We recently had the chance to connect with Nadjhla Gracia and have shared our conversation below.
Nadjhla, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Absolutely. In fact, some of the best decisions I’ve made for NADJEA came from not rushing. The fashion industry moves at lightning speed, new trends every season, mass production, fast consumption, but I realized early on that I didn’t want to be swept into that cycle. Instead of chasing trends, I chose to slow down, reflect, and build something lasting.
By taking a step back, I was able to shape NADJEA’s identity around slow fashion, crafting limited-edition swimwear in small batches, using sustainable fabrics, and packaging everything with biodegradable materials. That pause gave me space to think intentionally, curate trends on my own terms, and focus on lowering our carbon footprint rather than feeding into overproduction.
So yes, I’m glad I didn’t act fast, because slowing down allowed me to create with purpose, honor sustainability, and ensure every piece tells a story that feels timeless, not disposable.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Of course! My name is Nadjhla Gracia, and I’m the founder and designer of NADJEA Swimwear, a Miami-based luxury swimwear brand where fashion, culture, and sustainability come together. What makes NADJEA unique is our commitment to slow fashion, every collection is crafted to be as meaningful as it is beautiful.
I draw inspiration from Miami’s Art Deco heritage, its vibrant energy, and my own journey as a creative and academic. Right now, one of the highlights of my career has been having NADJEA featured in the HistoryMiami Museum’s Waves of Style: Swimwear Through the Decades exhibition, a landmark showcase that celebrates the evolution of swimwear and the cultural stories it tells.
Beyond designing, I’m also a Ph.D. candidate, focusing on how information systems and technology can be used to innovate and uplift the fashion industry. For me, fashion isn’t just about what we wear, it’s about creating with purpose, sparking conversations, and leaving behind a more sustainable and inspiring future.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the moments that truly shaped how I see the world as a designer was standing inside the HistoryMiami Museum during the Waves of Style: Swimwear Through the Decades exhibition and seeing my designs on display. It wasn’t just about showcasing a garment, it was the realization that fashion is history, culture, and storytelling, all seamlessly woven together.
Seeing those designs copied by fast fashion and sold for a fraction of the cost is both eye-opening and heartbreaking. In fashion, there is no copyright protection, so I realized I had to pivot. Instead of focusing only on creating designs, I began focusing on how to tell my story in a way that allowed my work to flourish and retain its integrity. That shift taught me that fashion isn’t just about the garment, it’s about building community, and ensuring that my vision couldn’t be reduced to a trend on a rack. It reshaped how I view not only fashion but also resilience, ownership, and the importance of protecting your artistry through storytelling.
That experience deepened my understanding of the responsibility we carry as designers. It reminded me that we don’t have to chase fleeting trends; instead, we can curate lasting moments that honor both people and the planet. It shifted my perspective entirely: fashion isn’t only about what we wear, it’s about how we live, what we value, and the legacy we choose to leave behind.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me patience, resilience, and empathy in a way that success never could. When everything is going well, it’s easy to celebrate and move forward, but it’s in the moments of struggle that you truly discover your strength and purpose. Facing challenges taught me that growth isn’t always glamorous, it’s often uncomfortable, but it’s where transformation begins. I refuse to be reduced by suffering, and honoring that wisdom has guided me through setbacks, reminding me that even in hardship there’s always a chance to rise, to create, and to keep moving forward with grace.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the fashion industry tells itself is that success comes from constantly chasing trends, mass-producing styles, and feeding into a cycle of overconsumption. But the truth is, that speed comes at the cost of people, the planet, and even the artistry itself.
Another lie is that luxury can’t coexist with sustainability. For too long, “eco-friendly” was treated as something separate from “high fashion.” At NADJEA, I’ve made it my mission to prove the opposite, that limited-edition, eco-conscious swimwear can be both luxurious and sustainable. We don’t just follow the industry’s lead; we curate moments with intention, honoring craftsmanship, culture, and the environment.
For me, fashion isn’t about the lie of endless newness, it’s about building a legacy of beauty that lasts.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think what people might most misunderstand about my legacy is that it’s only about swimwear. Yes, bikinis and design are the medium, but the true story is about purpose, sustainability, and culture. My work isn’t just to make something beautiful to wear on the beach, it’s to show that fashion can tell stories, honor heritage, and inspire change.
Another misunderstanding might be thinking my journey is about chasing trends or glamour. In reality, it’s about patience, discipline, and a love for creating pieces that carry meaning. As Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” That’s the heart of my legacy, not just the garments themselves, but the feeling they inspire, the confidence they give, and the reminder that beauty and responsibility can go hand in hand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nadjea.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NadjeaOnline
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadjhlagracia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NadjeaOnline
Image Credits
Martin Media. Facts Marketing Agency.
