Meet Nadjhla Gracia

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nadjhla Gracia. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nadjhla , 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.

Creativity is not something I wait on, it is something I live. From my earliest sketches to nights drafting patterns and feeling fabrics between my fingers, I’ve always let my love for fashion lead the way. What keeps my creativity alive is staying connected to the process. It’s in the textures of fabric, the boldness of color, the architecture of Miami, and the stories of powerful women who came before me.

Even in the tough seasons, balancing motherhood, graduate school, and launching my boutique, I found that when everything else felt overwhelming, designing became my escape and my anchor. I let life fuel my imagination. Every challenge turned into a sketch. Every moment of stillness sparked a new idea.

I’m deeply inspired by Zelda Wynn Valdes, and I carry the strength of her legacy in my work. She said, “I just had a God-given talent for making people beautiful.” That quote reminds me why I do what I do, not just to create, but to empower. So to young women and aspiring creatives, stay close to your craft. Make space to dream. Trust your hands. The spark doesn’t go out if you keep feeding it with love, curiosity, and the courage to keep going, even when the world tries to dim your light.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m the founder and designer behind NADJEA Swimwear, a Miami-based luxury swimwear brand that brings together bold femininity, cultural heritage, and timeless craftsmanship. Every piece I create tells a story of movement, freedom, strength, and sensuality. I design with the intention that the women who wear NADJEA feel confident, empowered, and fully immersed in life’s most beautiful moments, whether they are on a beach in South Beach, at a pool party in the Caribbean, or simply expressing themselves through style.

What makes NADJEA truly special is our unique blend of artistry and intention. I’m deeply involved in every step of the process, from the first sketch to the final stitch. Our designs feature daring cuts, body-hugging ribbons, vibrant splashes of color, and thoughtful details that elevate swimwear into something memorable. It’s modern, chic, and inspired by both Miami’s Art Deco flair and my Haitian heritage, which is reflected in the name NADJEA, derived from the Creole word Naje, meaning “to swim.”

Right now, I’m focused on expanding the NADJEA experience, not only through new swimwear collections but also by exploring resort-wear and lifestyle products that carry the same energy and spirit. At the core, my mission remains the same: to create fashion that empowers, inspires, and connects. To remind women that they are bold, beautiful, and made to shine, whether in the water or walking their own path.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, vision, and craftsmanship. Each one played a crucial role in shaping not only my business but also who I am as a designer and entrepreneur. There were moments when I could have given up, whether it was juggling graduate school while pregnant, meeting tight deadlines, or navigating the ups and downs of the fashion industry. But I learned early on that resilience isn’t about never feeling doubt or exhaustion, it’s about pushing through anyway. Say yes to challenges even when they feel intimidating. Learn from every setback, and give yourself grace through the process. Growth happens in the hard moments.

From sketching prom gowns in high school to founding NADJEA, I always had a vision of what I wanted to create. It wasn’t always clear how I’d get there, but holding on to that mental image kept me going. Don’t be afraid to dream boldly. Write your vision down. Visualize it. Speak it into existence, even when no one else sees it yet. Your vision is your anchor when everything around you feels uncertain.

As a designer, loving the process, from fabric selection to pattern making, has been everything. It’s not just about the final product, but the care and technique behind it. That’s what makes your work timeless. Take the time to learn the fundamentals, refine your technique, and stay curious. The more you pour into your skills, the more confident and creative you’ll become. I believe that passion paired with persistence can take you anywhere. Keep creating, keep evolving, and never forget why you started. The journey is as meaningful as the destination.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

One book that played a pivotal role in my development is The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. It opened my eyes to the power of small, intentional actions and how they can lead to monumental shifts, not just in business, but in culture, behavior, and personal growth. As someone building a fashion brand from the ground up, this concept resonated deeply with me.

One of the most valuable takeaways was the idea that success isn’t always about massive resources or perfect timing, it’s often about identifying that critical moment when everything starts to shift. Whether it’s the right person wearing your design at the right time, or one show that captures the right audience, those moments can act as tipping points, launching you forward in unexpected ways.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Martin Media, EP Photography, Cinema Hill.

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