We recently connected with Nyleve Nyson and have shared our conversation below.
Nyleve , so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
To maintain my creativity, I regularly draw inspiration from classic designers of the past. I frequently study figures such as Thierry Mugler, Rei Kawakubo, Issey Miyake, and others to avoid being influenced solely by current trends in social media or fast fashion. While it’s tempting to imitate, true innovation lies in developing one’s unique concepts. It’s crucial to recognize what resonates with you while understanding that it serves as a reference rather than a strict blueprint.
Self-reassurance is also vital for nurturing my creativity. I consciously avoid comparing myself to the designers I admire and reference. Dwelling on numerous designs, canvasses, and silhouettes can be mentally overwhelming and can lead to detrimental comparisons that you can fall victim to. Throughout my creative journey, it’s essential to acknowledge that I am still evolving and acquiring advanced skills.
Creative blocks are common, and when I encounter one, I also seek out friends and mentors from diverse creative backgrounds, such as music, poetry, film, and more, to inspire and rejuvenate my creative spirit. Additionally, I allocate more time for self-reflection and exploration, often visiting art galleries, history museums, and similar venues that might ignite creativity. ,
Connecting with nature is a crucial aspect of my creative journey. I find inspiration by immersing myself in the beauty of natural surroundings, observing the intricate details of trees, including colors, textures, and shapes. For me, nature serves as a divine canvas, as I believe it’s God’s way of painting the world and keeping his gift to me alive.
After I fully immerse myself in things that invigorate my creativity, I confront my fears head-on. This entails pushing forward with ideas even when fear creeps in, as I understand that defying this fear often leads to growth. I am motivated by the desire to avoid future regrets and the feeling of missed opportunities, ensuring that I don’t become someone who looks back with thoughts of what could have been.
However, the creative process requires self-discipline, which I exemplify through self-care. Managing a business that demands both physical and mental exertion necessitates prioritizing my well-being to ensure I can consistently give my all in every situation that calls for my presence especially when it pertains to my valued clients.
Creativity thrives when you embrace your identity and recognize that while silhouettes and designs may be familiar, there’s always room for innovation and refinement in this art. For instance, in my first prom season I noticed some prom clients desired a custom look without committing to the full custom process or settling for store-bought options. I created the “Prom Transformation Experience,” which enables prom clients to purchase a store-bought dress and have it transformed into a beautiful prom gown. Many clients are reluctant to invest heavily in a dress for just one night, so this experience ensures they do not feel compromised. It offers the same rhinestone embellishments and features as a custom dress, providing an affordable option for a single evening event.
By allowing myself to be human and maintaining a fluid mindset, I enable my creativity to flow more freely. Trusting in my process means believing that I always have a solution, and as I nurture my soul and remain open to inspiration, the answers will naturally emerge.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am Evelyn Mo, a 22-year-old individual of Puerto Rican and African American descent, deeply engaged in the pursuit of my passions. Originating from the dynamic landscape of Chicago’s south side, I bring a wealth of diverse perspectives to my endeavors. While my initial focus was on broadcast technology during high school—script writing, editing, directing—my journey eventually led me to the world of fashion. Despite my college studies in film, the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic prompted me to reassess my path, leading me to withdraw from college and resign from my job to fully immerse myself into the fashion industry. To sustain myself financially, I took on various side jobs while refining my craft through garment customization. This dedication eventually led to a fashion design internship, where I acquired invaluable technical skills in garment production. In 2022, I founded Nyleve Nyson, realizing my entrepreneurial ambitions. Despite this transition, I remain mindful of the importance of my original passion for film. Integrating my cinematic expertise, I continue to contribute to a variety of projects, from weddings to documentaries, leveraging my ability to captivate audiences through visual storytelling. As I navigate the intersection of these two worlds, I remain committed to realizing my visions and aspirations, recognizing that true fulfillment lies in the fusion of creativity and dedication across diverse domains. As the founder and creator of Nyleve Nyson, established in 2022, I am honored to lead this distinguished fashion enterprise, specializing in bespoke services ranging from custom gowns for proms and birthdays to wardrobe styling and precise alterations/suit tailoring. The essence of my work lies in bringing my clients’ visions to life, witnessing the transformation of their desires into tangible reality. It’s deeply gratifying to instill newfound confidence in clients who rarely indulge in custom attire, reaffirming the value of perseverance amidst challenges encountered along this journey. On set, whether as a camera operator, director, or collaborator with hairstylists, makeup artists, and photographers, I find excitement in adding value and fostering relationships that extend into the fashion realm. For instance, envisioning future projects while filming weddings keeps me motivated and enthusiastic about what lies ahead. Professionally, my focus remains dedicated to refining my sewing skills, expanding entrepreneurial expertise, nurturing connections with fellow creatives, and strategically enhancing the visibility of my enterprise.
Over the past six months, I’ve made significant strides in expanding my business. Securing an office space has not only attracted more clientele but also increased exposure and instilled greater trust among clients, now that I operate outside of a home setting. Establishing a website has proven to be effective, providing a platform to showcase my work to a global audience and facilitating easier bookings and inquiries for potential clients. One exciting project currently featured on the site is our collection of premade prom gowns. This concept emerged from insights gathered from social media data during last year’s prom season, revealing a high demand for last-minute gown purchases and a lack of local designers in certain areas. These premade gowns, crafted from scratch, are readily available for shipment to any city or state, offering convenience and accessibility to clients nationwide. For more information, please visit Nylevenyson.com.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Regarding the impactful qualities in my journey, I’d emphasize the significance of faith and willingness. It’s crucial to maintain belief even when it seems no one else does, to persevere through challenges even in the absence of immediate solutions, and to hold on to hope despite unforeseen obstacles or setbacks. To further explain the attribute of willingness, it entails pushing your limits and defining the extent of your commitment to your business, dedicating yourself to hard work, making necessary sacrifices, prioritizing wellness, and staying grounded in your values as your career evolves. Being willing to invest effort is essential, but it’s equally crucial to maintain alignment with your principles, without compromising them for material gain. A valuable skill I possess is resourcefulness. I have the intuitive ability to discern individuals who offer genuine value from those who might not be as beneficial. My intuition knows precisely whom to approach for personal or business matters. When faced with challenging business decisions or artistic choices, I’m able to identify the right connections to seek guidance from. As someone who is resourceful, I can readily recall individuals who are suited to fulfill specific roles. This skill is honed through keen observation, paying attention to how people communicate, present themselves, and showcasing appreciation for their talents and abilities.
I consider prioritization a crucial piece of knowledge I’ve gained. It enables me to remain productive even when plans encounter unexpected changes. Prioritization helps alleviate the overwhelming feelings that to-do lists, deadlines, and personal obligations may bring. By taking the time to assess and rank tasks in order of importance, I can effectively strategize and handle them with clarity and purpose.
If I could offer any advice at all to those in the beginning of their journey, I would say to live in the present and to allow yourself to be human. While it’s important to plan for the future, it’s equally important not to become consumed by the miniscule expectations and details that come with it, especially when things deviate from the plan. Fixating on these details is not worth the toll it takes on your mental health. Remember, you have your entire life to pursue your dreams, so be kind to yourself and always acknowledge your achievements. Constantly dwelling on the future can make moments feel fleeting, so take the time to be present and enjoy, perhaps even find love in, your journey. In additon, do not hesitate to seek assistance when needed, as the potential rejection is merely a part of the process. Trust that opportunities aligned with your path will invariably find their way to you.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Mentorship has been instrumental throughout my journey, spanning from my formative years in high school to my current endeavors in the fashion industry. My film mentors during high school instilled in me a passion for studying old films , which unexpectedly fueled my fascination with the glitz and glamor of fashion. Presently, my film mentors continue to provide invaluable guidance, offering me firsthand experiences and insights into their respective industries, thereby fostering my growth and development. Under the mentorship of my current fashion mentor, I have gained invaluable hands-on experiences, including client consultations and designing intricacies. Furthermore, I have honed technical skills and gained exposure to various aspects of the fashion business, from team management to creative growth. Despite the impermanent nature of mentor-mentee relationships, my mentors have remained steadfast pillars of support, guiding me through challenges and successes alike. Their influence has been profound, shaping me into the creative professional I am today. I am immensely grateful for their ongoing commitment to my growth and development. Additionally, opportunities such as being an assistant tailor for Lauryn Hill and customizing denim for YouTube sensation DDG, has allowed me to make meaningful contributions to the fashion world, and enhance the quality of clothing for celebrity clientele. This underscores the transformative impact of mentorship and internships, despite their typically short duration, in shaping one’s professional trajectory and personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nylevenyson.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nylevenyson?igsh=MXhncnI4b2l5ajAwbw==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelyn-molina-2278a6273?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Designer/Tailor: Nyleve Nyson Photographer(s): Cort Cartier and Stephanie Nelle Photo Hairstylist: Raven Smith @raetedrcreativeco Makeup Artist: Elizabeth Diaz
