Meet Aaliyah, an educator and businesswoman. She owns Nia Shades Collection, which is a black-owned sunglasses business. They offer a variety of stylish and fashionable sunglasses to women. Aaliyah also is also a makeup artist and enjoys the art aspect of it.
Aaliyah of Nia Shades Collection
How did you get started in your industry?
In 2017, Nia Shades Collection started in my college apartment in Valdosta, GA. I always knew that I wanted to be a businesswoman and knew that it had to be different than what an ordinary person would do, which in my case it was to sell sunglasses. Everyone on campus had different businesses, but no one had sunglasses.
Growing up, did you imagine being an entrepreneur?
Growing up, I’ve always wanted to be an educator. My homeschooled teachers molded me to be the best educator I am today. I believe that I get my “business” side from my parents. I’ve always seen them be independent and very successful in their regular careers and their businesses. I’ve always made myself available to be able to be an entrepreneur even though I received my degree in education. I believe that if I’m ever to stop being a wonderful educator, entrepreneurship is my backup plan!
In the beginning stages of developing your brand/business, what was your biggest struggle and how did you overcome it?
My biggest struggle, in the beginning, would be getting sales. At Valdosta State University, I was able to network, participate in pop-up shops, have my work featured in fashion shows, websites, etc. Being around other college students and young entrepreneurs helped me get the sales that I truly needed. Another struggle was to produce content. Social media moves by the second. I looked for brand ambassadors to help promote and produce the daily content I needed for my social media presence as Nia Shades Collection.
Do you feel like you are pursuing purpose? If so, how did you know this was your purpose?
I honestly feel like I am living in my purpose, whether it is as an educator or businesswoman. There are so many people that look up to me, and I am going to live up to those high standards that I have set for myself.
Please tell us about, Nia Shades Collection?
Nia Shades Collection offers a variety of women’s sunglasses to add to your daily fashion.
What is the best part of Nia Shade Collection? What keeps you motivated to keep going?
The best part of Nia Shades Collection would be getting to interact with people and seeing them fall in love with my sunglasses at first sight.
As an entrepreneur myself, I understand that sometimes personal life can get in the way of business. Have you encountered any personal hurdles that could have or did result in a business pivot?
Trying to balance personal, social, and work-life has been difficult at times. It is okay to take mental breaks from it all. Sometimes it can be stressful and overbearing, but it will get better!
During these times, we’ve all had to adjust. How was this adjustment been for you and your brand?
This adjustment has been great for my brand and me. When I take these mental breaks, it gives me more energy to push out more and great content. It is very necessary to have those breaks to recover and make adjustments as needed.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
The most important advice would be to stay consistent, stay motivated and have patience. The more you do those three, the more successful your business will be!
Lastly, what keeps you struttin?
My customers and sales keep me going! Even when I feel like I’m not doing much, those two always keep me motivated and going!
Connect with Aaliyah
Interested in learning more about Aaliyah? Follow her on social below and learn about her sunglasses business:
- Website: Nia Shades Collection
- Instagram: @NiaShades