Today we’d like to introduce you to Nyla Handy.
Hi Nyla, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
It all started when I was a little girl- my mother told me that I always wanted to dress. As I grew older, the feeling for fashion grew stronger and I began to dress others as a fashion designer.
My late grandmother, Joyce Lee Webb (who was also a well-known fashion designer in her community) showed me the ropes on my first sewing machine.
I never followed the school uniform dress code in school. The boring muted khaki, dingy white, and dusty navy were always complimented with statement costume jewelry, colorful socks, and a fresh pair of shoes.
In 2012, I graduated from the prestigious women’s college, Stephens College in Columbia, MO with my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design and Product Development. Faith, family, and education are the foundation that leads me to be the woman I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life in itself isn’t smooth. Just look at the road outside – that road isn’t smooth. There is no difference when it comes to our induvial road of life. This is what creates the intricate ridges on the bottom of our shoes from strutting through those obstacles.
That’s what makes our journey unique! There are so many hurting people that smile to the world but are hurting on the inside. I was one of them. I had to be strong for the people that were watching me and show them that no matter what comes or what goes, you got to keep strutting and stay focused.
My goal is to deal with the interior before reconstructing the exterior with my fashion business because how can we feel good on the outside if we don’t feel good on the inside first… That is why I exist.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Immediately after graduating college, NYLA Couture was established in 2012, which is a luxury brand that specializes in formal, prom, bridal, and special occasion garments. Our mission is to help our clients STRUT by putting on a cloak of confidence with NYLA Couture; making one feel exquisitely dapper from coast to coast because couture is a lifestyle.
A Multifaceted Artist… that’s Nyla Handy! I don’t just define myself as a national award-winning fashion designer because I love to be a part of all things creative. I also exercise other artistic skills such as creative directing for music videos, stage plays, photoshoots; interpretive dance; motivational speaking, and much more.
FUN FACTS: NYLA Couture, has been showcased in New York Fashion Week 2021, Miami Swim Week 2021, and LA Fashion Week 2022. Since then, the eclectic, yet classy collections have received love from multiple press/media websites such as Fashion United UK, Fashion Magazine 24, Elle Italia Magazine, Marie Claire Magazine, The Impression Magazine, Madame Figaro Spanish Magazine, ATELIER Magazine- Moscow Russia and counting.
So maybe we end by discussing what matters most to you and why.
I find passion in fashioning the interior of women before I deal with the exterior.
As a self-published author (STRUT: Unapologetically Living Life In Your Own Shoes), I teach women to strut through whatever life throws at them.
I am a walking brand that has grown to empower women of all ages. Rather than authentically impacting crowds through my love for the creative arts, performing arts, or language/liberal arts. The NYLA Couture YouTube Channel has grown to 470+ subscribers from motivational engagement with my audience.
Imparting is the most important part!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nyla-couture.com
- Instagram: @nyla.couture
- Facebook: Nyla Handy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqM_0HGOYwy3tc2GP9cSYiw
- TikTok: @nylacouture
Image Credits
Photographer: Jasmine Handy
