Niahmu Foggie-Brown shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Niahmu , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What battle are you avoiding?
The battle I tend to avoid is the one with my own self-doubt. I create art that others genuinely admire, but I still find myself second-guessing it—wondering if the colors are blended right or if the concept really lands. It’s not that I don’t believe in my talent, it’s that I’m constantly chasing a version of perfection that may not exist. I avoid facing that inner voice head-on, the one that questions instead of celebrates. But when the piece is finished, when I see what I’ve made—I feel proud. The joy reminds me that maybe the battle isn’t to silence the doubt, but to keep creating in spite of it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey, I’m Niahmu aka “Niahmu The Raw Talent” — a self-taught custom artist who creates one-of-a-kind pieces that speak loud without saying a word. From hand-painted jackets and sneakers to full canvas designs, my art lives on whatever surface can carry a story. I don’t just make fashion — I make statements.
I’m also the creator of Careless Wonder, a streetwear brand inspired by everything that makes us different, wild, and beautifully weird. Both my personal work and the brand are about pushing past the limits of what people expect and showing up exactly how we are — bold, expressive, and unapologetically real.
What makes my art unique is the way it bridges style, attitude, and emotion. Every brush stroke is raw — like the name says. I’m not here to play it safe or blend in. I’m here to create what I wish existed.
Right now, I’m focused on growing Careless Wonder and connecting with more people who feel like outsiders finally finding their lane. But at the same time, I’m still open and excited to create more beautiful custom pieces — art that’s personal, powerful, and made to reflect whoever’s wearing it.
Whether it’s a custom jacket or a rebellious tee, everything I create is rooted in the freedom to just be yourself — loud and proud.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My parents. They’re both artists, and from the very beginning, they saw something in me — even when I doubted myself. I grew up completely surrounded by creativity: my mom’s artwork on the walls, my dad wearing shirts he hand-painted himself. That environment gave me a deep appreciation for art and the freedom to express myself through it.
Whenever I questioned my abilities as a kid, they were the first to remind me of what I was capable of. My mom especially was always over my shoulder — not just offering tips and tricks, but reminding me that the love of creating should always outweigh the pressure of perfection. That lesson stuck with me. I still struggle with it sometimes, but I always come back to what my first art teachers — my parents — taught me: keep going, create from the heart, and trust your gift.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes — more than once, honestly. When I first started my journey as a custom artist, I ran into a lot of hurdles. Trying to meet customer expectations, learning new paints and materials, hitting deadlines — it was a lot. There were moments when projects didn’t turn out how I hoped, or I struggled to bring someone’s vision to life, and I seriously questioned if I was in over my head.
The pressure and self-doubt hit hard. I found myself wondering if I should stop, if maybe this wasn’t for me. But I took a breath. I slowed down. And I leaned on the support of my wife and my family — they reminded me why I started, and that growth comes through trial, not perfection.
Today, I’m more confident in my craft and more grounded in my purpose. I still face challenges, but I know now that pushing through is part of the process — and it’s always worth it.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes — but it’s layered. What people see in my art, in Careless Wonder, and in my customs is 100% me — bold, expressive, creative, and unafraid to be different. That part is real and raw. But like anyone, I’ve got sides people don’t always see: the doubt, the pressure, the overthinking behind every stroke and design.
What I put out is true to who I am — it’s just the version of me that pushes through fear to show up anyway. So yeah, it’s the real me… just the me that chooses to keep creating even when it’s hard.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
My love for art and family was a fire that never dimmed—unshaken, untouchable. I poured everything I had into all I did, pushing forward without pause. Every brushstroke, every spray of the can, every pencil line was born from a deep, relentless will—not just to create, but to provide, to build, to speak a truth only my hands could translate.
I saw the world in colors others missed, in shapes and emotions that didn’t always fit the frame. My vision was abstract, raw, and real. It set me apart. And though my differences made me feel like an outcast, they were never a burden. They were my power. My pride.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/NiahmuTheRawTalent?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLU9XpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp4scNp2M8OxOCQQ2abP7L43OZyZhOqlFjKTEbsnpdSPddSzVSMw-rX92S-tg_aem_IL9uw5KY9ffKvI12Yib6mg
- Instagram: @Niahmu_the_raw_talent
- Other: Clothing brand:
https://carelesswonder.threadless.com
@carelesswonderbrand
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