Meet Nay Marie | Magazine Editor & Adornment Specialist

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

Hi Nay, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
From a child, I always knew I never wanted to work for someone else. Of course, as I got older and money demanded it, I worked several sales and management positions, but I needed all of them to teach me lessons that lead to how I run my businesses today. I was laid off from my last job in 2009 due to downsizing and have been a creative entrepreneur ever since.

I jumped in, unprepared (which I don’t recommend lol) eager, and determined. I knew I wanted to be my own boss, to control my own schedule, and generate income that was only controlled by my efforts. As my companies grew, so did my goals – aiding my community, contracting other Black business owners, empowering those who look like me to live their best lives.

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.
“NayMarie is a multi-faceted creative who is motivated by her passion for her community. As a published photographer and the founder and editor of the publication Taji Mag, Nay is elevating Black imagery, brands, and narratives. Taji Mag embodies the traditional and modern royalty of Pan-African people. While reclaiming Black narratives and imagery, Taji offers its readers quality advice to assist them economically, healthy options to maintain a happy lifestyle, think pieces to test the societal norms that are not meant for us, #BlackLoveConvo to increase the self and communal love in all aspects, beauty and fashion inspiration to sustain the legacy of our artistry and more.

Adorned In Taji is wearable confidence. Our Adornments, created by NayMarie, are handcrafted with crystals, copper, cowrie, wood, and love. Some of our pieces have multi-use and can be worn in a variety of styles. They are designed with a divine aesthetic that makes you feel as powerful on the outside as you are on the inside. No matter your age or gender, Adorned In Taji brings out your Royal.”

I am most proud of the doors Taji Mag has opened for other creatives to fulfill their dreams – interviewing Black leading actors, producers, and game-changers, being published for the first time, evolving the legacies of Black excellence. I am also proud of how enthusiastic my global community is about Adorned in Taji. They fully appreciate my mission and uplift my brand in ways that swell my heart when they show off how beautiful they FEEL in their adornments.

Working for yourself is never easy. It’s a never-ending career. Most of us wear all of the hats. Product/service provider, content-producer, accountant, marketing director, PR, brand ambassador, identity designer. At some point, we also need to find time to sleep, eat, be entertained, and recharge. Often times it feels impossible but when all of the efforts pay off… that high is unmatched.

I’ve learned that, most importantly, you have to believe in your success. Then you have to put in the work. The tiring, back-breaking, late-hours type of work. Work smarter not harder as much as possible, but ultimately it’s up to us to check off the task list that leads to our goals. Consistent efforts placed towards small goals eventually lead to achieving large goals. ‘Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready’ has saved me more times than I can count and has catapulted my career over and over again.

I have dedicated my life’s work to uplifting my community’s esteem, health, wealth, unity, and pride. So far so good.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a hang-out-at-the-park with some great vegan eats type of gal. Natural Blend, Punch Line, Veggie Castle, Sofia & Grace, and Greedi Vegan are my go-tos if it doesn’t come from my own kitchen.

Some of my favorite Black Owned spaces include Nicholas Brooklyn, Namaskar, Make Manifest, Basquiat’s Bottle, and Brooklyn Tea.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to thank my husband, @TheOneWillFocus, for inspiring and encouraging me through it all no matter how sweet or sour my mood, my mother for reminding me of where I came and where I was destined to go, and my village which includes my Howard University family (#HUUUU) for always supporting me and reminding me that there is value in what I offer.

Website: https://tajimag.com https://adornedintaji.com

Instagram: @tajimagazine @adornedintaji

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.