Meet Nia Pennington

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

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 art evokes a sense of childlike dreaming and wonder, telling stories of my journey and the communities I belong to. What sets me apart is my ability to capture the magic of everyday moments and transform them into vivid, imaginative expressions. I am most proud of the way my art resonates with people, evoking emotions which and sparking memories or simply just making them smile.

I feel like any creative can agree the decision to make your creative passion a profession is not an easy feat to take on. As rewarding as it can be, it comes with so many peaks and valleys. But that’s just life in general right?
My journey to where I am today professionally was not easy and some might say my journey into what I do professionally was an unconventional way of getting there from designing athletics graphics and in-game experiences to designing clothes some of your favorite athletes and everyday people wear. But that’s what I love about being a creative and visionary, there isn’t just one linear way to get somewhere like some other professions and the beauty is in the journey ry most times. Despite its beauty, it was still filled with challenges and setbacks, self doubt and questioning, “is this the path I’m supposed to be taking?” However, overcoming these obstacles through faith, resilience, continuous learning, and the unwavering support from my tribe has made those not so easy parts appear to be a little bit smaller than what I initially thought. I’ve learned that my perseverance to show up for myself creatively, even on the days it’s hard to is less and less about me and more about who is on the other side of what I’m doing. Who is watching and showing up because I showed up? When you find your purpose, you’ll find the creative gifts you have are not about you at all.

I want the world to know that my brand and story are rooted in genuine connections and authenticity to show up as the best version of yourself no matter how difficult it may be. My brand isn’t just the art or product but also the person behind it all because if people can know the person a little bit more, the art or time is only product to the story and will make more sense as to the meaning behind it. My story isn’t just about me or for me, but for the little brown girl or boy on the other side of what I do waiting to hear it and feel inspired to know they can do it too and exist in these spaces they may not see themselves in.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This question is actually difficult for me! I haven’t lived in the city now for some years because of school and having to move again for my current job and I feel like every time I come back to visit home there’s something new to do or place to eat and everything has changed so much. I’d honestly love an itinerary myself for the next time I come visit!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to both the family I was born into and the family I’ve gained along the way. My parents ,siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles & everybody in between have always been my rock, with their unwavering support and encouragement. Equally important are the friends/family I’ve gained along the way and mentors who have guided and inspired me throughout my journey. Their collective love, wisdom, and belief in me even when it’s tough to believe in me sometimes have been instrumental in shaping who I am today as a person and as a creative to keep going and never give up on what’s been set in front of me to do.

Website: niamonet.com

Instagram: @_mindofmonet

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niapennington/ 

Image Credits
Rhyne Howard photo with art on it: @kizuna.ie