We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Crystal, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do in life, I first started out doing hair and selling flip cars. I have always loved fashion during those times but every time I went shopping I would find a shirt with no pants I like or vice versa. I never liked the thought of having on the same outfit as others, having your own style and clothing should always be a creative statement of you. After years of dealing with this challenge I decided to launch my own clothing line whereas I would have unique tops, pants, dresses and coats. My inspiration for my designs has always been Italian fashion designers, they pay a lot of attention to detail and 80% of their collections are handcrafted. They don’t make many of the same items, and they are very expensive. I took this same strategy and made my collection affordable. Handcrafting allows me to express myself threw art.
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.
There was absolutely nothing easy starting out because you are competing with bigger brands with bigger budgets so of course they would get recognized before you. When I first started there was no such thing as social media so I would have to post pictures on paper flyers and pin them to poles near the malls, pass them out at beauty supply stores and anywhere there was a large crowd. Once I started doing my fashion shows things became a little easier as far as getting exposure. I learned to pay it forward, I’ve done all the hard work that is past me so I created a platform for other upcoming designers where I share my runway to them to showcase their collections to get exposed to over 500 guests.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Eat-Milk & Honey I don’t drink but I heard of some cool places at Ponce City Market
I definitely would hang out at Ponce City Market (rooftop)
I would also hang out in little areas like Little 5 Points and Edgewood
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Nobody in particular but I would like to thank my followers who have supported me threw each collection and fashion show. I really appreciate that they would give me there honest feedback on things I have done. After taking there opinions into consideration it allowed me and my brand to grow.
Website: www.iamnyanyacouture.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyanyacouture/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nyanyacouture
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nyanyacouture
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NyaNyaCouture
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=feAxJMiiy3PkSVxnuv5N9g
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-qCl3P3D3v89_ZarmWJoWw
Other: https://www.nyanyaexperience.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nyanyaexperienceexpo/