Nifemi Akande, known professionally as styledbyniffs, is a modern-day fashion entrepreneur, aiming to spread her message of uniqueness and authenticity through the styles she invents for her followers.

Below is an interview detailing the experiences and lessons in the fashion industry that the Akande was willing to divulge with us.

Take a look:

Q:

First question. What was the inspiration for starting this endeavor? Anyone or anything play a part in the concept of styledbyniffs?

A:

Okay so, this January I decided that since I was turning 18 this year I wanted to start something new, and finally turn my love for hair and fashion into something that others could see.

I originally wanted to start YouTube, but lack of equipment etc hindered that. I’ve always loved fashion and hair and I wanted to be able to have something to show for it.

My siblings really encouraged me and there are quite a few social media influencers that inspired me to start.

Q:

That's great. Pursuing a dream takes more courage than most people would like to admit and the fact that your siblings were able to give you that push attests to their faith in your ability to bring something new and fresh to the table.

How many looks, to date, have you constructed for your followers, and how many planned looks do you have in store for them?

A:

I’ve done about 21 looks, and I plan on doing a winter lookbook very soon. I also want to style other people because I believe that what I wear myself does not necessarily express my sense of style to the fullest. I’m super excited to start YouTube next year and can’t wait to be able to show people the process from how I shop, to where I get the best deals, and the thought process that goes into picking fits and also more in-depth hair tutorials.

Q:

That's great honestly. Having many promising endeavors in hand and ready to go is always a good thing, especially when growing and catering to your fanbase is one of the main concerns. What advice would you give to someone starting up this way in the fashion industry?

A:

Well, the advice I would give (and also take myself) is to be yourself and express your sense of style in the way you think is best. Consistency is key, and most of all believe and be confident in yourself.

Q:

Yeah, that's sound advice honestly. Staying true to what you want to do instead of conforming to the norms of the atmosphere where your road of business lies is extremely crucial, in all situations. Self-confidence and consistency are also very critical.

What do you think are the most important qualities someone in this type of work should have, work wise and morally?

Also, who do you consider your biggest influence and inspiration?

A:

I believe that anyone in fashion has to be emotionally stable and confident in their work because people will always critique your work.

Being hardworking and also being honest and not stealing other people’s work.

Originality is key!

Pinpointing one specific inspiration would be hard but @manny_thegoat really inspires me to be myself and I really admire his fashion sense.

Q:

Staying true to yourself has gotten harder to do in this day and age, especially for content creators such as yourself. It's good that you've grounded yourself in that type of mindset and are able to utilize that in your craft.

This guy's fashion sense is amazing too. That's great.

Final question.

What skill do you think sets you apart from others in your line of work? Is there anything that your brand is trying to do differently from the rest?

A:

Okay so, I think a skill I have that differentiates me from others, is my personal flair and drive to be myself and not just follow all the fashion trends, but be confident in what I like no matter what society deems “cool” or in style.

I want my brand to promote the beauty in being yourself.

Q:

That's what most people never end up doing, striking out on their own and becoming their own person within the industry. You usually see the same stuff under a different name, which is fine, but it doesn't set you apart.

What you plan to introduce into that type of atmosphere will push the envelope, and that's what's needed.

Thanks for letting me interview you, sis haha. Anything you want us to promote in the now besides the brand as a whole? Any tutorials or vlogs?

A:

Thank you so much for interviewing me! It was my first. Well, I am currently working on a winter lookbook so that’s all for now. 

 

Akande then stated for us to stay tuned for future projects, so you can expect regular updates. Y’all