Our Interview with NIKKI HAYES
Living in Co. Wicklow, this self confessed music addict, has accomplished much in her life so far. She has jumped out of a plane at 13000 feet for charity, conquered her fear of water and done much travelling, both with work and alone... And all this while being one of Irelands most noted and loved radio DJ’s. After getting her first radio gig at 15 years of age and hopping through various pirate stations for 3 years, Nikki Hayes eventually got her first ‘legal’ gig on East Coast Radio (now east coast fm) where she worked until 2001. Then it was Dublin youth station Spin1038 who offered her a full time radio gig and that led to her all time dream coming true in 2003, when she found her way in the door at 2fm, covering the “Sunday cruise" for 8 weeks for Aidan Leonard. She fast became one of 2fms most popular music DJ’s and today she mans the airwaves on their daily prime lunch time slots.
Nikki recently found out that her ancestors hailed from Kilkee in Co. Clare. This being our local town here (stylebible.ie) we were thrilled to learn this bit of information and to have the opportunity to ask her a few questions.... now that she's a 'townie of ours' (Nothing to do with the fact that she is a music savvy, witty, infamous DJ on the national broadcaster with a huge following and great sense of style of course)
Oh - and prepare to get very jealous as you see the pics below of Nikki's trip to the X-Factor last year
Q: You have admitted to having always wanted to DJ, but is there anything else you would have longed to do if things had worked out differently?
A: I actually thought I wanted to be a lawyer for a while ... even studied law at college but the pull of radio being my original and only REAL passion kept me to the airwaves
Q: Each year you head to Austria with The National Council for the Blind, The Larry Gogan Show and The All Request Lunch. Is charity work generally very important to you considering your status and your potential to influence so many people?
A: Yes I think it's like chicken soup for the soul ... I've done lots for different types of charities like for the Share a Dream Foundation,Irish Cancer Society, Trocaire, Self Help, Mental Health Awareness and Ash Animal Sanctuary
Q: You seem like a very fun loving and active person. Are you disciplined when it comes to being active or fit?
A: Oh god no - I used not to be - but I have adapted a much healthier lifestyle toward the end of last year and swap the potatoes for rice, the white bread for wholemeal and I joined Curves in Blessington in County Wicklow because I needed a routine that could be maintained with my already hectic schedule - 30 minutes 3 times a week with results gaurenteed ... suits me!
Q:. What would a general ‘day in the life of Nikki Hayes’ be like?
A: Not as interesting as one might think. Wake up to the sound of basshunter "all i ever wanted" its only song irritating enough for me to spring out of bed immidiatly, then drive to work, meet with producer, RBC and pop into boss JC to say hi, get show content together, onair 12-2:30 (got me an extra half hour for the new year) and then it'd be more show work, read emails etc and home to walk dogs, clean and settle for the evening with my TV ... Im loving the simple life these days.
Q:: When it comes to style, you seem to be individual and quite funky, but how would you describe your own personal style?
A: When going out for a night with friends or on a date, I like to do the WOW factor ... I dont want to look like anyone else in the place. I want to be individual so I tend to look for something unique and each time accessorise to match. But daily I love skinny jeans or leggings tucked into boots with long jumpers ... to cover my big bum
Q:Who do you admire in the style stakes?
A: Victoria Beckham and Cheryl Cole, I dont love their shape ... I think its not how most women are shaped but I do LOVE their style
Q: What would be your all time favourite place to clothes / shoe shop?
A: Dundrum Town Centre ... I live there.
Q: What item of make up or beauty product would you absolutely not leave the house without?
A: Vaseline ... if the world supplies run out I am in deep deep trouble
Q: If you could buy one thing today – regardless of cost- what would it be?
A: Oh dont even have to think about that one it'd be the most expensive pair of Jimmy Choos that I could lay my hand on ... I have 2 pairs that were , ahem, reasonably priced and I love them so to be able to buy without fear of the tag would be bliss
Q: What is your favourite thing to do when you are not entertaining us daily on 2fm?
A: Spending time with the guy who lights up my life ... my godson Luke ... he truely is a tonic - a year and half and hilarious ... he's very special to me
The pics.... Start feeling jealous... about now!
Below: Nikki with Mark from Westlife
Below: Nikki with Cheryl Cole
Below: Nikki with Danni Minogue
Below: Nikki with Louis Walsh