Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Niasia Veasley-Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Niasia , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
When I was in high-school I was in the engineering academy. From being little I was always intrigued about how things were made, how they worked, were built, and the ideas behind inventions + creations. In the academy we were introduced to all the fields of engineering and the week to learn programming robots came. At that moment I thought I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It wasn’t until later I realized that moment I had been completely wrong.
From being little I was always being creative. One of my first coloring books my mom got me, halfway through coloring I got bored and decided to see if I could draw the picture instead of coloring. I drew the picture almost perfectly and showed my aunt, with a surprised look she laughed and said “Oh shit, you can draw”.
When I got to college I was completely uninterested in my curriculum and more interested in everything art. Sneaker design, graphic design, muralists, abstract art, painting, all of it. Art felt different. Sure maybe I liked programming but I loved art and I knew that. It gave me peace and set my ideas on fire. Art made me feel whole. I wanted to help people through art as well as inspire others.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My brand is RemixToo Customs and at the start of business I wanted to solely customize sneakers and apparel. Now I’ve discovered I can tell stories through sneaker design just like converse, new balance, VANS, and other shoe brands have done for years. My second and latest collection called CHILDSPLAY embodies what I’ve been going through growing in my 20’s. Getting back to the heart of ourselves and our inner child. Going through life society and others around you sometimes wants you to conform to lifestyles even they don’t make you happy. Even in our adult lives happiness and doing things that bring us joy shouldn’t be put on the back burner. If anything it should be done more because as we get older it seems to be a lost art.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Learning time management, importance of discipline, and dealing with doubt / imposter syndrome but still pushing forward. I don’t think there is any cemented advice in my opinion going through life and experience is the best teacher. What I will say is (even as cliche as it sounds) you have to just keep going. Even when you don’t believe in yourself, pretend you do. Work on your self confidence in the mean time and pretend. You aren’t seeing the results you want to see, replan, research, and try again. Just keep going. It’s ok to start small and its ok to not be the “best” at first. To be learning and still actively put out your work should be encouraged more. You shouldn’t have to have all the answers to start and you don’t.
As long as you don’t give up on yourself and your passions everything else will fall into place.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My mom. She’s always supporting me ever since I was a kid. Instilling in us as long as we work on our dreams and goals theres nothing we can’t do. She taught me to strive and always walk in my greatness for whatever it is that I want to do in life. She’s my #1 fan when it comes to me putting out my art and learning new skills when it comes to art. I’m blessed to have that. Especially because it took me so long to believe in myself and put finally start putting my art out my mom is always there to encourage me to keep going and believe in myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.remixtoo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remixtoocustoms/?hl=en
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/niasia-veasley-johnson
