Meet Nia Nicole | Loan processor & Vlogger

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nia Nicole and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nia, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from Philadelphia, better known as Philly. I grew up on the west side of philly , and had a typical upbringing. My family was a middle class family, whereas we couldn’t get assistance, but definitely could’ve used it at times. My dad was an attentive father, and my mom was fashionable, and bought out the girly girl in my sister and I. My family also suffered the loss of my brother who was taken from us too soon due to violence in Philadelphia. Other than that tragic event my upbringing was very good based on the fact that my parents allowed me the freedom of being myself. I was able to hang out with friends, go to parties, and overall just be creative without overstepping boundaries. I really didn’t feel the need to sneak around. I feel like with my parents allowing and trusting me to be a teenager that has instilled values in me as an adult. So now as an adult I’m more aware of what I want in life, and I’m responsible with MOST decisions I make. Being from philly also instilled a certain level ofnstreets smarts in me, so I’m thankful for that as well. Overall, my upbringing was very impactful, and helped shaped the woman I am today.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career story isn’t crazy, and its also not unfamiliar to most. Most people that attend college for one career don’t always end up going down that path. I went to a vocational high school where I took up the trade of fashion design. Graduated from high school, and attended college studying fashion merchandising. Graduated college, and had multiple internships at the most popular boutiques in Philly. I than thought becoming a fashion buyer was my destiny and decided to get my masters in Fashion marketing. I say all that to say that I am now a Loan processor in the mortgage lending industry in which I’ve been in this career field for over 6 years. While in my mortgage lending role I have always kept my hand in the fashion world. From opening my own online boutique, sewing on the side, and also starting my own fashion blog which awarded me the privilege of attending fashion week. I realized that gaining a role in the fashion world was not easy, and I decided to take on a career that I saw more financially rewarding to me. I thought I was going to be this successful fashion buyer, and I was going to have a fab apartment in nyc overlooking the city. But honestly the doors weren’t that easy to kick down back when I was in school. You had to either have the experience, or know someone to get in. The pay was not good either. So professionally I was in the corporate world by day, and by night I’m vlogging showing the world my ongoing journey life is taking me on. I also still dabble in the fashion world by covering different red carpet events on my fashion blogs instagram, and I am getting back into sewing. I want the world to know that you don’t always have to stick with a certain career if you don’t think it’ll benefit you. Do what’s best for you, and if something is your passion you’ll always find yourself attached to that passion whether it makes you money or not.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Me being fairly new to the city, I’m still learning the hot spots myself. But normally when I have family or friends coming to visit I take them to these particular places. First stop is normally ponce city market for a margarita, and chips and queso at Minero. I also love taking my family to the battery where they have the cutest little shops, and fat Tuesdays for a quick frozen slushy. For a vibe and good food I normally always stop by Copper cove, and Lily’s. In Atlanta its so much to explore that I’m still have a lot to  learn pertaining to where the good spots could be!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The people who have truly shaped me and deserves all the credit are my parents. I can’t really give credit to a certain group or organization because I really didn’t experience one that left a great impression on my life. I recognize and commend my parents for keeping me off the streets, and using their hard earned money to make sure my sister and I were able to attend the neighborhood summer camp and after school program. Most kids go straight home after school or spend their summers on the block, which is totally fine. But thankfully my mom and dad put us in these camps and programs where we met great friends, and were able to take different field trips around the city, learning different things. My parents also put me in dance school for a short while which kept me busy. So I definitely give credit to them for showing me didn’t things throughout life, and allowing me to explore different hobbies even as I began to grow up. They never forced me to do one sport or have one talent. I was definitely able to explore my desires, and I’m thankful for that!

Instagram: nia___nicole

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Lets-Talk-Fashion-With-Nia-Nicole/100063777350504/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LifewithNiaNicole/videos

Image Credits
@gioelegantphotos