Life & Work with Nikki Harris

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Harris.

Hi Nikki, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I’m Darling Nikki, and I’m the creator and Birth Muva of ATL’s dopest 80’s & 90’s Pre-Loved Re-loved vintage experience. But I didn’t start that way. I was just a group home kid from VA with huge dreams. I’m an 80s baby, so pop culture, hip-hop, and black television played a major part in everything I’ve created. I’ve always been very talented in art and singing, so I just knew I could be somebody one day. Well, I learned quickly that the Music industry sucks (because I can Sang), so I slid to Atlanta and relied on painting. I was 18 when I first moved on my own from Virginia to Atlanta, and for many years, I was a commissioned artist, body painter, muralist, and even an art teacher for Atlanta Public Schools. 

As a freelancer, I relied on my networking and hustle to provide for myself. I never wanted a conventional 9-5. It was never for me. I was doing very well for myself and making a living; next thing I knew, man, the pandemic hit, and I had to make some hard decisions. The time in quarantine allowed me to regroup, and eventually, I landed a thrift store. Looking back, I always had a hustler’s spirit. I remember selling fly pieces in the high school bathroom that I had customized myself. I learn supply and demand early. 

My journey was not easy, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I went from VA to ATL and created a top-tier Black-owned business, Everythang Dope! Today, we’re the hottest and most visited retail space, Ponce City Market. Not to mention, we were voted Best Vintage Store in ATL of 2023 by Atlanta Magazine. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I couldn’t say it’s been easy, but I think people thought it was looking from the outside in. I guess I just made that shit look good because I’m an artist, and that’s what we do, make things look good. When I first started Everythang Dope, we were an online-only business, but we didn’t have a website. The biggest hurdle was finances. I mean the creativity was there, but I totally took a gamble when it comes to business. I knew I had to have a way to connect with my audience, so I chose to sell my pieces on Instagram. I was super creative with my brand early on, and people latched on. I sold pieces online with live sales. Thank God for my friends because a lot of them came to shoot the pieces I was selling. We did full-on editorial shoots in my tiny one-bedroom condo. My girlfriend was so supportive that she painted the wall “Everythang Dope Yellow.” Great memories. Later, I ended up on the streets of midtown selling clothes. I was kicked off the street so many times for setting up outside of places without a business license. The owner of the corner I picked used to harass me when I was just trying to make a living. The community loved me, and I wasn’t bothering nobody.  10th and Piedmont by the gay crosswalk, I made that corner a staple for a vintage popup. I was on the corner hustling vintage from sunup to sundown. Just like the movies, literally. I had a unique setup outside, too; I had my own store on the block. I was doing everything other resellers wouldn’t do, but it was authentic. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve always been a creative person. For as long as I can remember I’ve been gifted at painting, drawing, singing, and fashion. That’s how Atlanta knows me, Darling Nikki, the artist. I started Everythang Dope in 2020, and since I’ve been known as the dopest 80s and 90s Vintage Experience in Atlanta. We specialize in creative curation, bringing a vibe from a nostalgic time. When you come to Everythang Dope, you really feel like you’ve stepped into a Time Machine. 

I’m most proud of two things. First of all, not quitting and seeing this all the way through. (Even though I did in my head several times) I’m still standing strong 4 years later, and my business is booming like never before. 

Secondly, I’m very proud of my brick-and-mortar inside of Ponce city market. I put a lot into my shop and am grateful whenever anyone stops by to purchase or even say hello. 

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Well, I’m a Gemini, and if you know Geminis, we love people. We love to talk. There’s no such thing as a stranger. With almost everyone we meet. I think that being so personable is a strength to me and all of my success thus far. I wouldn’t be where I am if I couldn’t discern the right people around me. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.everythangdope.com
• Instagram: @everythangdope
• Facebook: everythangdope

Image Credits
@phyllis.iller
@everythangdope