I think my niece is afraid of me. Whenever I hold her she cries. Whenever I look at her or try to interact with her she cries

Separation anxiety from parents is totally normal, even if parents are right there. My niece cried when they handed her to me. I assured the baby that its ok. And handed her back to mom. I dont want her to feel forced to be held or tpuched by someone she isnt comfortable with yet. Me wanting to hold her does not trump her need to feel secure.
Fast forward 6 months. She comes to me, cli.bs on my lap, looks at books and likes to be chased. She knows I am safe and i respect her feelings too. I never took her crying personally. Its normal.