Finding freedom can be an intricate and vigorous victory to achieve. For My Life With The Walter Boys’ star Nikki Rodriguez, that was a goal easily accomplished, and done so by transforming into the charmed character of Jackie Howard. “I’m not really shy, but I am fairly introverted, so the idea of creating new life experiences and acting through the lens of another character was very freeing,” explains Rodriguez.” It began as a way to express myself,” With a natural screen presence, Rodriguez is quickly becoming one of the most compelling young talents in television.

Returning for Season 2 of the hit series, Nikki is carrying a deeper sense of confidence, purpose, and candidly, a handful of nerves. “I was very excited, but also a bit nervous,” she admits on her return to the series. “Season one was like a dream come true. I think it’s normal to feel pressure going into a second season of a show that so many fans watched and loved. I just didn’t want to let anybody down.”

Playing a New York City girl dropped into rural Colorado has not only challenged Rodriguez emotionally, but also managed to reshape her sense of style. “We both love Ralph Lauren,” she quips. “I’ve incorporated some western, classic, and very timeless pieces into my wardrobe since playing Jackie. ” Although she’s become a red carpet regular since the show’s viral release, fashion, for her, sits deeper, somewhere more personal. “I like to center my outfit around how I want to feel that day, whether it’s productive, creative, confident, or chill. What I’m wearing significantly influences how I experience my day. Fashion is something I have a real passion and appreciation for. I also have to shout out my incredible stylist, Daniel Romero, because it’s a team effort.” After asking Rodruigez what fans might be surprised to learn happens behind the scenes of her busy days, it’s clear in her answer that her rising star disposition hasn’t changed one thing: her homebody status and love for her space. “I’m always redecorating, designing, thrifting, or painting [at] home,” she says.

For the show’s latest installment, fans can expect Nikki to bring new layers to Jackie’s journey. “In the first season, Jackie pushes away her feelings because they’re too overwhelming,” says Rodriguez. “This time, she tries to confront things head-on, and I think we see a stronger side of her. I’m proud of all the work we put into this season.”

This story appears in the pages of V156: now available for purchase!

Photography Dana Boulos

Fashion Valeria Semushina

Makeup Anna Kato

Hair Ted Gibson (Exclusive Artists Management) using Ted Gibson

Manicure Olivia de Montagnac (The Wall Group) using Olive and June

Editor / Casting Kev Ponce

Production Long Play Creative

Light Direction Dan Patrick

Digital Technician Ryan Geary

Retouching Maria Smirnova

Location The Kingsley House

Fashion Assistants Lili Mushkudiani, Oksi Belkasemi

Makeup Assistant Yana Kavalerchikyana

Production Assistants Ian Roper, Geoffrey Leslie