Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadjhla Gracia.
Nadjhla, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up, I never imagined I would become a fashion designer. Even though I’ve always been infatuated with fashion, from the gowns worn by Disney princesses to garments from popular culture. I realized I was passionate about fashion while attending High School and taking Introduction to sewing classes with one of my favorite teachers. From imagining the garment to sketching the details, crafting the patterns and sourcing the fabric, I fell in love with it all. Designing and sewing prom and homecoming gowns for my friends and myself became a past time, eventually growing into my swimwear brand NADJEA.
As I went on to obtain my Bachelor’s in Fine Arts and Fashion Design from Miami International University. I want to learn every aspect of fashion, to illustrate my very own expression through fashion design. NADJEA was founded in 2010 in Miami as a luxury swimwear brand. The idea is to deliver exclusive designs, timeless pieces tailored for a memorable experience. Our swimsuits are elevated with daring cuts, body-hugging ribbons, and vibrant splashes of color. Delivering a chic and a la mode approach to swimwear inspired by the flair Miami has to offer, along with my Haitian cultural heritage. Which inspired the name NADJEA, meaning to dive and swim in French Creole culture.
Serendipitously also how I entered the fashion industry, just dove right in, now I’m swimming and enjoying the waters. And that is how I want the women who wear my designs to feel while enjoying life’s precious moments. I’m very passionate about fashion and want the women who wear NADJEA to feel that passion and love, in every detail.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Growing and expanding NADJEA, has been an amazing experience. I took every trial and tribulation and turned it into the inspiration I needed to keep striving for more. I dedicated my entire life to studying fashion; I don’t have a choice. Following years of working for high-end retailers while attending college, I dreamed of opening a high-end fashion boutique in the heart of Miami. After graduating with a BFA in Fashion Design from MIU, I started selling NADJEA online in 2010 while working towards my dream of opening a fashion boutique on South Beach. Then I continued my studies and earned a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Pheonix in 2015.
To obtain a clear trajectory, while prepping for my daughter’s arrival, graduating the master’s program, and the opening of the boutique all in the same year. I lived some of the most amazing, grueling and unforgettable moments of my life. Like submitting time sensitive final exams in the hospital room moments before the doctor administered my epidural is an experience I will never forget. No time to process or soak it all in just lost in the moment and too overwhelmed to think. All I could do for months was enjoy being a new mom, sketch, and continue to dream. Inspired by Zelda Wynn Valdes, one of the most influential fashion and costume designers in the fashion industry. I pursued my dreams, knowing she pursued hers despite facing immense opposition from customers who would frequently underestimate her skill.
Valdes’ talent was renowned, making fashion history in 1948. Zelda became the first black designer to open a shop on Broadway, Chez Zelda. Where she had a loyal clientele that included famous entertainers and leading pop culture figures. Being born and raised in Miami, I’m also inspired by the city, landing a location inside of the Richmond Hotel on Collins Avenue was a dream come true. One of the best locations for luxury swimwear and fashions shows. Then came more heartache, the stresses that come with aiming for an exclusive fashion house and lifestyle are tremendous, to say the least. Coordinating with show directors, models, hair and makeup artists, city and venue personnel, is enough to crush any designers dream. But the love I have for fashion is greater than any obstacle I’ve ever faced. I’m eager to see what the future holds, joyfully looking forward to unveiling the pages from my fashion diary.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are growing to become NADJEA Fashion House, specializing in swim & resort wear, influential fashion, and costume designs. Going to fashion design school is all about becoming an artist; entrepreneurship is a study all on its own. Obtaining a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix gave me the necessary tools to continue the journey as a fashion designer. An angel investment left by my grandmother along with a very determined bootstrapping approach to business allowed me to grow and continuously evolve the brand. NADJEA’s portfolio has grown over the years to include the Richmond Hotel South Beach, Fl. Through the NADJEA Fashion Boutique, in addition to the Art Deco Fashion Show series, held annually during Swim Week and Art Basel. Hosted by Digital Strategist Dr. Tracy Timberlake. Featuring Super Model Kiki Barth as the showstopper.
Proudly featured Master Painter Veronica Winters. Commissioned custom designs for award-winning director and photographer Ray Kay, Maldives Island shoot. The Seaside Fashion Market held seasonally in partnership with the South Seas Hotel South Beach, Fl. Bespoke lifestyle editorials with fashion photographer Natalia Aguilera. Digital Media Marketing campaigns with the Marseilles Hotel South Beach, Fl. Along with a diverse clientele, which includes Creole Pop Sensation Ruthshelle Guillaume, Fitness Guru Claudia CC Collazo, Contemporary Artist Laura Chirino, International Fashion Blogger Viktoria Myr, Miss Brazil-United States Brunna Meister, and many beautiful models on the journey thus far.
What’s your outlook for the industry over the next 5-10 years?
There are many stories involving plagiarism and copyright infringement by major brands and fast fashion retailers coming to light. I think we’ll have to wait and see which direction consumers decide to go in the coming years. It’s hard to turn around these days without knocking into another cultural controversy in fashion. There is certainly a big shift happening in the industry as patrons look for true artistry. Now in the digital age, independent designers and artists can have a direct line of communication with their clientele. Crafting their approach to branding and marketing to retain customers, so the possibilities are becoming endless. It’s amazing to see so many rising fashion houses catering to the many different aspects of fashion. Ready to wear brands like Norte Women, Designer handbags from Amschela, and haute couture collections from Azede Jean Pierre just to name a few of my favorites.
Contact Info:
- Address: NADJEA Fashion Boutique. Located inside of the Richmond Hotel. 1757 Collins Avenue. New Miami location coming soon for NADJEA Fashion House.
- Website: NADJEA.COM
- Email: NadjeaOnline@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadjeaonline
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nadjeabynadjhla
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nadjeaonline
Image Credit:
NADJEA Fashion House, Ray Kay, Natalia Aguilera
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