Q-Where are you from and what’s your age?
A-My name is Nia B. Williamson and I am 26 years old born and raised from Brooklyn New York
Q-When did you start working on your line?
A-I started my business in December of 2015.
Q-Describe your line in three words?
A-Raw, Renowned and Recherché
Q-What or Who INSPIRED you to start your business?
A-I have a lot of celebrity and designer inspirations, but I feel like my supporters really are the reason I was inspired to start my business. I’ve always had a personal love for fashion but I started taking that passion more serious and eventually went to school to obtain my degree in Fashion Merchandising. After I graduated, I was not really sure what I wanted to do but I know it had to be fashion related. My best friend asked me to style her for her birthday, so I found her a cute dress and a clutch to where and I had this vision for fluffy heels. I actually referred her to someone who I saw on Instagram that made them at the time. She said “best friend, why don’t you try to make them?” so I did just for her and posted them on my social media and after that, everything changed for me. People loved them, I eventually started selling my work on Etsy. I received a lot of support, that really gave me the courage to start my business. I knew this was what I wanted to do for sure.
Q-Since starting your business have you had any setbacks?
Name one…
A- My only real set back was just me getting overwhelmed with all the success
Q-How did you overcome it?
A-It took me a while to overcome because I felt stuck. I know people loved my work and wanted me to continue selling, but my heart was not into it at that point anymore. I was so frustrated dealing with making orders, customers, branding, marketing, etc. that I was losing the main focus of why I started my business. I didn’t want to give my customers something that wasn’t made from the same love and passion I had when I first started, I did a lot of self-reflecting and praying and just trying to remind myself that nothing comes easy, and that was all a part of the process. Eventually, things got better and I decided after some months off that it was time to get back to business.
Q-What sets you apart from your competitors in the industry?
A-I believe what sets me apart from my competitors in the industry is my “sass” I’m not afraid to try new things and make stuff out of the ordinary. I feel like my work is rare and you can’t be able to go into a local H&M or Forever21 & find what I create. You may find something similar, but it will not have that “Styles By Nia” touch. What also makes my work so different is that I custom make each and every item with my own hands. For example, 10 people can order the “Malanie Crossbody” and each bag will be different due to the customers preference; so each customer is never ever wearing the same thing. You still stand out no matter what!
Q-Where do you see yourself in 5 Years?
A-In 5 years, I definitely see my business expanding into a clothing line specifically for plus-size women. I also have hopes to open up a small store where people can come in person and buy my items as well.
Q- What do you want people to know about your product?
A-I want people to know that my products come out of LOVE. I want my customers to understand how many sleepless nights I am putting in, just to make sure every intricate detail is completely perfect for them. I want them to know that my products are timeless and unique.
Provide your social media and/or other contact information where people can see and/ or ask questions about your work
Instagram – @styles.by.nia
Facebook – Styles By Nia
Email – stylesbynia@aol.com
Website – Styles By Nia
Twitter – @stylesbynia
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