Meet East Atlanta Artistic Director & Stylist: Nami

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nami.

Nami, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My interest in style, fashion and being a Creative all began when I was younger. I was the oldest, but I was also the one who acquired all the hand-me-downs, being that I was the smallest. My mother’s thrifting became my own interest due to the significance and Uniqueness of the pieces!

Throughout my life, I have always been the ‘go to’ family member and friend for style advice, simply from seeing all things from an ‘outside’ perspective. From a young age, it has been apparent to me that “Style is What You Make It”. It is an extension of yourself and how you feel. I dress how I feel. My Modeling became an interest at the age 11. I remember the day. I binge watched runway shows and walked around with books on my head until I got it right. I took my aunts heels and practiced in them daily as if my life depended on it.

Runway became my gift, and I own my essence and individuality on the stage. Styling has become my main focus, expressing different things through artistic expression, and feelings alongside, conceptualizing for Photoshoots! One of my most favored forms of expression is Paper fashion! I began creating paper fashion when applying for to be a model and designer for a breast cancer awareness fashion show. I decided not to walk in that show once I saw how intricate the designing process teaching myself from scratch. so I could put more focus on my designs for the show!

Currently, I shoot, and style for D&K Suit City of Atlanta. Using all my creative talents on one platform! This is only the beginning of many endeavors!

Has it been a smooth road?
I wouldn’t say so. Do to all the size stipulations criteria to maintain the model physic and fears my mother had in reference to the modeling world I wasn’t allowed to model until I as 18years old. I ran into many modeling scams and even modeling schools who took advantage, but it didn’t discourage me, only made me more aware of the ‘do’s and don’t’ of the industry. Due to my height, runway became something I trained others to do, versus just being on the runway as much. I began to teach and coach more than a model.

Have you ever felt like giving up?
I think it’s best to correlate difficult moments with moments of growth being that times always get hard right before you have a growing point. I have always been a far-fetched finger, and imagining things outside of the box with the company you keep doesn’t have that type of mind frame they can hinder you, but also grow you!

Many times, I found myself around people who enjoyed my capabilities and my outlook but also didn’t completely understand it, which would give me a lot of setbacks. I would stop believing in myself as much as I did prior to, and put my focus elsewhere, such as jobs that didn’t suit me, or priorities that weren’t along ‘my’ path.

Let’s change gears – is there any advice you’d like to give?
Primarily know thyself! No your unique stamp and what powers you personally possess. There are things that you can do that no one else ever will beable to do like you! Also, Do as much research as you can! There are many that come before you and you can always learn from their trial and errors. surround yourself with people who Get where you’re going and what you’re into. It makes a huge difference when you are around those who understand your talents and perspective on things.

Is there something you are particularly excited about or working towards?
Expansion into other creative areas that I’ve expressed all my life, but have not indulged in! combining all my gifts into one!

Pricing:

• Wardrobe Consultation & Closet Audit $185
• Personal Shopping & Personal Styling $60 per Hour, $225 per Day
• Initial Style Consultation $60 per Hour
• [Model/Career] Portfolio Package Deals starting at $150
• Customizable Package Specials Are Available

Contact Info:

• Phone: 470.241.8747
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @StylesByNami @_Vintagesoul_
• Facebook: I Am Ashley Pray
• Other: Model Mayhem: www.modelmayhem.com/MsPray

Image Credit:
Photographers:
AirHarp
DivinePhotos
StylesByNami
Neon Thoughts Photography

Models:
Portia Cue
Llauren Hendrix
Micheal Watson
Malik Jones
Marly StCloud
Nami
D&K Suit City of Atlanta