Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomi Smith.
Hi Naomi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Thank you so much for having me; it’s an honor:). Looking back at the age of 15 I knew fashion design was for me… I remember like it was yesterday… watching project runway and being totally captivated by apparel design, and construction. My response was to immediately purchase fabric and create! I was in love!… 19 years later that’s still the case and the rest is history
The journey to this point was no where near easy. Countless nights I witnessed the dawn breaking while brainstorming and working on my craft. Working long hours at my full time job to support a dream that burned so strong with passion! Lost friendships, relationships, and hundreds of hours of sleep as a result…. many nights balled my eyes out… being an entrepreneur has not been easy…. but God continues to remind me to keep pressing on regardless of what transpires…Sometimes reaching your goal requires a little sacrifice. I’ve encountered a dozen “no’s” before getting a “yes”; but the “yes” has always surpassed anything i could ever imagine!
One thing entrepreneurs struggle with is asking for help… maybe it’s due to the possibility of rejection, or simply seeming needy… but it’s always a daunting task….
…Despite of the reason I recognize the importance of teamwork and reaching out for help. Especially knowing this dream is so much bigger than me; it’s providing opportunities for others as well; and if I could make that happen along with my dreams….well life is good 😊✨
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not! Lol. To be honest, nothing in life is smooth. That’s just the nature of the balance of life. You need to endure hard times in order to appreciate the good times. But for me the bondage of “approval addiction” has been the biggest hinderance in my journey. Especially being in a field where your work is subject to scrutinizing; the need for your work to be validated can be overwhelming.
But one thing I’ve learned as an entrepreneur is how I feel towards myself WILL reflect in my work. So if I’m feeling depressed, unworthy, or inadequate you can best believe that will show up in the execution of my craft. Entrepreneurship requires a great deal of confidence, sacrifice and resilience. You’ve got to be prepared to be your own cheer leader at times…. Having negative people in close proximity can really hurt your success.
I was actually in a relationship with someone who didn’t see potential in my dream.. I actually reached a point where I was putting so much effort into “‘making” them see my worth as an entrepreneur (and partner ) that it actually was counterproductive in my productivity. Not only did my craftsmanship begin to suffer but my mental health as well. That’s when I knew it was time to choose me…even if that meant walking this journey alone. I had to show up fully for me.
Showing up for me has helped me improve financial decisions ( another tough road to navigate through entrepreneurship). This in turn will make me not only a better businesswoman but also my personal livelihood; which in my opinion goes hand in hand.
Relying on God fully for comfort, guidance, and the love I longed for has ultimately changed my entire mindset towards entrepreneurship overall. As I mentioned earlier; having a negative self view can greatly affect your craft. Well a pivotal moment in gaining that confidence and worth has been solely on my relationship with God. Knowing who I am and how much I am loved (like it finally sinking in ); became a game changer! Knowing that I was chosen by Him regardless of my shortcomings became so freeing; and through that freedom I’m able to flow in my individuality. Regardless of who’s for it or not; I know I’m never alone.
I wouldn’t trade those hard times or heartbreak for anything though. There’s a scripture that says “All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” So pretty much stating that even my worst moments can be made into a beautiful masterpiece if I allow God to be the painter.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Wow! I’m so humbled knowing that! Well to narrow it down into one category I’d have to say artist. Through this journey of embracing individuality I’ve come to realize so many other passions in me aside from fashion designing (although that will always be number one). I’ve gotten into self portrait photography, as well as videography. I think this passion stemmed in me after covid 19. It become really hard to book shoots consistently. Also I’ve gotten into modeling my own work. I believe that went hand in hand with this confidence journey I’ve embarked. In fact; I recently was featured in ESL federal Freyr union’s “belong to something bigger” campaign (definitely what I’m most proud of ).
What sets me apart from others is I don’t follow what’s tending. Even when I was at a place where I was seeking validation from people; I’ve never been huge on following trends from a creative standpoint. Also I decided well into my journey to acknowledge God in everything I do; because He gave me this gift so a lot of times I just ask Him what to create. I literally pray for inspiration! I tie in a lot of encouragement in my videos via tik Tok and Ig ( currently working on getting consistent with YouTube) because creative videography has become something I’m know for as well. My main objective; feel as beautiful on the inside as you do the outside.:)
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Tapping into my individuality. Fully. Without a doubt
Contact Info:
- Website: Xstravagancedesigns.com
- Instagram: xstravagance_designs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naomi.smith.108?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: @NaomiFashionita
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Xstravagancedesigns
- Other: www.tiktok.com/@naomismith055
Image Credits
Arturo Hoyte Rob Daniels Lokesh Paduchurri Adam Eaton Greg Hollar
