Hidden Gems: Meet Niya Simone of TOTE Junkie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Niya Simone.

Hi Niya, 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?
What started as only a dream to me, who is a young African American female and a full-time college student, has now become one of the biggest aspects of my life. The idea of TOTE JUNKIE came to me around the end of January 2021. I realized that I wanted to create a brand that was true to myself, represented me and that other people around my age could relate to. After coming up with the name TOTE JUNKIE, I also came up with some sayings I would like to have on the totes that I would offer. “YOU BASIC, JUST LIKE THIS TOTE” was actually the first one I came up with, “GET FLY, ITS THERAPEUTIC.” and “THE FLYEST OF MY CLASSMATES” were the other two. March 10th, 2021, I dropped all three of these unique totes and my life has changed forever.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Overall, it was not been a smooth road. Where I come from, people don’t make it this far, let alone graduate from high school. With me being a first-generation college student, I must say it is a lot of pressure and weight on my shoulders. Being a full-time student and a full-time entrepreneur is the biggest challenge of them all. When I first started my business, it wasn’t as popular as I would have liked it to be but now, since business has picked up tremendously, it’s hard balancing both sometimes. There are days where I make no profit and there are days where I almost sell out.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about TOTE Junkie?
TOTE JUNKIE was established on March 10th, 2021. I sell 100% one-of-a-kind, unique, unisex totes for fashion and styling purposes. When I first started, I only offered three totes; now, I have over ten totes to choose from, including a customize your own! What sets TOTE Junkie apart from others would be you can’t find these anywhere else! These are one of a kind and 100% original. I am most proud of how I was able to create a brand that has a reflection of me. That is the most exciting part, knowing that this brand represents me. 

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Forever I love Atlanta! I love my city; I wouldn’t change a thing about it. I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, specifically the westside. Growing up here has taught me a lot, gave me examples of what not to do in life and who not to be like. I knew that I wanted to be something great in life so I did what I had to do to remain focus.

Pricing:

• “Get Fly, It’s Therapeutic.” – $30.00 Get Fly
• “In My Bag Like This Tote” – $30.00
• “You Basic, Just Like This Tote.” – $30.00
• “I’m So Atlanta” – $30.00
• Customize Your Own – $40.00

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.thetotejunkie.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/totejunkie?utm_medium=copy_link