyone would see it. You just don’t know. But I will say, when we were filming it, it felt like a really special show. We had such a great cast and crew—it was an amazing experience, and it felt like something. We were all hoping people would connect with it. The positive reactions have been so sweet, and I couldn’t have asked for anything better. But yeah, that video when we found out about season two was very real!

Top and pants: Nadine Merabi
Shoes: Malone Soulier
Earrings: Alexis Bittar
Bracelet: Type Jewelry
Watch: G-SHOCK (GAV01)

FAULT Magazine: What was the biggest creative challenge for you this time around?

Nikki Rodriguez: I think going into season two, the challenge was figuring out how Jackie grows but still stays the same. We’re still watching the same character, but she’s going through changes. Trying not to stray too far from who Jackie is at her core is always a bit of a challenge. Naturally, she’s growing, figuring out her style, and learning who she wants to be—which may or may not be who she thought she wanted to be before.

That was probably the biggest challenge, but once we got back on set, everything kind of fell into place. We were shooting in the most beautiful locations.

FAULT Magazine: As a viewer—though I’m not sure if you can even say—are you Team Cole or Team Alex?

Nikki Rodriguez: I get this question a lot, and I always say Team Jackie. And I really mean it. I truly root for Jackie. I have a soft spot for her. She makes mistakes and isn’t perfect, but I support wherever her heart goes.

FAULT Magazine: This one trips people up, but what’s a question no one has asked you about My Life with the Walter Boys that you wish they had?

Nikki Rodriguez: I’m not sure it’s a question I haven’t been asked, but I don’t think I’ve ever really had the chance to explain Jackie’s grief trajectory across the seasons.

In season one, she was very stoic and closed off—intentionally so. That’s relatable and real. When you’re in a new environment and don’t feel safe or know how to process everything, withdrawing is a natural reaction. I think that’s what you see in season one. And in season two, you get to see more layers of Jackie as she works through everything.

Top and pants: Nadine Merabi
Shoes: Malone Soulier
Earrings: Alexis Bittar
Bracelet: Type Jewelry
Watch: G-SHOCK (GAV01)

FAULT Magazine: I’ve noticed your portfolio includes Netflix shows and also a lot of short films. Is it intentional that you choose such different roles?

Nikki Rodriguez: Some of it just happened that way. I’ve said this many times, but I never saw myself as Jackie. When I got the audition, I didn’t think I could do it. But I’ve always been drawn to different stories and character types. I’ve wanted to show range and be someone who could portray different characters accurately.

That’s what drew me to acting: bringing so many different people to life using bits of yourself while building something completely new. It’s such a blessing. I can’t believe I’ve already played so many different characters. It’s wild.

FAULT Magazine: Is it daunting knowing that your experimental era is playing out in front of a big audience, whereas most people do that behind the scenes?

Nikki Rodriguez: It can be, but it’s also such a great place to be. I feel lucky and blessed every day. Of course, I’m a people-pleaser at heart, so I want to make everyone happy – but I know that’s unrealistic. You have to let go and follow your gut. As long as I’m proud of my work and stand by it, that’s what matters most.

Jacket: Izakova
Dress: PLT
Shoes: Anine Bing
Earrings: State Property
Ring: Ariel Taub
Ring: White Space Jewelry

FAULT Magazine: Are you taking the time to reflect on how far you’ve come, or does it feel like everything’s passing by in a blur?

Nikki Rodriguez: Total blur. So much has changed so quickly, and I haven’t had time to process it. I just take it one day at a time. Sometimes I think about how it’ll feel when I look back. It’s crazy, though, I have experiences now that were once on my vision board. That’s insane.

FAULT Magazine: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Nikki Rodriguez: That nothing is permanent. It applies to both the highs and the lows. Everything comes and goes in waves. It’s a reminder I try to hold onto.

Jacket: Izakova
Dress: PLT
Shoes: Anine Bing
Earrings: State Property
Ring: Ariel Taub
Ring: White Space Jewelry

FAULT Magazine: When you look back on your creative journey, what’s been your greatest creative hurdle?

Nikki Rodriguez: Structure. Being a creative and working in the arts means every day is different, and I’m very Type A. I want control, but you can’t have it in this career. Learning to let go – of outcomes, opinions, opportunities—that’s been the biggest challenge.

Jacket: Izakova
Dress: PLT
Shoes: Anine Bing
Earrings: State Property
Ring: Ariel Taub
Ring: White Space Jewelry

FAULT Magazine: Would you say you’re a long-term goals type of creative, or short-term?

Nikki Rodriguez: Definitely long-term. Eventually, I’d love to direct or try other roles in filmmaking, but right now, I’m enjoying exactly where I am.

Izakova: Top and pants
Yume Yume: Coat
Black Suede Studio: Shoes
Harkness Fine Jewelry: Ring
Type Jewelry: Ring

FAULT Magazine: What is your FAULT?

Nikki Rodriguez: I’d say my sensitivity. It’s a fault, but it’s also one of my greatest strengths. I feel everything deeply.