Meet Na’ziya Lewis | Fashion designer, Model & Music artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Na’ziya Lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Na’Ziya, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I chose to pursue this career simply because it’s always been exactly what I wanted for myself. Of course, there were times I had my doubts, and times that I wasn’t too certain, thinking that maybe my dreams were “too big” or that maybe I should just stick to something more simple…easier to reach. People would tell me to choose a job that’s “garunteed” or something more “important” but to me, this was important….so that’s the route I decided to go. I’ve always been creative, and tried to keep my mind as open as possible to continue allowing that creativity to flow. Creating, for me, was my comfort…still is. I always said if I have a job, I want it to be something I enjoy, something I would look forward to every day rather than dreading. That’s why, I chose the route of modeling and fashion design. I enjoy both greatly, and find great comfort within every aspect of my work. Even with songwriting, being a music artist allows me to freely and creatively express myself, through my music. I believe a lot of people hold back on their own dreams, rather than following their true destiny, simply due to the stigma around work life and what you “should” do as far as work. But, I feel everyone should chase their own dreams, not the dreams society tries to force on us. No dream is less superior to the next person(s). So within my work, I hope to, and have inspired others to pursue their own creative paths, to stay confident and grounded in their own destiny, and go for what they feel they want out of life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a multi-talented artist. 17 years of age, with over 11 years experience in fashion design. Also working as a youth mentor, songwriter, dancer, model, ambassador and soon stepping deeper into my role of acting. However, these are just a few of the many areas I specialize in. Getting to this point definitely was not easy. and although there are still rough patches sometimes, I can most certainly say it has gotten easier with experience. Learning the correct way to handle certain situations, how to stay level minded through everything thrown in your path, and simply staying motivated through it all is definitely something important that I had to learn early on. Although I have many different areas of work, my main occupation is fashion design. Something that I enjoy greatly. My brand is more than just clothing, I like to do everything from shoe customization, creating accessories, handbags, everything imaginable. And while I do offer customization services, most of my pieces are custom made to fit from scratch. I don’t have a specific style that I work with, I create just about anything. From streetwear, urban wear, casual wear, etc. I believe that’s what sets my work apart from most.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would more than likely take them to Garden Inn downtown for dining. I’m not really a foodie and my taste is pretty simple so I don’t eat out much, but this restaurant is beautiful and they have a variety of food choices. The first time I went here was with my sister and it was definitely enjoyable. Just wouldn’t recommend the drinks with sausage in them lol. To hang out I would probably visit stepping stones. Just because I love anything to do with water, and I enjoy feeding the fish. If they were to visit around showtimes, I’d take them to join in the audience at one of our 810 fashion shows! They are always a great time, anyone I have invited to one has told me about how much they loved it and enjoyed the vibes so that would definitely be a next stop.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely, my thank you goes to my family! Mom, siblings and my grandma especially. They have been supporting me through everything, even when things get a little crazy lol…they are still right there rooting me on always and encouraging my creativity. I am so grateful to have them. I am also very appreciative of my team, but more than a team as they have also become family to me as well. Joining the 810 fashion family has definitely been one of my best decisions ever and I really couldn’t imagine a better team to be apart of honestly. They have supported me through everything since we’ve met. And although I am a mentor myself, I could still use mentorship sometimes too, So for that I thank Adriana Lanice. She has helped to shape me in many ways, and is always there even outside of just working together. Same for the rest of the team, anything I need they are always right there and ready to help. Asking for help has never been easy for me, so to have people who can simply recognize when you need it, and be willing to lend a hand, no questions asked is something I appreciate greatly. There have also been many others that i’ve come across that have been of major support on my journey, daphne epps and teen c.e.o team at mott community college, my best friend essence, and even those who simply share a post or leave kind words on my social media pages! I appreciate every ounce of support received.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naziyalanai_/