Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikko Smith.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always had a passion for the arts; fashion & music especially. When I was a child, my mom took me shoe shopping with her. I didn’t always enjoy it, but if you ask me why I’m in fashion now, I’d tell you because of my mom. I’ve always been so different. It wasn’t something I was trying to be, I just was. I never wanted to wear Jordan’s, Nike’s or anything “mainstream.” Not because I didn’t think they were cool, but because I didn’t want to look like everyone else. In school, we always had to wear uniforms, but I was that student that pushed the limit. That kid that did just enough to still be in “dress code,” but had his own look. I never grew out of that trait. My high school years were all about music and fashion. When it was time for college, I couldn’t decide if I wanted to go to school for fashion or music. Ultimately, I chose fashion, because my goals I have for myself in music doesn’t need school. I attended Wade College and received my Associates in Fashion Design and my Bachelors in Merchandise Marketing & Management. At that time, I was working as an assistant manager at Rue 21 but felt like I was overly qualified and skilled for the position. I began looking for better opportunities and I stumbled upon an opening at Neiman Marcus. I knew that the position would be the perfect next step. I was a bit apprehensive to apply because my only prior experience was Rue 21 and those are two very different customers. However, I had faith in my God-given gifts and went out on a limb. Now, I’m a stylist at Neiman Marcus and I’m so grateful! I get to dress up everyday and style my clients in amazing fashions.
Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not. In fact, it’s been everything but smooth. It’s not easy pursuing a career in fashion. Whether you want to be a designer, stylist, model, etc. It’s a field that a lot of people are interested in. My personal struggle has just been getting my foot in the door and making the right connections. I have the education, but more importantly, I have the creativity which in my opinion cannot be taught. You either have IT or you don’t. I’m constantly working towards my goals and I know that my opportunity will come in due time.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
In short, I’m a personal stylist. However, I’m also a virtual stylist, personal shopper and I do closet revamps. My personal style is the first thing that sets me apart. Once you tell someone you’re a stylist, the first thing they do is look at what you’re wearing. I always give them something to look at and something to remember. I wouldn’t want to be styled by someone who had no personal style. Secondly, my personality sets me apart. I like to have fun while working. A lot of people become overwhelmed when it comes to fashion. I know it’s not easy for everyone, so I make sure that I have fun with my clients. I make them comfortable by being personable. I enjoy fashion so much and I think my clients can feel that. It’s all about energy.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Dallas has so much to offer, but I don’t feel everything has truly been tapped into. When you think of Dallas, fashion isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. I run into people daily that have incredible style; however, most of them don’t live in or aren’t even from Dallas. I’m Dallas, Texas all the way! I was born and raised here. With that being said, every time someone inquires about my style they assume I’m from New York or LA. They’re always so shocked when I say I’m from Dallas. I never really understood why, but over time, I’ve realized that Dallas is always late to the fashion party. We catch the trends after a place like New York and LA have already been there and done that. Most of Dallas doesn’t have that trendsetter vibe, which is what I want to help instill in our city. That’s one of the reasons why I haven’t packed up and moved to NYC or LA. Why move to a city everyone goes to do the same thing? That’s works for some people, but I’d rather establish myself in my own city and then branch out.
Contact Info:
- Email: nicolis.smith@gmail.com
- Instagram: @say.nikko
Image Credit:
Fatma Adnan – IG: @glamfifi
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