We caught up with the brilliant and insightful NYKI ALLEN a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
NYKI, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
My journey to building confidence and self-esteem has been shaped by various chapters in my life. It all started with my father, who played a pivotal role in instilling these qualities in me from a young age. Losing my mother early on meant my dad had to step into both parental roles, and he did so with unwavering pride and determination. His emphasis on independence, self-sufficiency, and personal presentation left a lasting impression on me.
Growing up, I assumed everyone received similar guidance, but as I matured, I realized the uniqueness of my upbringing. Many individuals lack the foundation of self-assurance, self-love and self-care that I was fortunate to have. Despite inevitable moments of uncertainty, particularly as a woman navigating various situations, I’ve always held a firm belief in myself.
I’ve dedicated considerable effort to crafting my identity, resisting the pressures of conformity and societal norms. Instead of succumbing to popular trends, I’ve remained true to my authentic self. I embrace my individuality wholeheartedly, understanding that I may stand out in a crowd for my distinctiveness in appearance, mannerisms, or energy. And I embrace that uniqueness with open arms, knowing it sets me apart in the most empowering way.
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?
My journey in design spans over three decades, a blessing that fills me with gratitude every day. From a young age, I’ve been involved with the world of fashion. Whether modeling, cutting, sewing, or collaborating with big brands and celebrities, my heart has always gravitated towards bringing out the best in people through clothing. However, it’s been the past decade where my passion truly found its home with Gyv Me Body.
The spark for Gyv Me Body ignited from a heartfelt observation of loved ones feeling misplaced in swimwear that failed to capture their vibrant essence. Despite their youthful energy and zest for life, the swimwear options available seemed intent on concealing rather than celebrating their curves. Driven by a desire to provide more inclusive choices, I set out to create a line that embraces every woman’s natural beauty, offering vibrant designs that not only accentuate but also support and celebrate every curve, from XS to 3X.
Designing each style personally, my over 15 years of experience as a fit expert allows me to intimately understand women’s fit concerns. While no two bodies are alike, the universal desire to look and feel good is undeniable, especially in a bathing suit. I’m hands-on with every aspect, from fabric selection to color palettes, ensuring each season reflects the diverse representation my brand stands for.
But Gyv Me Body is more than swimwear; it’s a catalyst for change. It challenges the entrenched systems of oppression and self-doubt, advocating for inclusivity, body positivity, and social change. Through events, campaigns, and my platform, I amplify the message of embracing diversity and self-love.
The true reward lies in witnessing transformation. To see a woman once hesitant to be seen in a bathing suit blossom into a confident queen, ready to embrace her next vacation without hiding, fills me with immense joy and fulfillment.
Looking ahead, Gyv Me Body is gearing up for an exciting milestone: the official launch of our Crown Jewel collection at this year’s Miami Swim Week on May 31st. We’re thrilled to showcase this collection, featuring models of different ethnicities and sizes, on one of the largest runway platforms in the US with Art Hearts Fashion. It’s a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and celebration of beauty in all its forms.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have profoundly shaped my path. Firstly, my adaptability stands out as a defining trait. I’ve embraced change and willingly pivoted in my career, exploring various facets of the fashion industry. This openness to reinvention has kept my perspective fresh and allowed for continual growth.
Secondly, my insatiable curiosity and eagerness to learn have been instrumental. Whether it’s mastering new technologies or honing different techniques, I thrive on expanding my skill set. This appetite for novelty keeps me engaged and ensures that I remain at the forefront of innovation.
Lastly, my empathetic nature and ability to see the world through different lenses have been invaluable. I recognize the richness of individual experiences and the importance of empathy in navigating life’s twists and turns. By embracing openness and kindness, I’ve cultivated deeper connections and fostered a sense of understanding and acceptance in both personal and professional relationships.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
We’re always eager to collaborate with inspiring women who share our values and passion for empowerment. We welcome partnerships with women of diverse backgrounds, ages, and sizes, who appreciate luxury travel and value quality craftsmanship. Whether you’re a confident trailblazer or on a journey of self-love, we’re excited to work together to amplify our message of inclusivity and celebration.
In addition to collaborating with individuals, we’re also seeking partnerships with companies that share our commitment to US-made products, sustainability, and ethical manufacturing practices. We believe in minimizing environmental impact and prioritizing the well-being of workers, and we’re dedicated to producing our swimwear locally in the US as a testament to these values. By joining forces with like-minded businesses, we aim to set a positive example in the fashion industry and promote a more sustainable approach to production.
Furthermore, we’re eager to introduce our designs to specialty boutiques that cater to women embracing their best lives. If your boutique shares our vision of celebrating individuality and offering exceptional quality, we’d love to explore opportunities to collaborate and bring Gyv Me Body swimwear to your discerning clientele.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gyvmebody.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gyvmebody/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/gyvmebody
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GyvMeBody
Image Credits
Gervel Sampson Masada Vuikadavu
