Today we’d like to introduce you to Nami Henson.
Nami, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always been the arts and crafts, DIY type as a kid. I still am, but I never thought I would pursue fashion as a career. It was random. In 2013, I one day was like “hm, people make clothes and if I wanted to. I could make clothes too. This is art.” From then on, I looked at clothes and the skill it takes with new admiration. I started watching YouTube sewing tutorials, examining clothes in my closet and retail stores; I basically started my research on what it takes to sew. As I got deeper into my research, I asked my mom for a sewing machine. She told me to ask my grandmother. My grandmother and I made a deal that if I was able to hand sew a garment, I would get one. Deal. We went to Walmart. I got a Simplicity pattern, hand needles, and fabric and got to work. After she saw I was serious, I got my first sewing machine; a few months later, an embroidery machine, I still have both to this day!
In 2015, I moved from Jackson, Mississippi to Houston, Texas. It was then, my Junior and Senior year of high school, that I saw the opportunity to take Fashion Design as a class, an opportunity I didn’t have in Mississippi, so I enrolled. It wasn’t as helpful as I wanted it to be, but it still added onto/confirmed the research I had done. Fashion Design was still the career I wanted to pursue. I’m currently a junior fashion design major at the University of North Texas. It wasn’t until college that I was able to actually apply and connect what I learned alone and expand. Now I am taking the resources and knowledge UNT has given me to create my own brand. The name of my brand is self-titled NAMI | IMAN. Between me and you in December, I changed my name. My middle name is Iman (pronounced Emun) and to make my mom feel better and included about the decision to change my name, I decided to keep my middle and also flip it to create my first name! NAMI | IMAN is focused on producing quality garments focusing on womenswear, pays attention to detail, with unique designs and silhouettes. I am inspired by streetwear and evening wear. As a designer, I want to incorporate everything that inspires me into my work. I like to adventure and I want that to be perceived from my brand.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I just recently, last year, decided to take the step to (try to) focus on my own brand, especially with school projects taking all my time. It has not been a smooth road just because I am my biggest critique and I tend to overthink or doubt myself on things. It happens. Fashion Design is also EXPENSIVE. It’s hard to be a creative and not have all the necessary tools or funds you need to produce every idea you feel is worth bringing to life. I’m hopeful though. I’m optimistic I will overcome which is why I have invested in my own dress form, serger machine, and everything else necessary for my own small sewing studio.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Since I’m in school for Fashion Design, I’m focused on creating quality garments using industry techniques I’ve learned. I’m not interested in fast fashion. Fashion is tedious and if I’m going to create, it’s going to last and be based on what inspires me, not necessarily what everyone else is doing. As a brand and designer, I want to be known as adventurous and having range. I am inspired by streetwear and evening wear, but I don’t really want to restrict myself to a category because you can find beauty and inspiration in anything and that’s why I want to be known for having range but most importantly great quality. As I begin to really create my brand, I hope my brand will be distinguishable and I find my true aesthetic.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is improving myself and craft with each garment. I’ll especially feel successful when I’m able to be recognized for my brand and have a store of my own whether an internet-based or physical but both are great. I also hope to be the reason and inspiration of why someone else decides to follow their dreams.
Contact Info:
- Email: nami_henson@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @nami.henson
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