Meet Aniya Henry of NIYNE by NIY in Frisco

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aniya Henry.

Aniya, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
How NIYNE by NIY came to be, it essentially started off as a class assignment in my sophomore year of college. It was a project to make a blog for my communication class, which took me months to make it into something I was truly proud of. Through the process, I realized how much I actually like blogging and made it into a little career. It was called “aniyaofficial.com” because I couldn’t think of any names that are catchy enough yet different from everyone else. Months passed, as I enter the social scene of Hollywood, going to more events and started to be more of an Instagram influencer as well. I notice how much motivation I get being in the fashion industry. During the summer, I was actually planning to drop my clothing line in July but decided to do it on my 21st birthday on September 9th. That’s when I knew I needed a new name, a name that was personal for me, something simple but with a chapter worth of stories behind it. The name NIYNE by NIY came about, because I was born on the 9th month of the year, on the 9th day, in the ’90s, and I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer at the age of nine. Seeing the number 9 shows up to let me know I’m on the right path. So, I knew I wanted to include the number 9 in my name somehow. I was very hesitant for some reason to use my name but I always like my nickname that my close friends and family would call me, “Niy”. Weeks later I decided that that was the name; it was simple enough that it would tell a story at the same time and it’s true to my story.

It started off as a merch collection then I started to customize vintage pieces, not only making them into a 1-of-1 but more of an exclusive piece. I love 1-of-1 and the idea that you are wearing something that not everyone can get their hands on makes the outfits more special. Within that, I decided pretty fast that I wanted to do wardrobe styling as well, so I incorporated that into my company and it quickly took off. I have been planning on styling since December of last year. All of my friends knew that I liked everything about fashion, and when they saw that I was styling. They were on board and over the moon excited for me. My peers quickly became my clients, models, etc. The week I introduced my styling career to Instagram, I had my first photo-shoot that Saturday. I was nervous but excited at the same time. Arriving at the photo-shoot, it felt like I was doing it for years. Even though I was just starting off, I believe in my ability as a creator and stylist, that I didn’t let it the new adventure overwhelm me. NIYNE by Niy grew immediately and that’s when I knew, I was on the right path.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The only trouble I faced with aniyaofficial was on what to write while staying on theme. I wanted to really only talk about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle- but it was difficult to find my writing style overall. So, that’s when I decided I would more so include interviewing my friends whose style I like, who were trend, etc. especially being young at the age it was more of a hobby and dippin’ my feet in the water cause I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it or what exactly I was doing it. However, at the age of 21-with NIYNE by Niy becoming more of a business than just a blog- you face obstacles with sometimes advertising, to see what customers like and want to see more of.

Though when NIYNE by Niy happened, it was a whole other challenge I was dealing with. Balancing styling clients, photo shoots, along with delivering orders, getting new items on the website and also blogging. Even when you get the hang of your business, you don’t really know what challenges you’re going to face until it happens. I started my business at 19, with no help and I take pride in that. Through that, I soon realized that “Never be too prideful to ask for help when needed”, because you can not do everything by yourself. It takes a team to make the dream.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about NIYNE by NIY – what should we know?
NIYNE by Niy is known for its 1-of-1 vintage pieces and also merch apparel. I specialize in styling, especial for photo-shoot, soon editorials and styling for events, occasion anything that you need. What sets me apart from other people is that you don’t see many clothing shops provide a styling service. Not only do I provide a styling service, or you can shop, I’m also a co-host of a show called “The Quote Unquote Audio Show” hosted by Deven Dickens. This way people can get to know me on a more personal level and really interact, with games and quizzes, request songs and special guest is on the show. (Streams on all platforms.)
Selling NIYNE by Niy merch, selling 1-of-1, blog, styling service.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I would have to say someone who plays a big role is my mother, Adilah, who told me in high school that I should start a blog. I wasn’t to secure with my writing skills, but I knew I liked writing, taking pictures and fashion. Shout out to her! She has her own blog called HerEyes Her Views – if you need an interior designer, I highly recommend.

Some clients, Deven, Jada, for being one of my first styling clients.

Shimen, who is a frequent client and an ambassador of NIYNE by NIY at this point.

Malik Henry, my brother who is an artist behind NIYNE by Niy if you see any sketches. Also, if you hear any music on my site while you are browsing some songs are his (DJ).

Pricing:

• Virtual Styling is $75 for an hour
• Emergency Shopping is $90
• Influencer Photoshoot is $60 per hour
• Visual Brand Creation is $125
• Clothes are all under $90
• Editorial/Red Carpet/Traveling all vary

Contact Info:

• Website: niynebyniy.com
• Phone: 213-295-2800
• Email: niynebyniy@gmail.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/aniyalive
• Other: instagram.com/niynebyniy

Image Credit:
Shannon Stinnett- @lotus5iveagency, Kishon Tremaine- @kishontremaine, Alejandro Torres-@alejandrotakesphotos

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